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material grounds for desiring to maintain the colonies in connec-
tion with the United Kingdom-I may say that politically there
would be very serious results. The loss of Canada and Australia
means the loss of the commanal of the Northern and Southern
Pacific Oceans. If these great countries were separated from
Great Britain, and were independent-and possibly at some future
time they might be hostile-it is perfectly evident that the influence
you now exercise over those great oceans would be materially
threatened. It would, therefore, have an important influence upon
your ability to hold the East Indies and the great Indian Empire,
which is the pride and boast of us all. The influence of this
country would be diminished by the loss of trade and the diminu-
tion of its shipping-by the diminution of the very power which
it now possesses, and which is the strongest means of maintaining
its influence in these outlying districts. It is the naval power of
England that is behind and above the whole influence of these two.
islands, and therefore the deduction from that naval strength of
all the commercial resources of the present colonies would be a
very serious interference indeed, and would tend to diminish the
influence of this country on foreign nations. It is no use being
sentimental about the position we occupy towards foreign nations.
We know perfectly well it is the material strength of this country
that assures her an influence. It is not by speaking of the,
impropriety of war and the dangers and evils of it; it is not by
that; it is because this country has the power, if her counsels are
unheeded, of enforcing them, which is the basis of our national
influence; and it is that which every one of the large countries.
of the world is at this moment trying to undermine and build up
for themselves. I think, therefore that it is neither desirable,
and certainly not necessary, that any change of the nature oft
separation should take place. I believe it would be fraught with
the greate;st possible injury, both to the possessions of this country
abroad and ta the mother country. Now, in continuing my
remarks, I must, if I am to give you any of the ideas that are passing
through my own mind, speak frankly, and I must ask your indul-
gence if I apparently tread upon points that it may be supposed I