[bourinot] builders OF NOVA SCOTIA 167 



to a large extent that is impoissible— tJiat as far as the fact does extend, the 

 continuance canjiot be relied oai — and above all that one- of the chief objects 

 of union is to ooncentra;te Colonial interests and to augment Colonial streng-tJh, 

 and thereby avert the otherwise inevitable consequences oi gradual absorption 

 into that republic ; which I believe must result from keeping our interests 

 detadhed, while each Colony is gradually drawing itself closer to the United 

 States. 



It is impoiSisiblie to entier into details— *he occasion permits only the con- 

 sldera,tion of general principles, and on general principles I cannot but asisume 

 that the balance of good as regards each portion of the Union would predomi- 

 nate over partial inconvenience. 



Rising to a hig'her point of view — and turning fro^m the influence of union 

 on the internal improvements of the Colonies, to the effects of the Union in, 

 external aspects — ^the relation of 'the Colonies to Great Britain and to the 

 United States present themselves as the principal subjects of consideration. 



In these relations the weakness of the Colonies— separate ; their sitrength, 

 united, present a contrast that strikes the mind instantly and with irresis- 

 tible force. This contrast gathers power as it is carried forward, and let 

 it not be forgotten that undeviating smoothness in the progress of events as 

 little characterises the existence of communities as of individuals. 



Times will come and occasion wlill arise when these Colonies in whole or 

 in part will tind emergencies demanding all their strength and forcing to 

 united efforts, when, perhaps, the opportunity and means of effective Union may 

 be wanting. 



"We may find some illustrations at the present time, in the cases of the 

 navigation of the St. Lawrence, sought 'by the United States— reciprocal trade 

 between the Colonies and the United States — and the fisheries on our coasts. 



United, the Colonies Tvould have a common interest sustained by consoli- 

 dated strength and promoited by undecided counsel. Divided, each pursued 

 its O'wn views, on its own strength, and according to its own judgment, pos- 

 sibly at conflict with the others, and it may be with results at the moment 

 considered for the benefit of one, but which had an united interest compielled 

 to more enlarged views, wiould have been rejected by all. 



Let us consideir for a few moments the case of the fisheries wlhioh peculi- 

 arly affects us in Nova Scotia. 



Within the limits of three marine miles the coasts of Nova Scotia abound 

 with fisheries oif incalculable value. The law of nations and sanctions of 

 treaties give to the Queen's subjects as clear a right to their exclusive enjoy- 

 ment as tlhey have to merely any territorial possession ; and this right is 

 essentially Colonial, because its enjoyment is inseparably incident to Colonial 

 residence. Yet it may be that at this very moment this birthright and property 

 of Colonists is being the subject of treaty and traflic at Washington — nay, 

 they may already have been surrendered for some partial compensation, add- 

 ing insult to wrong. I will not say that Nova Scotia has not been consulted; 

 but has her voice been invited or been Iheard as the voice of a free people 

 ought in such a matter ? 



Who has most influence in this affair — the manufacturers of Manchester — 

 sustained by a Parliamentary host or Her Majesty's loyal subjects of Nova 

 Scotia, unaided by one vote — whose geographical position, if not existence, 

 is, it may be, unknown to one half t!he assembled commoners of the parent 

 state ? 



If it shall be said that exclusive possession requires protection against 

 encroachment beyond what; we can afford, I mig'ht in the present relations pf 

 the Colonies question the conclusion. But admit its correctness. It is the 

 consciousness of this weakness that prompts me. From this injurious im- 

 becility I would see my country delivered by a Union tihat would give the 

 North American Colonies in matters affecting themselves a prospect of having 



