A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator', 24 July, /869—The Colonial office is rapidly carrying out its policy of compelling the Colonies to defend themselves. Lord Granville has written to Ottawa to withdraw from the Dominion a regiment of cavalry, five battalions of infantry, and four batteries of artillery. He has also in- timated that it is not the intention of the Government to maintain more troops in the Dominion than will suffice for instruction, and that although they will place three gunboats on the lakes, it must be at the expense of the local government. Again, he informs the Government that the Canadian Rifles, not be- ing raised for general service, cannot be sup- ported from the Imperial Treasury; but if maintained at all, must be maintained by Canada. He further intimates, or Mr Cardwell has intimated, that of the 85,000 Sniders and 20,000,000 rounds of ammunition in store, 25,000 Sniders and 10,000,000 rounds will be withdrawn, leaving the colony the option of purchase.
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