PROGRESS OF CANADA IN THE CENTIJEY.
. Progress of Canada in the Century. By J. Casten Hopkins.
• (W. and R. Chambers. 6s.)—Of the three parts into which Mr. Hopkins has divided his review of Canadian history, we unhesita- tingly select the third, "National Development," with its opening chapter on "Constitutional Progress from 1867," as the most inter- esting, and considering the kaleidoscopic nature of its politics, the most ably handled. We scarcely realise when we look at the Dominion what it has emerged from,—a series of political turmoils of rebellions, of raids, of religious differences, educational and deetsrian disputes, all moving towards one end, because the
Canadians scarcely ever wavered in attachment to the he of the Empire. Mr. Hopkins writes well, he has enthusiasm, and he never flags, and therefore sustains our interest This means much when we recall the somewhat intricate changes of government which took place in the last thirty years of the century. He brings out very well the contrast between the true instinct that has made 'England spend blood and money liberally on her Colonies and yet show the most ex. traordinary incapacity for understanding them. When men like Lord Blachford could advise Ministers at home to let Canada go as she was only a damnosa hereditas, one may understand the risks the Dominion ran. He also insists on the solidifying effect of a powerful neighbour on a thinly populated country. It really seems as if the pressure of a populous, restless country on a practically undefended people scarcely coherent till the last few years might be dangerous. It had, it has still, its dangers, and a very strong influence on the life, the thought and manners, of the Canadian people. Mr. Hopkins points out how the antagonism has stiffened Canadian sentiment. The chain that binds the provinces may be a long one, but much testing has made it strong and trustworthy. The writer shows much tact in handling certain phases of government connected with the building of the transcontinental line and escapes any tendency to bias.
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