128 CANADA AND THE EMPIRE.

Empire. It is but one of many points with regard
to the colonies upon which Britain is at present
ignorant. Before she attempts to alter her traditional
 colonial policy, let her be sure that she knows
with what manner of men she is dealing. Let her
try to understand the proud and independent
spirit which animates these vigorous communities.
Let her try to understand the passionate devotion
with which they regard their rights, their liberties,
their independence, from the acquisition of which
dates that which is most dear to them—their
rise as nations. Let her realise the nature of
the sentiment that prompts many at least of
their members to reject the offer of a preference
because they think it is a dole tardily offered in
the days of their prosperity. Let her realise the
nature of the spirit which places the least fragment
 of independence far above all pecuniary
gain. Let her realise and emulate, if she can,
the’ genuineness and exaltation of the loyalty
these young countries bear to the old country
they still call mother. Let her at least acquaint
herself with their geographical, social, and industrial
 conditions. Then, perhaps, Britain may
be able to judge whether the time is now ripe fora
policy which is to bind the Empire by fiscal bonds,
bonds which are of their nature rigid and inelastic,
of the kind once considered essential by the old
colonial school, but which it has ever since been
British policy to relax. Britain has to answer the
question whether an attempt to materialise her