“Highly emotional” is an interesting term used here, thieving and thievery can certainly arouse “emotion” in all those whose goods, or whose rights, have been absconded. I assume this language is used in order to paint the anti-confederate as illogical, as opposed to the non-stop mendacity and “licksplitterism” which has continued to be the trademark of “the Canadians”, bereft of “emotion” except for that which is their contrivance, which suits their interests.
“CONFEDERATION WAS IMPOSED upon Nova Scotia in 1867 over the opposition of significant groups of people within the province. There were many reasons for their opposition to union, and a great deal has been written concerning the nature of the struggle and the ultimate success of the Confederates. That Nova Scotia’s response to Confederation was highly emotional has not gone unnoticed.”
Hush my babes, be still and trusting
Sooth your fears and soundly sleep.
My biggest bubble’s almost bursting,
But soothing Syrup’s blessed cheap.Sleep soft dupes and trust in Tupper;
Retrenchment’s but a naughty dream,
The sad effect of too much supper,
He never thought of such a scheme.Hush, that’s not the cars you’re hearing:
‘Tis but the mind – you silly pup,
Longley’s only ‘electioneering’;
He’s tore the cursed Railroad up.Soft my babes, let music charm you;
‘Quebec Scheme’s’ a blessed thing;
Not a Fenian will dare to harm you,
When under Canada’s wing.Happy days, devoutly withed for!
The Liverpool Transcript, March 15, 1867
Our independence loosly sold!
Every knave in the place is fished for,
And your poor dupes, left out (in the) cold.
Muise, D.A. “Some Nova Scotian Poets of Confederation” Dalhousie Review, Volume 50, Number 1, 1970 https://dalspace.library.dal.ca/bitstream/handle/10222/59368/dalrev_vol50_iss1_pp71_82.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y