From The Spectator, 20 Oct. IMPORTANT TERRITORIAL QUESTIONS IN BELFAST, 15th October, 1855. SIR, A time of alliance with France and war with Russia is peculiarly appropriate to the settlement of certain important territorial questions concerning North America. The vast regions that lie North of the United States are politically distributed into five British colonies (including the insular ones), the Hudson's Bay Company's territory, which stands in the same relation to the British Crown as India before the trade was opened, and the Russian American Company's territory, which stands in the same relation to the Russian Crown, with the important difference that its affairs are much more directly under the control of the Imperial Government. dency in the North Pacific, and therefore would not suit the views of the French any more than our own. And for us, I need not enlarge on the undesirableness of our having the Americans on the North as well as on the South of our North American possessions. If we make such a conquest, however, it is but fair that France should receive an equivalent: and this may be provided by letting France occupy and colonize Saghalien, a large island lying opposite the mouth of the Amoor, which has not yet, I believe, been occupied by the Russians, although it is no doubt included in their projects of empire. The French are doing all they can to extend their colonies in the Pacific; and the project of converting Saghalien into a colony was lately started in France, in a newspaper article which had the look of a Government "feeler." There is another set of territorial questions concerning North America which a period of alliance with France is an appropriate time to settle. An agreement is said to exist between these two Companies, with the sanction of their respective Governments, which protects their respective territories from hostilities during the present war. The existence of this agree- Few persons seem aware that the Gulf of ment, of course, is not proved, but it seems St. Lawrence is still partly French. The very probable; for if our treaty with France, French possess guaranteed rights of fishery which debars us from making any permanent on the British American coast, and a rocky conquests, is to be literally maintained, no islet or two for the purposes of their fisheries, end could be served by occupying or destroy-besides rights concurrently with us over the ing a few trading posts in the North Pacific. South and West coasts of Newfoundland. The attack on Petropaulovski was not directed against the Kamtschatkan territory, but against the Russian fleet. But this treaty is not a guarantee of the Russian territory, as has been absurdly supposed; it is an arrangement between the Allies only, and may be modified by mutual consent. I need not spend many words in proving the awkwardness of a concurrent territorial right, and the desirableness of making the Gulf of St. Lawrence purely British. I have now to propose a way of attaining this end. We had a concurrent territorial right with the Americans in the Oregon territory; which, however, was only a temporary arA glance at the map will suffice to show rangement, and was ended by partitioning what a desirable addition Russian America the territory. This precedent is evidently would be to our American empire. The not applicable to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Southern part of Russian America, where But we have another treaty with the AmeriSitka, the capital, is situated, is a mere strip cans that affords a good precedent for this of sea-coast, cutting off our possessions in case. I refer to that "signal act of national that part from the sea, and rendering them good sense," Lord Elgin's Canadian recipuseless. It is indeed impossible that so awk-rocity treaty; by which the United States ward a territorial arrangement could have and the British Colonies granted each other been consented to by any British diplomatist mutual freedom of trade in their unmanuwho had the map of North America before factured produce, of navigation in their his eyes. Besides the importance of their waters, and of fishery on their coasts. A position, the coast and islands of Russian America contain large supplies of valuable and accessible timber, and are probably rich in minerals, having the same geological character, so far as known, as the British territories to the South. Of course we cannot conquer and annex this territory without the consent of France. But there are reasons why France should consent; for otherwise the Russian Government may sell it to the Americans: an event which would go far to give the Americans an ascen somewhat similar treaty might be negotiated with France, by which the French should cede the sovereignty of all coasts and islands of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the British Crown, receiving in exchange the same unrestricted rights of fishing and navigation in the American waters enjoyed by ourselves and our Colonies, and now shared by the United States. Both parties, it is evident, would gain by such a treaty we should be freed from the possibility of future very disagreeable complications; and the French would enlarge their rights of fishery in the Hudson's Bay territory to Canada, on payAmerican waters, to which they attach great ment of its value to the Company, its owners, importance, while they would abandon noth-out_of_the_Canadian treasury; and let us ing of any real value; for the Americans, erect British America into an independent under the existing treaty, may dry their fish kingdom, under Queen Victoria. on our coast as on their own, and the same right should be extended to the French. I would go farther than this, and propose to France to recognize British America as an independent state, under the Sovereign of Great Britain, but no longer forming