small part in the affections of the people of England. [Cheers.] Sir,
Colonies were born to become nations. In my own country, and perhaps
also in England, it has been observed that Canada has a population which
in some instances exceeds, in many others, rivals the populations of
independent nations, and it has been said that perhaps the time might
come when Canada might become a nation of itself. My answer is this
simply: Canada is a nation. [Cheers.] Canada is free, and freedom is its
nationality. Although Canada acknowledges the suzerainty of a Sovereign
Power, I am here to say that independence can give us no more rights
than we have at present. ["Hear! Hear!"]

Lord Lansdowne has spoken of a day when perhaps our Empire might be in
danger. England has proved at all times that she can fight her own
battles, but if a day were ever to come when England was in danger, let
the bugle sound, let the fires be lit, on the hills and in all parts of
the Colonies, though we might not be able to do much, whatever we can do
shall be done by the Colonies to help her. [Cheers.] From all parts of
this country since I have been here, both in conversation and in
letters, I have been asked if the sentiments of the French population of
Canada were characterized by absolute loyalty towards the British
Empire. I have been reminded that feuds of race are long and hard to
die, and that the feuds of France--the land of my ancestors--with
England have lasted during many generations. Let me say at once that
though it be true that the wars of France and England have their place
in history, it was the privilege of the men of our generation to see the
banners of France and England entwined together victoriously on the
banks of the Alma, on the heights of Inkerman, and on the walls of
Sebastopol. [Cheers.]

It is true that during the last century and the century before, a long
war, a long duel, I might call it, was waged between England and France
for the possession of North America, but in the last battle that took
place on the plains of Abraham, both generals, the one who won and the
one who failed, fell. If you go to the city of Quebec, you will see a
monument erected in commemoration of that battle. What is the character
of that monument? Monuments to record victories are not scarce in
England or in France; but such a monument as this which is in Quebec, I
do not think you will find in any other part of the world, for it is a
monument not o