ing benefit to the British colonies—supposing the British Government willing to furnish the means of building it. But its real benefit would still be dependent upon certain political conditions not yet effected. In the present state of the colony, it can not take advantage of the credit of the home Government, nor even extricate itself from the embarrassments which prevent its doing so. To ameliorate this condition, two plans are proposed: confederation with the Eastern Provinces, or annexation to United States territory. Property owners on the island are generally in favor of annexation. But Government officials, and a class of freshly imported young men who have nothing to lose, are opposed to it. That is about the way it stands. Official integrity, patriotism, and British pride are opposed to annexation; and every other interest is in favor of it.
They have not been able always to afford a line of steamers for themselves, and were compelled to see the American steamers pass on up the Sound, only touching at their wharves. This year, however, a line has been put on between San Francisco and Victoria, carrying Her Majesty's mails, and connecting with the Sound steamers, which run to that port. They are forced, too, to buy a great share of their provisions from American dealers. But, in return, they sell their coal (Nanaimo) to American purchasers. Of the retail trade in miscellaneous articles, American merchants in Victoria control a large proportion. We can not help thinking, if it were annexed, what a glorious city Victoria might become. But remaining as she is, she is too near to American enterprise not to be injured by it; and the same is true of British Columbia all the way to the Lake of the Woods. The Northern