part of the British empire, and neutral in any possible future war between Britain and France; and this state should be bound forever to allow perfect freedom of navigation, fishery, and naturalization, to British and French subjects, and to admit British and French products at duties never exceeding those now imposed on British products. A part of the Pacific sea-coast would thus become Canadian; and the intelligent and enterprising people of Canada would be able to commence the work about which the Americans are talking, of a railway to the Pacific. Mr. Whitney, an American, has shown how to raise the fund for such an undertaking, by selling the public lands along the railway, as fast as the railway is made: the railway will give value to the land, and the price of the land will make the railway. There is not the slightest doubt that this can be done, where the land is good all the way; but between Louisiana and California lies a desert to which no railway could give value. British America, on the contrary, is fertile from the Atlantic to the Pacific; and the Rocky Mountains afford passes that need not daunt the engineers who have brought railways over the Alleghanies. (See Sir George Simpson's Overland Journey Round the By such an arrangement we should be freed from possible future embarrassments arising from the anomalies of the colonial relation. The French would have their rights in North America extended and secured; and the interests of both would be served by the formation of a state in America which would be a "limitation" and partial "counter-World.) poise" to the aggressive democracy of the United States. 2 British America is the most valuable group of colonies in existence; and it does not Such a state would probably join the need much statesmanship to raise it into a Western Alliance on the same terms as Sar-respectable political power. dinia at least if the annexation of Russian I am, Sir, respectfully yours, America were held out as a reward. This is said, indeed, to be already talked of by the Canadians. Worthless as are the French territorial rights in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it is evident they could be ceded much more easily for the great political object of building up an Anglo-French independent state in North America than merely in exchange for enlarged rights of fishery. And, as we do not intend to be always at war with Russia, the cession of Russian America might at the conclusion of peace be placed on the same footing: Russian subjects obtaining the same privileges as British and French in British America, and the Russian American Company being indemnified for the surrender of its privileges at the expense of the Government of British America. Any reasonable ground of offence to the United States might be removed by admitting them to the same rights; most of which, indeed, they enjoy already, under Lord Elgin's reciprocity treaty already referred to. J. J. M. GERMANY AND THE CONCORDAT. WE see it stated in letters from Vienna that the new Concordat, building up agaiņ in the Austrian Empire the fabric of Papal predominance which Joseph the Second struck down, was designed to have the effect of strengthening and securing Austrian ascendancy in Germany. If so, a greater mistake could not possibly have been committed. The young Emperor could have taken no surer course to draw down ultimately increased contempt and dislike in Germany, in as far as intellect or intelligence has yet any influence there, than thus to hand over education exclusively to the priesthood, and degrade the ecclesiastical administration of his empire into mere vassalage to the Popedom. They understand the drift of the measure somewhat more clearly who discern in it but the part of a meditated league with the The consolidation of British America, Papal Government for the intellectual and however, is mainly in our own power, with- material oppression of Italy. It has long out reference to either France or Russia. All been felt in Vienna that the hold upon that our American Colonies are now self-govern- country was almost utterly gone; and for ing, and are already thinking of a union the fact that the insurrection of 1848 was among themselves. Let us facilitate and so general and successful both in Lombardy sanction such a union: let us annex the and Tuscany, the favorite explanation has having rejected the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The new Concordat of Austria will have the same effect among the Catholics of Germany and North Italy. It will only give increased importance to the party of liberal believers opposed to ultramontanism and Rome. been that Austria had justly excited the from the fact of the Archbishop of Paris enmity and wrath of the Vatican, and was but reaping the natural fruits of the independence of its Lombard clergy. To destroy Guelphism forever, therefore, by making the interests of the Holy See identical with those of Austria, placing the clergy at the mercy of their bishops, and filling up what the secular clergy may want in fanaticism by The religious side of the question is, howmonkery resuscitated. this would go nearer ever, not that which most directly interests to express the scope of the new Concordat. us. We are more concerned to watch it as One may also see manifest throughout it, the rival effort which Austria is making to and the unctuous description of it with outbid France in the good graces of the which the Pope favors the Secret Consistory, Pope. A struggle for influence and dominaa desire on the part of the Holy Father to tion in Italy is thus invited and begun. exhibit France outdone in the favor and pro- Hitherto the French Government has contection shown to the Popedom. Napoleon ducted itself so prudently and warily, that the Third has been vainly invited to im- neither Pope nor Emperor could find cause