Firstly, we have the Irish Repeal body. I need not describe them; you
may look at home; they are here just what they are in Ireland.
Secondly, we have the French population; their attitude as regards
England and America is that of an armed neutrality. They do not
exactly like the Americans, but they are the _conquered, oppressed
subjects_ of England! To be sure they govern themselves, pay no
taxes, and some other trifles of this description; nevertheless, they
are the victims of British _égoisme._ Was not the union of the
provinces carried without their consent, and with a view of subjecting
them to the British? Papineau, their press, and other authorities, are
constantly dinning this into their ears, so no wonder they believe it.

Again, our mercantile and commercial classes are thoroughly disgusted
and lukewarm in their allegiance. You know enough of colonies to
appreciate the tendency which they always exhibit to charge their
misfortunes upon the mother-country, no matter from what source they
flow. And indeed it is easy to show that, as matters now stand, the
faithful subject of Her Majesty in Canada is placed on a worse
footing, as regards trade with the mother-country, than the rebel
'over the 'lines.'

The same man who, when you canvass him at an English borough election,
says, 'Why, sir, I voted Red all my life, and I never got anything by
it: this time I intend to vote Blue,'--addresses you in Canada with 'I
have been all along one of the steadiest supporters of the British
Government, but really, if claims such as mine are not more thought
of, I shall begin to consider whether other institutions are not
preferable to ours.' What to do under these circumstances of anxiety
and discouragement is the question.