20 JUNE 1891, Page 2

To this it is replied, that if a definite scheme

is proposed, it is objected that the Colonies will never .consent to a cut-and- dried scheme ; and that if the scheme is left vague, it is objected that there is nothing to justify so strong a measure as calling statesmen from the ends of the earth to deliberate on they know not what. Both objections are perfectly sound, and point to what we believe to be the truth, that, as Lord Salisbury hinted, the conditions are such that, as mathema- ticians say, none but an "imaginary solution is possible. What we have to do is to encourage cordial allied action with the Colonies as far as possible, where our interests and theirs are really identical, and where they are not, to go our own way without grumbling at them because our way is not theirs.