Ottawa is in Upper Canada, but crossing the suspension bridge from Ottawa into Hull, the traveler is in Lower Canada.  It is therefore exactly in the confines, and has been chosen as the site of the new government capital very much for this reason.  Other reasons have no doubt had a share in the decision.  At the time when the choice was made Ottawa was not large enough to create the jealousy of the more populous towns.  Though not on the main line of railway, it was connected with it by a branch railway, and it is also connected with the St. Lawrence by water communication.  And then it stands nobly on a magnificent river, with high, overhanging rock, and a natural grandeur of position which has perhaps gone far in recommending it to those whose voice in the matter has been potential.  Having the world of Canada from whence to choose the site of a new town, the choosers have certainly chosen well.  It is another question whether or no a new town should have been deemed necessary.

Perhaps it may be well to explain the circumstances under which it was thought expedient thus to establish a new Canadian capital.  In 1841, when Lord Sydenham was Governor-General of the provinces, the two Canadas, separate till then, were united under one government.  At that time the people of Lower or French Canada, and the people of Upper or English Canada, differed much more in their habits and language than they do now.  I do not know that the English have become in any way Gallicized, but the French have been very materially Anglicized.  But while this has been in progress national jealousy has been at work, and even yet that national jealousy is not at an end.  While the two provinces were divided there were, of course, two capitals, and two seats of government.  These were at Quebec for Lower Canada, and at Toronto for Upper Canada, both which towns are centrically situated as regards the respective provinces.  When the union was effected, it was deemed expedient that there should be but one capital; and the small town of Kingstown was selected, which is situated on the lower end of Lake Ontario, in the upper province.  But Kingstown was found to be inconvenient, lacking space and accommodation for those who had to follow the government, and the Governor removed it and himself to Montreal.  Montreal is in the lower province, but is very central to both the provinces; and it is moreover the chief town in Canada.  This would have done very well but for an unforeseen misfortune.

It will be remembered by most readers that in 1837 took place the Mackenzie-Papineau rebellion, of which those who were then old enough to be politicians heard so much in England.  I am not going back to recount the history of the period, otherwise than to say that the English Canadians at that time, in withstanding and combating the rebels, did considerable injury to the property of certain French Canadians, and that, when the rebellion had blown over and those in fault