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especially to Port Simpson, 600 miles to the north. Port Simpson is 200 miles from the nearest point on the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the country to be traversed is favourable. This line will be so far north, that so long as England holds the seas there will be no fear of her being attacked there. Port Simpson is an excellent harbour, and will be the outlet of the fertile district, known as the Peace River Country. It is probable that in case of war the products of that country, consisting mainly of cereals, would be shipped on the Pacific (3792, 3806-3809). In ordinary times, the produce of this wheat-growing country would pro- bably be shipped on the Atlantic. The existing Pacific Railroad is unable to carry all the wheat produced on the western side of the United States, and the Californians ship their wheat to England via Panamá or Cape Horn; but the two other railways which are in course of construction across the continent will help to do the work (3817-3823).
Panamá Canal.-The Panamá Canal will have an important bearing on the commerce of Canada, which will pass through it instead of going round Cape Horn, or, what is preferable, crossing the isthmus by railway. The tendency is for railways to beat canals, and even to compete with the open sea (3888-3891).
Esquimalt.-The defence of Vancouver Island is absolutely a necessity. Esquimalt is the proper rendezvous for the North Pacific squadron. The har- bour is good and defensible, and is in inmediate proximity to the coal-fields (3810-3813). The obliga- tion of defending Esquimalt as well as Halifax is con- sidered to rest with the Imperial Government (3979). It may in future be more important to defend Port Simpson than Esquimalt, but the railway will be built at once to Esquimalt, and must be protected (3825).
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Imperial Defence.-The circumstances affecting the various Colonies and the Empire are so different that it would be impossible to lay down a common system of defence, and arrangements inust be made between the mother country and the larger dependencies separately. Canada would willingly make any sacrifices to defend herself against the United States; but war between England and a European Power is not likely to arise from anything in which Canada has an interest, and in such a case Canadians would not consider themselves bound to make any large sacrifices in men or money. The utmost injury which Russia, for instance, could inflict upon Canada, would be to harass her commerce, and perhaps destroy towns and villages on the coast by means of swift cruizers; and Canada would do what she could to protect her commerce and shores with the assistance which has always been promised by the Imperial Government. It would be extremely unwise in time of peace to raise the question of Canada taking part in offensive operations. It would be said that the matter was one in which Canada had no direct concern; any grant of men or money would be strongly opposed, and politicians, committed by their speeches and rotes, would be held to the same views afterwards, whereas, if they remained free, their patriotic feelings and the feelings of the country at the proper time might lead them to act otherwise (3835, 3906). If, however, war was imminent, or in progress, Canada would, in a spirit of patriotic enthusiasm, aid substantially in furnishing men and, to the extent of her means, money in aid of the Empire. At the time of the Crimean War, the 100th Regiment was raised in a few weeks, and in 1878, when war was supposed to be imminent, large offers were made to furnish a contingent. A body of 10,000 men could be easily raised and maintained for general service (3835-3839, 3849, 5850).
Militia.-When the Imperial troops were withdrawn from British North America, with the exception of Halifax, the Imperial Government transferred to the Dominion all the fortifications, military and naval reserves, and ordnance lands generally. It was agreed that those lands should be sold to the best advantage, and that the proceeds should be applied to maintain ing the fortifications and keeping up a military force. This arrangement made in 1865 has always been con- sidered morally binding, and a force of 35,000 to 40,000
men has been kept up in a tolerably efficient degree of training and discipline (3843-3846, 3892-3894). Since 1865 Canada has drilled from 25,000 to 40,000 men an- nually at a cost of 200,000l. a-year. The force is con- tinually changing, but the men who retire having been drilled, would be again available in time of necessity. The service is popular, and Government is continually pressed to increase the number of the corps (3840- 3813). The Dominion has two batteries of permanent artillery, commanded by officers of the Royal Artillery, and reported to be equal to the Royal Artillery. One battery is at Quebec and the other at Kingston. The rest of the forces consist of militia corps scattered over the whole of the Dominion. They are formed into battalions and occasionally brigaded (3847, 3848).
This
Military Assistance in time of War.-The Dominion could render most essential services to England in time of war, but it would not be desirable to raise the question till the exigency arose. In 1878 the Govern- ment of Canada decided, if war had broken out, to at once offer to release the troops in garrison at Halifax, and supply their place with Canadian militia. decision was not made known publicly, as it would have aroused the opposition of the people of Halifax (3851-3853). If necessary, the fully trained battery at Kingston and half the battery at Quebec could be sent to Halifax, and would serve as a nucleus for the militia artillery, of whom a considerable number could be spared. The infantry militia would soon be able to take their part in the defence of the place (385). It might be desirable that the militia at Halifax should be in a great degree artillery, and that they should be trained to the service of heavy guns. An intimation to this effect from Her Majesty's Government would be more readily accepted than a request from a Canadian authority to apply the military force in one way ra her than in another (3854-3856).
Naval Brigade.-The Imperial Government could easily organize a naval brigade in Canada on the principle of the Naval Reserve in England, with the understanding that the men would be liable to be employed not only for coast defence, but for naval service generally. The Dominion would
pass any Act that might be necessary, but could not be expected to render any further aid in time of peace (3857-3861). In 1879 it was proposed to organize a military reserve force of 10,000 men for general service. The Canadian Government raised no objection, but explained that, although such a force could be easily raised, it would be doubtful, owing to the shifting nature of the popu- lation, whether the men would be forthcoming when called out for service, especially service at a great distance or in unhealthy climates, unless the recruits were selected with great care (3862–3864).
Merchant-ships as Armed Cruizers. There would be no difficulty in utilizing any suitable Canadian merchant-ships, such as steamers of the Allan line, as cruizers in time of war. Canada would probably fit out some of those vessels at her own expense to pro- tect her own shores (3865, 3866).
Defence of the Dominion.-Canada would do all she could in defence of her own coasts; on the other hand, the Imperial Government has pledged itself to exercise, in case of war, the whole military and naval force of the Empire in the protection of Canada (3867, 3868, 3871).
The defences of St. John, Sydney, and other places remain as they were when handed over by the Imperial Government. Steps should be taken to put them in a proper state, and it is the duty of the Canadian Govern- ment to proceed by annual votes, so far as they can obtain them from Parliament, for the purpose (3875– 3877). The Minister of Militia and Defence is pri- marily responsible (3878).
Ordnance. The conversion of smooth-bore guns into rifled cannon was commenced in Canada in 1879, and the experiment has proved successful. The work is being performed by Gilbert and Co., of Montreal. When a sufficient number of guns are converted and fit for use they will be mounted (3872–3874).
Gunpowder.-There are gunpowder mills in Canada,
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