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really so ? Is it true that Canada which boasts that shortly she will
form a Dominion to compare with the United States on this side
the Atlantic and with Russia on the other, and really having all
the elements of equalling either in prospectNve wealth, is it true
that she recoils before the self imposed task of developing her newly
gained lands ? Is it true that Canada, whose people have claimed
this bright territory in the West for years, and have at last obtained
it, that this Dominion in whose keeping alone the period of perfect
independance rests (a day nevertheless which will bring sincere
regret to every loyal Englishman whenever it may occur,) is it
true that her resources are so crippled, that the government of the
country cannot afford to lend its credit for such an imperial
purpose, but collapses before the finding of a few millions of dollars ?
Universal opinion denounces such a conclusion, the great future of
the Dominion, the spirit of the people, the enlarged aim and views
ofthe government and yourself are a gnaranteo that this great
question will be handled in a manner worthy of its importance,
important in a degree which can hardly be exaggerated; and
whether the great line of railway communication is established
upon the system I propose or a better, or a worse, let immediate
and mature consideration decide, and action quick and energetic,
follow that decision whatever it may be, or the commerce of
the country in question must go to those who will show superior
enterprise and intelligence.
Admitting six millions to be the sum required to make this line,
and supposing the government were to grant an issue of Bonds
exclusively for its construction, is there no way of redeem
ing the amount in the future, and paying the interest ,or a
great part of it during the earlier years ? I think ther e is, and that
from the millions of acres of land in that region, an immense reve-
nue may be obtained. Let the government so soon as they have
possession, refuse to acknowledge any title to land that is not held
from it, (excepting always that already occupied.) Ever so