To these assertions of Mr. Chamberlain we venture to give
a direct negative. It is perfectly possible, even though the Colonies choose to have independent tariffs, to draw the Empire together. As soon as the Colonies have grown, as they will do before long, to equal us, or nearly equal us, in population, it will be quite possible and quite right to set up an Imperial Council which shall deal with problems of defence and of policy. To say that this is impossible unless we give a preference to the Colonies, and they to us, is
the merest cant,—cant of the kind which Dr. Johnson urged that we ought to clear our minds 4 Remember, Mr, Chamberlain is not proposing a real fia-eal union with absolute Free-trade within the Empire, which, it is arguable, might facilitate political union. He most definitely refuses to propose that, and declares that Colonial Protection lust-remain. In our view, the presea Colonial tariffs are only a kind of oetroi, and when the time is ripe for an Imperial Council they will not throw any impediment in the way. , The Empire was, not built on a 5 per cent. preference, and will not be maintained by one, but by the love 'of the daughter-States for the Motherland and of the Motherland
for her children. .
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