I beg that it may not be considered from this that I would propose
to Canada to set up for itself at once and declare itself
independent. In the first place I do not wish to throw over
Canada; and in the next place I do not wish to throw over England.
If such a separation shall ever take place, I trust that it may be
caused, not by Canadian violence, but by British generosity. Such
a separation, however, never can be good till Canada herself shall
wish it. That she does not wish it yet, is certain. If Canada
ever should wish it, and should ever press for the accomplishment
of such a wish, she must do so in connection with Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick. If at any future time there be formed such a
separate political power, it must include the whole of British
North America.

In the mean time, I return to my assertion, that in entering Canada
from the States one clearly comes from a richer to a poorer
country. When I have said so, I have heard no Canadian absolutely
deny it; though in refraining from denying it, they have usually
expressed a general conviction, that in settling himself for life
it is better for a man to set up his staff in Canada than in the
States. "I do not know that we are richer," a Canadian says, "but
on the whole we are doing better and are happier." Now, I regard
the golden rules against the love of gold, the "aurum irrepertum et
sic melius situm," and the rest of it, as very excellent when
applied to individuals. Such teaching has not much effect,
perhaps, in inducing men to abstain from wealth; but such effect as
it may have will be good. Men and women do, I suppose, learn to be
happier when they learn to disregard riches. But such a doctrine
is absolutely false as regards a nation. National wealth produces
education and progress, and through them produces plenty of food,