In another part of his speech Mr. Chamberlain suggested:the binding
of the Colonies to the Mother-country not merely by ties of sentiment but of interest. "At the present moment," said Mr. Chamberlain, "the Empire is being attacked on all aides, and in our isolation we must look to ourselves. We must draw closer our internal relations, the ties of sentiment, the ties of sympathy, yes, and the ties of interest. If by adherence to economic pedantry, to old shibboleths, we are to lose opportunities of closer union which are offered us by our Colonies, if we are to put aside occasions now within our grasp, if we do not take every chance in our power to keep British trade in British hands, I am certain that we shall deserve the disasters which will infallibly come upon us." The future, Mr. Chamberlain went on to say, was for great Empires and not for little States. The question for this generation was whether we were to be numbered among the great Empires or the little States. "The realisation of the highest ideal will, in my judgment at any rate, make for the peace and civilisation of the world."
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