ions of Canada and Australia. A quarter of a century
past I dreamed the dream of imperial parliamentary federation, but many
years ago I came to the conclusion that we had passed the turning that
could lead to that terminus, if ever, indeed, there was a practicable
road. We have too long and too extensively gone on the lines of
separate action here and elsewhere to go back now. Never forget--you
have the lesson here to-day--that the good will on which you depend is
due to local freedom, and would not survive its limitation.

But to many this trend of affairs was far from satisfactory. They
urged that Canada should retrace her steps and take the turning that
led to imperial parliamentary federation. This agitation was carried
on chiefly in private circles and through the press. One organization
after another--British Empire League, {291} Pollock Committee, Round
Table--undertook earnest and devoted campaigns of education, which, if
they did not attain precisely the end sought, at least made towards
clearer thinking and against passive colonialism. Occasionally the
question was raised in parliament. Typical of such debates was that of
March 13, 1905, when Colonel, now General Sir Sam, Hughes moved a
resolution in favour of parliamentary federation. Mr Borden refrained
from either opposing or approving the motion, but, as did other members
of his party, made it a starting-point for a speech in favour of
imperial preference. Sir Wilfrid Laurier declared:

I do not think that it would be possible to find in any of the
self-governing colonies any desire or any intention to part with any of
the powers which they have at the present time. At present we are
proud to say and to believe that the relations of the British Empire,
within all its parts, are absolutely satisfactory.... It is not in
accordance with the traditions of British history, it is not in
accordance with the traditions of the Anglo-Saxon race, to make any
change in their institutions until these institutions have been proved
insufficient or defective in some way.... The British Empire to-day is
composed of nations, all bearing allegiance to the same sovereign.

At the Conference of 1907 it was proposed {292} that the Colonial
Conference be changed into an Imperial Council. This suggestion met
support from various quarters, but was blocked by Sir Wilfrid's firm
opposition. He agreed heartily that the Conference should be styled
Imperial rath