Sir M. E. Grant Duff published on Tuesday a long
written address to his old constituents of Elgin, which is in his old form, very incisive in words, a little superior in tone, and full of masculine sense. He does not mince matters as regards Home-rule, the policy he recommends being summed up in the sentence : "Do not leave Ireland the very ghost of a grievance ; but, if trouble continues when all grievances are- redressed, fall back on the last argument of Kings." As regards the federation of the Empire, he thinks it a dream, not only because the Free Colonies will not let England rule them, but because they have no relations, except through us, with each other. Why should Canada care for the vote of
South Africa Sir M. Grant Duff maintains that pay- ment of Members will deteriorate legislative work, the- best guarantee for that being the election of Members who like politics well enough to make sacrifices to connect them- selves with the governing Council. He has a hope that we- may yet see a Coalition Government which would devote itself for one Parliament to real work, such as the passing of Civil and Criminal Codes ; the reform of the House of Lords, so as to make it a true and efficient discussing body ; and administrative reform intended to strengthen the defen- sive services, still too weak for the extending wants of the country. Sir M. Grant Duff fears France mach more than Russia, holding that an invasion of India is most improbable, unless an Alexander the Great appears, and that it would be- unsuccessful even then.
Previous page
