SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CANADIAN MIGRATION 821
years ago ; 9 and there has been more or less feeling on the sub- ject in several of the provinces at different times. Yet, in spite of this, the annexation idea does not seem to thrive and become a live issue.
In many cases there is actual animosity toward the Americans, who are regarded as legitimate objects for plunder during the tourist season. Their money is accepted, and their ingenious inventions are received, but their political patronage never. From a close and intimate knowledge of various parts of the Dominion, I do not believe this to be the slightest exaggeration. I have been much interested at different times in drawing out school children and grown people on this question, and in almost every case the bare suggestion of political union with the United States called forth a volley of disapproval. Sometimes the feeling was backed by deep conviction, but usually by tradition and unreasoning prejudice. But be this as it may; the feeling of hostility to annexation does exist to a very marked degree among the Cana- dian people. Yet, in the face of this, they are going by thousands to the States; they are doing individually what they regard as most revolting if done collectively. The consistency of their posi- tion may be challenged; but I suppose people rarely act con- sistently when their personal interests are at stake. When questioned in regard to this attitude, the response is usually to the effect that Canada is a country of magnificent resources and cap- able of great development, and eventually will be able to take her place among the nations of the world, either as an important part of a great empire, or remote possibility as an independent country; but in the meantime the best interests of individual Canadians are frequently served by accepting the opportunities offered by a nation near at hand. People sometimes say to a pros- perous man : " We will associate with you and accept your hospitality, and we will do business with you ; but we do not wish you to marry into our family." The position is about the same.
What is the foundation of this feeling of opposition to annexa- tion? It lies solely in sentiment a sentiment strenuously encouraged by the few, possibly for self-aggrandizement. It
Nova Scotia, 1886.
