Some of the more liberal of the presses here are discussing the question
of a zollverein between the United States and Canada. It is proposed to
form a union for commercial purposes--to altogether abolish the frontier
tariff line, with its double sets of custom house officials now existing
between the two countries, and to agree upon one tariff for both, the
proceeds of this tariff to be divided between the two governments on the
basis of population. It is said that a large proportion of the merchants
of Canada are in favor of this step, as they believe it would materially
add to the business of the country, by removing the restrictions that
now exist on trade between Canada and the States. Those persons who
are opposed to the measure believe that it would increase the material
welfare or the country, but it would loosen the bonds between Canada
and England; and this sentiment overrides the desire for commercial
prosperity. Whether the sentiment can continue to bear the strain
put upon it is a question. It is thought by many that commercial
considerations must in the end prevail. It seems also to be generally
agreed that such a zollverein, or common customs union, would bring
practically more benefits to the Canadian provinces than to the United
States. (It seems to me a certainty of time, sooner or later, that
Canada shall form two or three grand States, equal and independent, with
the rest of the American Union. The St. Lawrence and lakes are not for a
frontier line, but a grand interior or mid-channel.)