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checked by the superior power of the governing race. The result
was a rebellion, which was, of course, put down; and then the
remedy which was applied was to unite the province of Lower
Canada, now the province of Quebec, with the English province
of Ontario. The result of that union for a few years was as
satisfactory as could be desired; but presently the English province
grew so rapidly in population and in wealth that the time arrived
when the French province began to be again alarmed in regard to
their language, their institutions, and their laws. We arrived at
a dead-lock. We got into a position not very much different
from the position in which Great Britain and Ireland are to-day.
We could not work our system, and we then found our remedy,
not by giving self-government only to Quebec, but by extending
the principle of federation to the other provinces of North
America, by bringing in new blood and new ideas; and the
consequence has been that peace, tranquillity, and progress have
signalised the whole state of Canada since the Confederation
became law. Now I quite believe, following that very instance,
that it is impossible to grant Ireland self-government alone;
there would be such an antagonism between the Parliaments on
either side of the Channel that probably a worse state of things
would arise than exists to-day. I venture to think that the
remedy may be sought for in extending or adopting the principle
of federation to the whole empire, or at least to that portion of
it which now enjoys self-government. I think that that is the
only direction in which we can look for the means of satisfying
what are perhaps exaggerated ideas and exaggerated claims, but
still not the less necessary to be satisfied. I think it is in that
direction alone that we can find an escape. Now there is nothing
novel in what I am saying. I am only repeating what has been
mentioned over and over again by public men in this country
It has been discussed in the press, and, notably, Earl Grey a few',
years ago propounded absolutely an elaborate plan whereby conJ
federation was to be brought about, and whereby these various
colonies should have the opportunity of expressing themselves in
regard to the government of the whole empire. But the circum-