The Hon. Edward Blake, for many years leader of the
Canadian Liberals, on February 6th addressed to his constituents a long and able letter resigning his seat and his place in the party. He asked them to keep his reasons secret ; but they are now published with his permission, and it appears that they are substantially these. He thinks it indispensable for Canada to establish Free-trade with the United States, but foresees that Free-trade will involve fusion, and as he cannot propose fusion, either because he dislikes it, or because it would ruin his party, he retires from public life. The letter is that of a singularly honourable politician, who will not, even to benefit his party, conceal his opinion as to the ultimate result of a popular line of action, but who exaggerates greatly the effect of Fiscal changes upon the sentiment of nationality. That senti- ment is nearly independent of any commercial result whatever. Indeed, we question whether a century of Free-trade between Great Britain and Ireland has not helped to embitter the relations of the two countries, the Irish ascribing their com- parative poverty to English competition in their home market.
