The New York herald., 1879-12-09
Proposal for New Departure in
Imperial Policy.
IMPERIAL and LOCAL PARLlAMENfS
An Empire of Kingdoms and
a Colonies. Asa
WORK FOR FUTURE STATESMEN

OF British statesmen not the least important will be
that relating to the federation and consolidation Of
the Empire. Lord Beaconsheld's vigorous foreign
policy sriRing and effective as it has unquestion-
ably been has almost run its course; and the think
ing portion of the community. with the moneyed
and mercantile classes gradually arriving ut the
conclusion that the true welfare of the country at
large depends less the establishment of scientific
frontiers in Northern India. the conquest and
occupation OF comparatively worthless territory in
Southern Africa. than in the development of trade
and commerce and in the concentration and proper
utilization OF their already numerous and widely
tended colonies. Already there signs of the
coming change; and we are not permitted to doubt
that in the immediate future. and for the sake Of
the general good. vigorous efforts will bo made to
give greater unity and cohesion to the vast and
the British Crown.
THE COLONIAL SYSTEM.
During our late Centennial Exposition there were
but few thoughtful persons who visited the great
central building who were not struck with the mag
ncent spectacle presented by Great Britain and her
colonies-the mother. in all her matronly grandeur.
surrounded by her numerous and prosperous chill
dren. On one occasion. and in the presence Of Mr..
Sandford, the chief British Commissioner, ono en-
thusiastio spectator expressed himself delighted
with the sight. Not displeased with tho compliment
which was paid to his country Mr.. Sandford ssid:-
eyes, but If the wisdom which now controls the
colonial policy Of Great Britain had controlled it
hundred years ago the spectacle would have been
more magnificent still, for what Is the United
States would be but the eldest and most pros
porous daughter The English Commissioner
no doubt spoke his honest convictions.
1t may we'll be doubted. however. whether
any source Of policy. wise % unwise. on
the part Of the mother country. would have per-
manently hindered the growth and developments Of
American independence but it 10 undeniable that the
lesson which was taught by the secession of the
American colonies has not since been forgotten. and
that British colonial government has been wiser for
this experience. 1t is no longer matter Of in
difference to the British government how the
colonial dependencies are governed. On the con-
trary, it is matter Of the utmost solicltude; aud
the old policy Of exaction and irritation has long
since been supplemented by policy Of sacrifice and
emulation. There never was desire to provoke
bellion; but there indifference and there was
high-handed authority. Now there is manifest
disposition to maintain the integrity Of
the Empire. and with this end in view
to avoid. SO far the colonies are con-.
cerned every cause Of offence. It has
been Characteristic feature of the government Of
Lord BeaconsAeid-a feature which has secured its
popularity because expressive Of the popular will
that Great Britain Is not merely England. Scotland
and Ireland but vast and widely scattered empire
OF which England Scotland and Ireland are but in
tegral parts-and having interests every conti-
nent and in every sea. This has for years been
growing sentiment. 1t has only recently found any
thing like emphatic expression; and. as we have
limited above. it is tendency OF the times that it
shall seek expression moro and more emphatic. It
will not be checked diverted from its purpose by
any change administration. Nothing will satisfy
1t but more complete unity-a more perfect adhe.
sion of all the parts of the Umpire.
HOW THE UNION Is TO BE BROUGHT ABOUT
It is not difacult to understand how closer union
Of all the parts of the empire should be deemed des-
able. and how II effected, il would be great gain-a
gain to the mother countries-England. Scotland and
Ireland-and to every of the separate colonies.
Under the present system every pound which Eng
land spends on her colonies. every man she sends
thiher only hastens the day when her colonies will
be independent nations. 1t is not wonderful, there
fore. that with her recent experience regarding the
Dominion and also regarding some Of the Australian
coonies which adopted the principles OF protco-
ton there should be growing indisposition on the
part OF the home government to spend money for
colonial development aud to encourage emigration.
Such . feeling, OF course. has injurious
effect on tho colonies. All this would be differ
ent IL the bonds OF union were drawn
closely together. In such case emigration would
not be loss. but gain, becauseit would relieve the
mother country of surplus population, and would
quantity OF productions; and money spent in the in
OF the colonies would be money spent tor the
general good OF the empire. All this It Is easy 70
stand how the desired union is to bebrought about
SO far as the question has yet been agitatcd the
and rs TO what by federation it is not dif-
cult to gather sufficient information from
tho reports OF discussions which have taken
place at tho Royal Colonial Institute. from
volume on imperial federation. by Mr.
able articles which have appeared in the westminster
Rerie,o. In tho Dominion OF Canada may be
seen system which exemplihes what 1t is proposed
to do for the whole empire There. in each province
Ontario. Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.
Prince Edward Island. Manitoba and British Colun
Governor ntrusted with the cement tho local
affairs; while embracing all these and composed OF
from all these provinces, there Is tho Dominion
Parliaaent, TO which is intrustcd the management
of general or Dominion matters. There IL tho
Northwest an example OF tho undeveloped province.
small yet to enjoy alton by election,
but under tho government of Lieutenant Governor
aud u nominated council. 10 parallel this sys-
tom In the empire ut largo We should have
. local parliament Tor England. one
also Tor Scotland. and ono for Ireland; local
parliaments tor some of the colonies, u gov
ernor and council for Others whc over and superior
to ali would be tho federal Parliament composed of
men elected from England scotland and ireland aud
from such other colonies as had grown to sufficient
size and Importance. Under such system, IL il
contcndcd. the growth aud development OF each
colony would culminate In representation IN the
federal Parliament. Under the present system tho
natural tendency is for growth and development TO
SCHEME ron THE IMPEEIAL AND LOCAL HOUSES.
In the current number OF tho Wesinssister 10
submitted scheme ior the imperial and local
houses. partly for the purpose OF provoking discus
sion and partly also for the sake or exemplicaton.
1t proposed that the Imperial House should consist
OF 800 members-lS5 for England, 20 for Scotland.
40 for Ireland. 90 for the colonies. This is about
tho proportion of the present allotment. The dis
tribution the colonies for tho present least,
would DO fohows:-20 for the Dominion OF
Canada and Newfoundland. l5 for Australia. 8 for
New zealand tor the Cape settlements, s for the
West Indies. The Ministry OF tho day would
bc drawn from members Of the Imperial
House and tho House OF Lords, and tbese,
as at present, would be the immediate and
responsible advisers of the Crown. The Psra-
mcnt would sit in London, aud It's term duration
would bo ive years. The WestMistcr, IL is evident,
IN no friend OF Home Rule. Hence IL makes no spc-
cia provision local Parliament for either
land or Ireland. This is the moro remarkable that
the articles ON tho subject are, the whole, fair
and reasonable. Under any system of federation
local paranients. in some shape other, must be
granted to both Scotland and Ireland. Assuming
that there would be local parlamens in London. in
Edinburgh and in Dublin, there would be viceroys