ning in that form
until the present day. Latterly, our Colonial Empire had grown up
to wonderful and vast dimensions, but as far as the principle of
representation was concerned there had been no great change, though
it was perfectly true that during the past few years a certain
number of the Colonies had obtained what was called
self-government, or what he called the shadow of English government
on the parliamentary system, as retained in its original principle
and plan up to our own times. The Imperial policy of the British
Empire was entirely conducted at Home, and Imperial Federation
meant that this system should be changed, and that those who were
living outside the borders of the British Isles should have their
true participation in the government of the Empire. This led him to
a point on which there was very much misunderstanding on the part
of those who had heard the subject of Imperial Federation
mentioned, and who thought there must be some idea of those who
advocated it at Home getting some advantage over their colonial
brethren, and draw them into a net, by which they would have to
part with their rights of local self-government. He utterly denied
that there were any such intentions--on the contrary, this was an
invitation to them, a cry from the Old Country, asking them to come
and assist in governing the Empire. This could only be effected by
Imperial Federation, which would mean the termination of what was
called the rule of Downing Street, which would be superseded by
something far different, and, in his opinion, be far more
acceptable to the colonists themselves. They would not have to
suffer, as they had in the past, in many ways, from ignorance,
prejudice, and narrow views, but they would have an opportunity of
taking part in the policy of the Empire, particularly in that which
affected themselves. In consequence of the agitation at Home during
the past few years a successful attempt had been made to establish
what was called the Imperial Federation League, of which he was an
active member, and which took no part in party politics, and was at
the present moment presided over by Lord Rosebery, with the Hon. E.
Stanhope, the present Minister of War, as Vice-President, who, so
far as party politics were concerned, were on totally diff