The Newfoundlanders, unable to realise that the diplo- matists cannot
reconcile grave international differences all in a moment, are growing angry and discontented. In the Press and at public meetings, there is much wild talk of throwing over British rule, and it is even announced that Anti- British Leagues are being formed. "The immediate aim of these associations," says the Times' correspondent," is to estab- lish some form of local government, failing which a direct appeal is to be made to the United States for admission to the Union." Probably the notion of entering the American Union is not very seriously entertained ; but in case it is, it is as well that Newfoundland should be made to understand that England could not possibly agree to such a course. We do not want to keep any Colony against its will ; but in this instance the interests of the Dominion of Canada must be considered, and they forbid the notion that an American State could be per- mitted at the mouth of the St. Lawrence. The fate of New- foundland is inextricably bound up with that of Canada. Meantime, we are as anxious as the people of England's first Colony that the French fishing rights should be extinguished ; and we would willingly agree to a considerable sacrifice in Africa in order to obtain such a result.
