For some time, previously, the import trade of Western Canada, which, by means of protecting duties in favour of British ships and British goods, was forced to come by the St. Lawrence, had been changing its direction, and Montreal, which supplied the whole western country, was becoming deserted by the western merchants. The new Customs Law of that province, while it equalised duties, enabled the consumer to purchase in the cheapest market, and, thus, vastly increased the evil to former importing cities; hence, a very large proportion of the export trade also of Canada had now taken the direction of New York. There was, therefore, naturally a serious apprehension, lest the great public works of the St. Lawrence would cease to be useful and profitable, and, that the commercial connection so many years existing between Western and Eastern Canada would thus be altogether cut off. It has been unnecessary to refer to the export trade in timber from Canada, as this stood on exceptional grounds. Indeed, a general opinion prevailed that the export of timber from Quebec would probably be carried on, under any circumstances, in British ships specially employed in that branch of trade. [Sidenote: General summary of results as to Canada.] From these important considerations it was concluded:— 1st. That, as Canada then enjoyed but a remnant of Protection in England, she ought to be released from any restrictions _for the benefit of the shipowner_. 2nd. That, without the free navigation of the St. Lawrence and a repeal of the Navigation Laws so far as British North American Colonies were concerned, there was reason to apprehend that New York would become the emporium of the trade of Canada, and further, that, thus, a community of interests, commercial and political, would be created with the United States. 3rd. That, in such a case, the repeal of these laws would not materially injure the British shipowner, the question simply being whether competition for trade should take place in the harbours of the United States or in the River St. Lawrence. Lastly, That the repeal of these laws would have a tendency to perpetuate, and not to destroy, the relations existing between Canada and the mother-country. [Sidenote: West Indians for Free-trade as well as Canadians.] [Sidenote: Divergent views of capitalists at home.]