04 CANADA AND THE EMPIRE.

HEART AND POCKET.
We have in the preceding pages attempted to
suggest some of the obstacles to the practical
realisation of Mr. Chamberlain’s or similar proposals.
 It seems to us that these alone are
sufficiently formidable to urge us to pause before
experimenting in this direction with our Empire
and our trade, but we have still to discuss another
aspect of the question. Can the Imperial tie be
strengthened by commercial bonds? How will
the introduction of considerations of pecuniary gain
or loss affect Imperial loyalty ? We are asked to
depart from what has hitherto been the guiding
principle of our Imperial aims——freedom, not only
of government, but also of fiscal policy in each
country which flies our flag. Will consent weaken
or strengthen the ties that bind the Empire ?
[tis certain that no commercial advantage will
keeployal an otherwise dissatisfied colony. Loyalty,
as we now understand it, springs from a deeprooted
 sense of pride and peaceful content in a
system which ensures freedom, honour, and worldwide
 respect. A colony loyal for these reasons is
not to be tempted from its allegiance by pecuniary
loss or gain. Disloyalty can only result from a
bitter sense of injustice and fettered liberty, or the
sacrifice of the national welfare for the benefit of
nations across the sea. Should a colony deem it
expedient to claim independence, from a desire
for either better government or increased liberty,
no paltry consideration of commercial advantage