He utterly denied
that there were any such intentions--on the contrary, this was an
invitation to them, a cry from the Old Country, asking them to come
and assist in governing the Empire. This could only be effected by
Imperial Federation, which would mean the termination of what was
called the rule of Downing Street, which would be superseded by
something far different, and, in his opinion, be far more
acceptable to the colonists themselves. They would not have to
suffer, as they had in the past, in many ways, from ignorance,
prejudice, and narrow views, but they would have an opportunity of
taking part in the policy of the Empire, particularly in that which
affected themselves. In consequence of the agitation at Home during
the past few years a successful attempt had been made to establish
what was called the Imperial Federation League, of which he was an
active member, and which took no part in party politics, and was at
the present moment presided over by Lord Rosebery, with the Hon. E.
Stanhope, the present Minister of War, as Vice-President, who, so
far as party politics were concerned, were on totally different
sides.
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