, and gradually that kind of
representation succeeded in effecting the Union of England and
Scotland, and subsequently Ireland, things remaining in that form
until the present day. Latterly, our Colonial Empire had grown up
to wonderful and vast dimensions, but as far as the principle of
representation was concerned there had been no great change, though
it was perfectly true that during the past few years a certain
number of the Colonies had obtained what was called
self-government, or what he called the shadow of English government
on the parliamentary system, as retained in its original principle
and plan up to our own times. The Imperial policy of the British
Empire was entirely conducted at Home, and Imperial Federation
meant that this system should be changed, and that those who were
living outside the borders of the British Isles should have their
true participation in the government of the Empire. This led him to
a point on which there was very much misunderstanding on the part
of those who had heard the subject of Imperial Federation
mentioned, and who thought there must be some idea of those who
advocated it at Home getting some advantage over their colonial
brethren, and draw them into a net, by which they would have to
part with their rights of local self-government.
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