APPENDIX II.

18g

this proposal favourably—it is the sound one for
[mperial union,
(D1.)—1 really cannot pretend to see far enough
into the future to answer this question. If Mr.
Chamberlain’s scheme increased our prosperity, though
{ have not the slightest hope that it would, contentment
 with our present political position would be
naturally the result. But what we want most is
reciprocity with the United States and access for the
produce of our forests, farms, mines, and fisheries to
the continental market.

(D2.)—There is certainly no present danger of
annexation by America, or of independence. I
~annot think that Mr. Chamberlain's scheme is
necessary to the prevention of either. It is, however,
 quite possible that a trade arrangement between
Canada and Great Britain would tend for many years
to prevent successful negotiations for closer commer-~ial
 intercourse between Canada and the United
States.
(D3.)—() Yes.
{b) Yes.
There will not, in my view, be any movement by
Canada in either direction unless and until demands
by Great Britain (reasonable or unreasonable) give
secasion for it. To my mind, Mr. Chamberlain’s
proposals offer the prospect of complications from
which a rupture would be the only practical issue.
(D4.)—(a) Not the least.
(b) There is very little talk of independence at
present, but an agitation with this object in view
may arise in the future. But the prospect is a remote
one. I do not consider that Canada’s relation to the
Crown will be affected one way or the other by the
failure or the success of the Chamberlain schemes.

(D 5.)—(a) None.
(b) No indications now, but would be the alternative
 most generally favoured if separation from the