The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-08
THE AUSTRALASIA UNION.

For several years there has been growing
disposition among the different colonies OF
| Australasia TO enter into n definite union,
which would insure 20 them both the strength
and dignity of II compact nationality. Various
steps have from time to time been taken, look
| ing 10 the formation of such union. Thus
as early as 1883 Il convention was held at
| Sydney. in which each of the Australasan
| colonies was represented, and n bill
was adopted by it establishing
Federal Council with jurisdiction
extending over the whole area Of
Australasia. The supremacy of this council,
however. was only recognized by few of the
colonies when they came 10 decide upon tho
ACCESSIBILITY of accepting or rejecting the ac-
ton Of their delegates IN the Sydney Conyen-
ton. The feeling Of doubt or jealousy which
led TO this conclusion gradually yielded TO
more enlightened views, which resulted in
the recent constitutional convention, the most
august body which has probably ever as
sembled below the equator.
The work Of this convention is known only
in its outlines. In its general character the
constitution adopted is said to adhere very
closely to the political principles which are
associated with the name of jefferson in this
| country. The supreme executive officer Of
the confederation is 10 be appointed by tie
Imperial Government in London, but his
power is shadowy and nominal. Australasia
will probably soon become distinct national
ity. which will be essentially Republican in
the form and the spirit Of its institutions. IL
e. al.
confederation TO be elected directly by the
people, instead of being appointed by the
Queen.
For some reasons the citizens of the New
Australaslan confederation are TO be warmly
congratulated upon their erection of practi-
cally independent government without having
been first compelled TO pass through the
sanguinany struggle which preceded the es-
Enlistment of the United States and which
would have preceded the establishment OF
the Confederate States if secession had been
crowned with success. The Australasian
colonies. represented in the persons
of their delegates, peacefully assembled.
and after careful deliberation framed new
nationality-an act which under the same cir
cumstances an hundred years ago would have
brought down upon them the armies and navies
of Great Britain with the single b ittle-cry 90
treason. and vast expenditure of blood and
treasure and far-reaching conhagratiou and
ruin would have followed. with doubtful
chances Of success in favor of the weaker party
attacked.
However. revolution secured by blood and
fire is no disadvantage 10 a people bent upon
establishing an independent government Of
their own. Where is the citizen Of the United
States who regrets that the American Repub-
lie was founded in "a prolonged struggle that
carried in ITS train death and desolation and
tears and sorrow untold? Has not that struc-
gle gwen TO the American people 10 the re-
hottest generations, the loftiest examples of
patriotic devotion and the most inspiring tn
ditlons of self-sacrifce in the cause of free
dom?
Who can accurately guage the influence
which the character Of Washington is destined
to exercise upon the history of the United
States 10 the latest ages? Washington was
the product of a bloody and not of peaceful
revolution. and so was the whole of that long
list Of heroes whose shades in the forefront of
our annals rs a people seem to look down
upon us as if they were the eternahguardians
of our liberties. A peaceful revolution is a
blessing to the generation which carries it
through but bloody revolution, like that
which Washington led. is the very noblest
heritage which history can transmit to pos
tsrity.
-
Mr.. Z. DrSS,n LOCKWOOD uses the follow.
Ing terse language OH very important SUBJ |