THE EQUITY OF THE MANITOBA TROUBLE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2388, 29 October 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE EQUITY OF THE MANITOBA TROUBLE.

Thk Canadian province of Manitoba finds itself in a position to nuke trouble in a way that cannot but be viewed with interest from this side of the line. It will be remembered how Ion" and how ardently the whole of the Canadian provinces desired the building of their trans continental railroad. British Columbia only came into the confederation upon the understanding that it would be put through within a certain period. Manitoba, far distant, from the sea board, was particularly inteiested in the success of the undertaking. That pro rince, rich in the possession of a soil that is perhaps the most fertile on this continent, was yet poor because of her inaccessibility from any market or center of population. She wanted the Canadian Pacific, and wanted it badly. She was willing to otfei any terms and make any sacrifices to get it. She was tired and out of patience with tin slow progress the (Internment was at onetime making with the mad. She despaired of its completion, and insisted upon a new departure. Any and all reasonable termmust be offered for energy', enterprise and capital with which to put the road through. The maritime provinces wem twitted with their lack of interest in an undertaking that was Imperial in itpossibilities, and specially Manitoban in its certainties. These urgent appeals at lasl prevailed. Tempting terms were offered !•- railroad builders. An Imperial guarantee for part of the construction money was obtained. The Ibiniinion Parliament voted large land and money subsidies. And last, but not least, it was promised and agreed that no competing right of way should be granted to any other company for a certain number of years. Upon those conditions the road was pushed to completion with marvelous celerity. It was running and in full operation before we outsiders were willing to admit that such a result was possible. All Canada rejoiced, and Manitoba was specially happy.

But now comet the trouble. The difficulties of obtaining the Canadian Pacific and the terms upon which it was procured are quickly being forgotten. Manitoba already wants a competing road, and iproceeding to build one. She would not b. in that c mdition if it were not for the benefits the. Canadian Pacific brought her. The. question arises : has she a right to violate the agreement made by the Dominion, of which she is a part, and which agieement she was the first to urge and the strongest to approve? The Dominion Parliament undoubtedly halegal and constitutional ]xiwer to interfere with her proceedings. Ought that power to be exercised? These are tie questions that are now agitating the Proof both Canada and England. It seem plain that the original agreement must be kept nr the railroad must be. indemnified for the actual loss it may sustain. It i ' little trouble at present, but it might easily be made to grow to a big one, and it will, if some people we know can make it. If when the Central and Union Pacific were built, the possibility of .a competing line had been dreamt of. the millions of people on the side of the border would probably long ago have laid the same difficulty to overcome which today troubles Canada. A monopoly at that time could easily have been obtained, and would have been deemed necessary to the protection of the bonds loaned by the I mtod States to the railroad.—'Frisco Nows Letter.