When England first appeared to be threatened, with the hosti-
lities of a powerful enemy on account of the support which she gives to a feebler ally, those who are enemies of their country, in the desire to injure her Government, gleefully prognosticated great difficulties from the disaffection of the people and of outlying pro- vinces. The working.classes, it was said, would be turbulent : they have never been more tranquil. Ireland, it was prophesied, would take her opportunity : she supplies the most eager of our recruits. India, it was averred, would be a difficulty : nothing is more evident than the progress of affection for England in that great peninsula. The Colonies, it was declared, would turn inde- pendent, and those in America would seek annexation : successive- ly the Colonies have shown their sympathy with the Mother- country, and this week we have one of the most eloquent because simple and emphatic declarations of loyal adhesion from the colony of Nova Scotia.
The address from the Legislative Assembly makes known to Queen Victoria the sympathy with which the colonists follow the British flag wherever it may be borne, and their readiness, should the land forces now in the colony be required for distant service, to defend their own frontiers and forts. That the address was moved by Mr. Howe, now the leading man of the Ministry as he was formerly the leading advocate of "responsible government," and that it was seconded by the leader of the present Opposition, are facts which speak for themselves. Whatever may be the diffi- culties of England, thus far they appear only to call forth the old spirit of the people, in whatever clime they may have set their foot. •
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