prove the example of his uncle. When the of complaint; it seemed to be gradually first Napoleon framed his Concordat, he extricating itself from the military occupasacrificed all right and independence in the tion of Rome, by diminishing its force, and lesser clergy. They were left at the mercy transferring the military guard of the city of the bishops, and the bishops at the mercy to Swiss recruits. But if the French retire of the Pope. But he never would have from Rome the Austrians must withdraw done this, if he had not made certain that from the Romagna, and then explosion is inevitable. he had the Pope in his power, that he might bring him to Paris, and convert him into Yet with such a catastrophe impending, little more than a convenient French func- the farce of propitiating the Vatican is kept tionary. Could he have foreseen a Pope up! Really the great Catholic governments, independent of France he never would have instead of vying with each other in passing granted such powers to Rome. But after laws affecting to constitute the Pope predomall, what has been the effect of this subjec- inant over their clergy and their institutions, tion of the French clergy to their bishop, should rather lose no time to devise some which Austria now seeks to imitate? Its means of enabling the Popedom to prolong effect in France has been to create two par- its waning existence as a governmental systies in the Church, one ultramontane, and tem. Who can doubt that politically it is one opposed to it; and the strength and im- in the last stage of dissolution? portance of such opposition may be judged [iner, 1 Dec. Exam ITALIAN-ENGLISH.-The following wholesale | dlesticks; with Nola jugs, Etruscan saucers, and assassination of the English language was perpetrated in the form of a circular, and distributed among the British residents at Naples in 1832: much more intellectual minds articles; all entitling him to learned man's inspection to examine him, and supply it with illustrious protection, of which he hope full and valorous satisfaction. “N. B. — He make all the old thing brand new for gentlemans who has collections, and wishes to change him. He have also one manner quite original for make join two sides of different monies; producing one medallion, all indeed unique, and advantage him to sell by exportation for strange cabinets and museums of the exterior potentates.". Notes and Queries. LITTELL'S LIVING AGE.-No. 609.-26 JANUARY, 1856, From the London Quarterly Review, a new periodical, patronized by the Methodists in Great Britain. The Colonization Herald. Conducted by the Pennsylvania Colonization Society, Philadelphia. January to April, 1855. An increasing interest is taken in the colonization and evangelization of Africa, especially its Western Coast, by the Ameri can churches and people; and we are led to believe that the information conveyed by THE President of an independent Republic, such publications as that above mentioned opening the session of 1854, addressed the will not be without interest, in this country, gentlemen of the Senate and House of Repre- to the survivors and the descendants of a sentatives in a speech, the first words of generation whose Anti-Slavery exertions conwhich were as follows: "Every revolving stitute the noblest epos of the age. We year brings with it cause of congratulation believe that the fulfilment and glorious and thankfulness to God, that the great work triumph of Anti-Slavery effort will be worked in which we are engaged, of rearing up on out by means of communities, of which these barbarous shores a Christian State, is Liberia is the most important, though not onward in its march, by gradually developing the only specimen. The regeneration of its practicability and excellence." Farther Africa must proceed from her own sons; on his speech the President makes use of to them alone will it be possible, in the these words, words such as have not often exercise of a legitimate commerce, to introfallen from the mouth of a chief magistrate duce those influences which civilize a peoupon an occasion of state: "But, above all, ple; they alone can stand beneath her burnGod has been pleased to bless the people ing sky to proclaim the Gospel of truth. with a gracious visitation of His Churches, The white missionary is soon struck down inspiring them with a spirit of pure and un- by sickness; but the colored emigrants sent defiled religion, thereby wonderfully extend-out by the various Colonization Societies of ing the inestimable benefit of Christianity America speedily become acclimated. The among the idolatrous tribes of this land, mysterious sympathies which bind together and dispelling the gloom of moral night which has so long overshadowed them." The Republic of Liberia, from whose President's speech we have transcribed these lines, has already taken an honorable position among the nations of the earth. To quote once more: individuals of the same race will serve as the channels of an ameliorative influence; and we may assume that the numerous educated and Christian free blacks who are now flocking to the country of their fathers, will draw from their abominable practices, and elevate in the scale of humanity, tribe after tribe of the population of Africa, until the cruelties and idolatries of its abject millions shall be replaced by the blessings of civilization and religion. "We continue to receive from her Britannic Majesty's Government assurances of friendly concern for our welfare. From the French Government we are also receiving tangible proofs of the interest his Imperial There is, indeed, no organization which Majesty feels in the future prosperity of this commends itself with stronger force to the infant State. As a present to this Govern ment, the French Minister of War has for- sympathies and support of the Christian pubwarded recently one