14
This would also be modified, when another source of income which
I have not yet noticed, developed itself; for, by a railway, people
as well as things, would be carried, and the former source of income
would be an important element in the reduction of the transport of
goods. Bring the Red River settlement within 40 hours of
Lake Superior, and this element will soon shew itself; there will
no longer be the feeling of isolation and banishment which, in the
eyes of all emigrants and particularly the better class, is the great
stumbling block. From Montreal it will be no great journey either
for the colonist or man of business, and many will go there merely
to judge for themselves before deciding upon settlement. It will
soon be known that there is no land superior to be found, and no
climate on the continent more salubrious, promoting hearty and
robust health, and not the yellow skin and dried appearance
which those settling in many of the richest Western States of the
Union acquire in so short a time.
A railway for emigrants. busiiness men, and travellers generally,
is absolutely necessary unless it is intended'that all these should go
and come by the States, and not only these, but the produce and
supply also. The Americans have their line already two-thirds of the
way through Wisconsin and Minnesota and all the distant States are
developed by this means of communication, and the Red River Set-
tlement will practically add another to the number, unless the com-
merce of Canada can have equal facilities and advantages. If there
is nothing to oppose to their railway up to lFort Garry but a line of
lake, canal and common road communication, the experience of
other countries ought to be accepted as it has shewn the result
to be expected. Russia is covering her great surface with railways,
in fact no two nations can run a fair race if one is to ride on a loco-
motive and the other in a canal boat.
What then is the great impediment suggested as likely to inter-
fere with placing the country in this position ? The difficulty of
rais8ing the money necessary for carrying out the-work I And is this