WESTERN COAST OF AMERICA. 29? 



Does the extent of the undertaking excite 

 surprise or alarm ? Let the plan be examined^ 

 and the geographical position of the connect- 

 ing links be subjected to rigid scrutiny. Why- 

 should not England be the pioneer in a work 

 which promises so much good to the most 

 distant regions of her empire^ and which takes 

 in its train other colonies and other interests^ 

 forming a part of herself, and having equal 

 demands on her for support and protection ? 



Hitherto the examination has been confined 

 to the immediate results which may be ex- 

 pected from the establishment proposed^ but 

 the perspective points to other regions which 

 will eventually be brought within its influence. 

 The western coast of North America must 

 participate largely in its benefits. Western 

 Mexico^ destined probably to form a separate 

 state or states, will send the produce of her 

 rich mines to that point which nature has so 

 provided as the high road of communication 

 with Europe. California, at present almost 

 isolated from the civilized world, will also 

 enjoy its renovating influence. The rich furs 

 of North-western America will find a new chan- 

 nel for their transit to the great emporium of 

 Europe ; and even the distant regions of Kam- 

 schatka will not be excluded from its benefits, 

 o 3 



