[jack] ACADIAN MAGAZINES 201 



of European subscribers although small, also shows a wide sphere of in- 

 fluence. 



In the Salutatory article in which Acadiensis was introduced 

 to the reading public, one or two points were touched upon which, it 

 was hoped, would have aroused some disscussion among the writers for 

 the press throughout our three provinces. Among others might be 

 mentioned the Union of the Maritime Provinces of Canada into one 

 province governed by m'en of broad minds and large ideas. 



This is doubtless an old subject to many readers, but it is one 

 that is eventually destined to again return to prominence. There are 

 many ways in which such a union would be of inestimable benefit to 

 the ipeople of our provinces. 



Viewing the matter from a broad standpoint, it is difficult to see 

 in what manner any of the Maritime Provinces could fail to profit by 

 much an amalgamation. 



We are, as at present constituted a divided people, having similar 

 aspirations, hopes and ideals, whether political, literary or otherwise. 

 We are all working, each in our own small way, for pretty much the 

 same objects, the advancement of education, the promotion of trade and 

 commerce, the upraising of the pursuit of agriculture as a means of 

 livelihood, and lastly for the upholding of the supremacy of the Em- 

 pire on the oceans of the world. 



The Maritime Provinces have produced, and are now represented 

 in the parliament of Canada by some of the most able men in this fair 

 Dominion, yet these provinces do not command that position in the 

 eyes of the people of their country as a whole, > to which by reason of 

 their history, their geographical position, the character, ability and 

 integrity of their sons and daughters, they are justly entitled. Neither 

 do our literary men receive such recognition as is tliedr due by reason 

 of their work and their accomplishments. 



Last year there was published at St. John, an historical work of 

 national importance, namely the Winslow papers, edited by the Eev. 

 W. 0. Eaymond, and yet two publications issued in the Upper Provinces 

 which profess to give an epitome of the historical publications of Can- 

 ada during the year, contained no mention of it. 



Ontario claims to be the literary centre of Canada, yet the city of 

 Halifax is, in point of settlement, older by many years than is the city 

 of Toronto. The city of St. John was incorporated half a century be- 

 fore the cities of Toronto and Montreal. King's College, Windsor, has 

 been producing able men of letters for over a century, and we have 

 many other institutions of learning of which we have no reason to be 

 ashamed. 



