Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t8hqh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-29T07:55:49.725Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Canada: Colony to Kingdom

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 May 2017

Extract

I suppose there is a stage in the development of the creature at which opinion may very well vary as to whether it is a tadpole or a full-fledged, or rather a four-footed, frog. Canada, constitutionally, is in a somewhat uncertain case; for, if you say that she is a colony, you will be confronted with some well-developed legs, and if you say that she is an independent state, you will be asked to explain away the remains of the tail. What sort of compromising language a biologist would apply to his dubiosity, I do not know; but, with reference to Canada, I am prepared to make a distinction, — to say that she is nominally a colony, and really an independent state. A veritable bit of the actual tail is still visible; there may not, indeed, be enough for performance of its former function of control, but quite enough to betray the origin of the animal; while the legs can very clearly kick, if not speak, for themselves. Nominally, I say, Canada is a colony; the forms, the nomenclature, the legal appearance still exist. But in reality Canada is independent and governs herself. A short summary of Canadian political history will establish that point.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of International Law 1913

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1 The above has no reference, and, as far as I know, no application to His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught.

2 Can. Seas. Papers, 1860, No. 38.

3 British Blue Book, Commercial, No. 5, 1903; Can. Sess. Pap., No. 24, p. 7.

4 Hans, ., May 12, 1887, p. 396; and see Canadian Sessional Papers, 1894, No. 56A, p. 98 Google Scholar.

5 Quoted, Hans., 1907, 8, p. 1260.

6 Colonial Conference, 1902, pp. 47, 48

7 Proceedings, p. 5.

8 Cd. 5745-2, p. 1.

9 52, 3 Vic, c. 73.

10 At the Dominion elections of 1891, the question of closer trade relations with the United States was the principal issue, the Liberals strongly advocating a policy of unrestricted reciprocity.