mericans will accept, as the only chance which
will be left them.

Such abandonment, however, will bring us no honour. It will not further
that federation of the British Empire which so many of us now profess to
desire. If we wish Australia and Canada to draw into closer union with
us, it will not be by showing that we are unable to manage a group of
colonies which are almost at our doors. Englishmen all round the globe
have rejoiced together in this year which is passing by us over the
greatness of their inheritance, and have celebrated with enthusiasm the
half-century during which our lady-mistress has reigned over the English
world. Unity and federation are on our lips, and we have our leagues and
our institutes, and in the eagerness of our wishes we dream that we see
the fulfilment of them. Neither the kingdom of heaven nor any other
kingdom 'comes with observation.' It comes not with after-dinner
speeches however eloquent, or with flowing sentiments however for the
moment sincere. The spirit which made the Empire can alone hold it
together. The American Union was not saved by oratory. It was saved by
the determination of the bravest of the people; it was cemented by the
blood which dyed the slopes of Gettysburg. The union of the British
Empire, if it is to be more than a dream, can continue only while the
attracting force of the primary commands the willing attendance of the
distant satellites. Let the magnet lose its power, let the confidence of
the colonies in the strength and resolution of their central orb be once
shaken, and the centrifugal force will sweep them away into orbits of
their own.

The race of men who now inhabit this island of ours show no signs of
degeneracy. The bow of Ulysses is sound as ever; moths and worms have
not injured either cord or horn; but it is unstrung, and the arrows
which are shot from it drop feebly to the ground. The Irish python rises
again out of its swamp, and Phoebus Apollo launches no shaft against
the scaly sides of it. Phoebus Apollo attempts the milder methods of
concession and persuasion. 'Python,' he says, 'in days when I was
ignorant and unjust I struck you down and bound you. I left officers and
men with you of my own race to watch you, to teach you, to rule you; to
force you, if your own nature could not be changed, to leave your
venomous ways. You have refused to be taught, you twist in your chains,
you bite and tear, and when you can you steal and murder. I see