Her Majesty’s subjects in British America have made com¬ 
mendable advancement in material and intellectual progress. 
They have been nurtured in the principles of the great charter of 
freedom, and are well qualified to maintain liberal self-govern¬ 
ment. They have made healthy strides in developing industry 
and mechanism; they will come into our Union on the broad 
platform of equal rights. The Canadas and the maritime colo¬ 
nies will enter as Sovereign States , reserving to their respective 
legislatures the control of local affairs. Mantibo and British 
Columbia should be admitted as Territories , under the same res¬ 
traints and subject to the same laws regulating affairs in Wyom¬ 
ing, Idaho and other territories. 
This policy offers the best method for settling the “ Horton” 
case, and the surest guarantee for the future maintenance of 
harmony and good will. Healthy progress will follow ; peace¬ 
ful commerce will thrive ; the fishermen will compete for the 
treasures of the deep under the protecting aegis of the Union 
flag, with none to molest them ; shipbuilding will be stimulated 
under 11 the new dispensation ;” mechanical labor will be in active 
demand, and our people will rejoice “ in the good time coming.” 
Our government should lead in this measure. President Grant 
should earnestly recommend this theme in his forthcoming mes¬ 
sage. Congress may take timely heed and pass liberal enabling 
acts inviting the British colonists into the great national house¬ 
hold. Every effort should be put forth tending to unite the great 
Anglo Saxon race in the bonds of political unity and fraternal 
brotherhood. As a native of British America, we do hope to 
see that vast domain united to this great Republic. We hail the 
healthy progress annually made to this end, and will rejoice in 
the early reunion as a step in the right direction. 
The acquisition of Alaska has added much to our scanty fish¬ 
ing grounds. The prospective incorporation of the maritime 
provinces of British America with our country will enlarge our 
facilities. Such broad banks, teeming with spontaneous treas¬ 
ures, afford an inexhaustible nursery for rearing a grand com¬ 
merce. Friendly legislation will quicken the development of 
this prolific industry. Political economists can devise no surer 
policy for reviving our shipbuilding than by extending material en¬ 
couragement to our fisheries. A specific department of our gov¬ 
ernment should be created to supervise this branch of national in¬ 
dustry. All vessels employed in the whaling, walrus, sealing or 