thousand stand of arms, lic than the various American Colonization to be followed shortly-as advised by our Societies. These Societies present a platform agent in Paris-by an equal number of on which the followers of Christ, of every equipments for our Militia. I am happy denomination, can stand and co-operate, also to inform the Legislature that, during without the least disturbing influence to mar the year just passed, the independence of their harmony, or interrupt their combined Liberia has been formally recognized by his Belgian Majesty, accompanied with expresaction. The cause is one of unequalled sions of friendship, and warmest wishes for grandeur; it contemplates nothing less than Our success and happiness. the evangelization of the whole of Africa.. DCLX. LIVING AGE. VOL. XII. 13 For the accomplishment of this sublime object | excited Abolitionists; but it has not been it presents, as it seems to us, the only fea- discouraged, and the progress of Liberia has sible plan. The Colony of Liberia thus far not been retarded from its commencement has prospered beyond all that its friends anticipated. It is now a flourishing Republic, governed by wholesome and wisely-framed laws. Its President is a man of acknowledged ability, and its Legislature will compare favorably with that of any of the old established State Legislatures of America. Many of the friends of these Societies look only to results connected with the ultimate abolition of American Slavery. This is itself an object of incalculable importance. It is, indeed, a matter of rejoicing, that present results are not unlikely sensibly to hasten that happy consummation, since they open channels through which owners of slaves can liberate them, and give them homes where they will have not only equal civil rights, but equal social advantages. But it is the missionary aspect of the movement which forms the strong ground of our confidence in it. up to the present day. If it is to the English we must attribute the origin of Slavery in North America, it is but just to say, that to them belongs the honor of the first commencement in Africa. After a Decree of 1787, pronouncing that there could be no longer any slaves upon the English soil, they conveyed to the coast of Africa 400 blacks which in 1828 numbered 1,500 Africans, and 60 Europeans. It was to this Colony, that Jefferson proposed to admit emigrants from the United States. He had entertained this intention since 1801. Already, in 1816, this project had occupied the attention of the Legislature of Virginia: the American ColMr. Finley. When objections were addressed onization Society was organized in 1817, by to him, he replied, I know the design of God.' A lady gave 60 slaves to the Society -a planter liberated 80-another 60. The Colony had difficult times, but overcame them courageously. A petty African King, who sold to it some lands, fearing, with some In its probable future we see melting cle to the Slave-Trade, wished to destroy it : reason, that its presence would be an obstaaway the vast mountains of difficulty which happily it had for its Chief a resolute man, impede the progress of truth and happiness named Jehudi Ashmun. He explained to amongst the victim-nations of a mighty con- the colonists in simple and strong language, tinent. England sends to America that full of confidence in God and in their good truth which always and everywhere makes right, the necessity of an energetic resist free.. Its influence is felt by the poor slave, ance. They abandoned 154 houses which who is raised to feel the longing desire for they could not defend, they surrounded the all the rights of humanity. It is felt also by attacks valiantly sustained, the enemy was remainder with a palisade, and, after several men mixed up with the most appalling evils repulsed. Since then the repose of the Colby which Christians were ever surrounded; ony has not been any more troubled. In and they lend a hand to help the African, 1847, she proclaimed independence, which thus prepared for a great work, to reach the has been acknowledged by France and Engshores from which he or his ancestors were land. The Government is modelled after that of the United States. The actual Presviolently torn. Thus is presented an antidote ident, Mr. Roberts, came to London and to. much past, and a preventive of much Paris. He is a most intelligent mulatto. future, evil; thus is paid the first instalment The Republic of Liberia occupies a space of of that mighty debt which the Anglo-Saxon 500 miles along the coast of Guinea. Little race owes to the unhappy children of Ham. numerous still, she extends her protection We do not think it necessary to give a and her influence over more than 200,000 detailed account of the early history of Li-natives whom she civilizes. She has a flag, beria; but feel pleasure in transferring the custom-houses; has commenced and devoted herself to agriculture; -all her fields are following remarks from an able article in the well cultivated. In general, the blacks Revue des Deux Mondes: labor, and are happy and contented with A single effort in favor of the Negro has their condition. One of them said, ' Here I succeeded; that is, the establishment of Li-am a white man.' beria, on the coast of Africa. This Colony, composed of Slaves redeemed or emancipated, is now a little independent State which prospers, and to which à Society really philanthropie conveys annually a certain number of Negroes. This enterprise has had two adversaries, the slave-merchants and the There are in Liberia schools and newspapers, and we see that the Negro race emancipated is not everywhere the same that it has exhibited itself in Hayti. The establishment of Liberia offers several advantages: it is upon this part of the coast a great obstacle to the Slave-Trade; it tends to introduce civilization among the barbarous |
