Lord Cromer's opinion on the connexion between Imperialism and Free-trade
is too important to be merely summarised. We give his own words :—
" We have been at times told that Free-traders are either anti- Imperialists, or, at best, animated by a very lukewarm spirit of Imperialism. I am not sure what, in the minds of those who hold this language, constitutes a sound Imperialist. But if by that term is meant one who, without being possessed with a strong desire to increase the amount of red on the map of Africa and Asia, is proud of the Empire which our forefathers handed down to us, and is firmlyresolved to use every endeavour to band down this priceless possession intact to posterity—if by that term also is meant one who considers the main justification of Imperialism to be found in the manner in which the Imperial power is used when it has been obtained—then I say that Imperialists of this description abound in-the Free-trade camp We have of late occasionally heard that a big Imperialist drum is to be beaten in a Protectionist sense. By all means let the Imperialist drum be heard; but my contention is that if the instrument is properly attuned it will give forth a Free-trade and not a Protectionist or Preferential note."
