ANNEXATION. , 267 
commerce between Asia 4nd Europe. The opening by us 
first of a North Pacific railroad seals the destiny of the British 
possessions west of the 91st meridian. They will become 
so Americanised in interests and feeling that they will be in 
effect severed from the new Dominion, and the question of 
eir annexation will be but a question of time.” 
