1458 IMPERIAL UNITY [PART VIII 
There was a vague but widespread feeling that some form 
of closer unity was most desirable, indeed, almost essential, 
but, on the other hand, there was considerable opposition 
to the proposal, especially in Australia, and the Conference 
of 1887 was invited subject expressly to the exclusion 
demanded by New South Wales from its consideration of 
the question of Imperial federation. Though the Imperial 
Federation League was very successful so long as mere 
general propositions were under consideration, it was found 
hopeless for the members to agree upon any scheme of a 
draft federal constitution, and in the result the league was 
dissolved, as it was found impracticable to adopt any positive 
policy, and it was becoming clear that a mere attitude of 
approval of the abstract principle of federation was open to 
serious comment, and exposed the holders of the doctrine to 
ridicule. As an alternative to federation Sir Julius Vogel 
suggested that there should be given to the Colonies a small 
representation in the Imperial Parliament, the members to 
be elected by the Dominions and not to be chosen merely by 
the Dominion Governments, but this suggestion did not prove 
acceptable. Nor can it be said that the idea of federation 
has made any substantial advance, or that it has become 
any more popular. In the case of Canada, the Federal 
Government does not appear to be anxious to abandon its 
position, nor is it likely that the Commonwealth Govern- 
ment would consent to surrendering any of its powers. Nor 
is the Union of South Africa, as far as it appears, more 
anxious to give up a portion of its autonomy, while no sign 
exists that the Imperial Parliament is willing to accept 
federation. 
The question then arises as to what the relations can be 
between the different parts of the Empire as those parts grow 
in strength relatively to the Mother Country. Mr. Ewart, 
Britain, ii. 465 seq. ; Jebb, Colonial Nationalism, pp. 272 seq., Imperial 
Conference, ii. 94 seq. ; Holland, Imperium et Libertas, pp. 265 seq. 
© See Parl. Pap., C. 4521. In 1911 Sir Joseph Ward developed while 
in Australia the doctrine that an Imperial Parliam:nt should be created 
for Imperial purposes, leaving other matters to local legislatures. Australia 
seemed still lukewarm. Of. Mr. Harcourt, Canadian Gazette, lviii. 227.