104 CANADA AND THE EMPIRE,

the railway has been built. Should this scheme
ever be carried out it will be the best, and by far
the cheapest outlet for the whole of Western
Canada and a large part of the Western States,
and will be of the utmost importance to Canadian
agriculture in the North-West,
It only remains to be decided how long this
route will be clear of ice and so for how many
months in the year the route will be practicable.
The opinion of explorers and experts is most
varied. On the one hand it is asserted that for
nine months in the year ice prevents the possibility
of such traffic; on the other hand are to be found
those who assert with equal vehemence that the tidal
conditions prevent freezing, and that the route is
practicable for most of or throughout the year.
[t must be remembered that such a scheme would
be opposed by all existing railway companies, by
the Hudson’s Bay Company, which would fear the
disturbance of its fur country, and generally by
the combined wealth and influence of East Canada.
Now, one of the advantages that the Imperial
connection offers to the colonies is the right to
appeal to an impartial tribunal across the seas.
The right of appeal from the Canadian law courts
to the Privy Council might under certain circumstances
 be invaluable to justice, and contrasts most
favourably with the difficulties and dangers of
equity in the United States. In a matter like the
one under discussion, what clearer acknowledgment
could Britain make of her Imperial responsibility