uth.

But the result of the experiment is an encouragement as far as it has
gone to those who would extend self-government through the whole of our
colonial system. It seems to lead as a direct road into the 'Imperial
Federation' which has fascinated the general imagination. It removes
friction. We relieve ourselves of responsibilities. If federation is to
come about at all as a definite and effective organisation, the
spontaneous action of the different members of the Empire in a position
in which they are free to stay with us or to leave us as they please,
appears the readiest and perhaps the only means by which it can be
brought to pass. So plausible is the theory, so obviously right would it
be were the problem as simple and the population of all our colonies as
homogeneous as in Australia, that one cannot wonder at the ambition of
politicians to win themselves a name and achieve a great result by the
immediate adoption of it. Great results generally imply effort and
sacrifice. Here effort is unnecessary and sacrifice is not demanded.
Everybody is to have what he wishes, and the effect is to come about of
itself. When we think of India, when we think of Ireland, prudence tells
us to hesitate. Steps once taken in this direction cannot be undone,
even if found to lead to the wrong place. But undoubtedly, wherever it
is possible, the principle of self-government ought to be applied in our
colonies and will be applied, and the danger now is that it will be
tried in haste in countries either as yet unripe for it or from the
nature of things unfit for it. The liberties which we grant freely to
those whom we trust and who do not require to be restrained, we bring
into disrepute if we concede them as readily to perversity or
disaffection or to those who, like most Asiatics, do not desire liberty,
and prosper best when they are led and guided.

In this complex empire of ours the problem presents itself in many
shapes, and each must be studied and dealt with according to its
character. There is the broad distinction between colonies and conquered
countries. Colonists are part of ourselves. Foreigners attached by force
to our dominions may submit to be ruled by us, but will not always
consent to rule themselves in accordance with our views or interests, or
remain attached to us if we enable them to leave us when they please.
The Crown, therefore, as in India, rules directly by the police and the
army. And there are colonies w