CHAPTER I
PROBLEMS OF EMPIRE
The space at my command is nearly exhausted, but it remains to notice the period, to which the former periods may be regarded as a mere introduction. All important, however, as this last period may prove to be, it is too early to attempt even to trace its history. At first sight, indeed, it may appear that Colonial Policy is travelling on the old familiar lines. The Parliamentary papers with regard to the granting of responsible government in Western Australia 1 and Natal 2 wear a familiar air; and yet, when we look more closely, it becomes apparent that a new spirit The new has appeared upon the scene. This new spirit shows itself, splr,t ' in the case of the self-governing Colonies, on the side of the Mother country in a deepened sense of their value and of their claims ; on the side of the Colonies in a wider Imperial patriotism, and in a more serious recognition of the difficulties entailed upon the Mother country by her European and Imperial responsibilities. More generally the new spirit shows itself in an apprehension of the truth that the “ Empire is one great whole,” “ an organism which must have room for development and expansion.” 3
An outward and visible expression of this new spirit was Colonial given in 1887 by the holding of a Colonial Conference in London. Sir C. Dilke 4 has borne testimony to the tact of 1887. and discretion shown by Mr E. Stanhope in the circular summoning the Conference, and to his wisdom “for having seen in advance exactly what could and what could not be done.” The question of Imperial Federation was at the time emphatically among the things which could not be done, and was therefore strictly excluded. The actual results of the
1 Pari. Pap., 1889 and 1890. 2 Pari. Pap., 1890-1891.
3 Keltie, Partition of Africa, p. 86.
4 Problems of Greater Britain, 2nd ed., Vol. II. p. 468.