In taking this step England is only closing the last chapter of a volume of her history, and when she makes her new treaties with her colonies she will be commencing the first chapter of the new history of the British Empire that is yet to be written.

This matter is of such vast importance, in the bearing that it will have on the future, that we must try our best to understand it.

England’s importance and wealth lie in her colonies.  She is but a “right little, tight little island” of herself; but when regarded from the standpoint of her possessions, her territory covers about one-sixth of the land surface of the globe (see map, page 1189).  Her possessions lie north, south, east, and west, till it is rightly said that “the sun never sets on England’s glory.”

All her various dependencies are self-governing.  They have their own legislatures, impose their own taxes, and manage their own affairs socially, politically, and commercially.

At the same time, the colonies are absolutely a part of the British Empire.  The lands belong to the Crown, and the Crown derives an income from the profits of the colonies.

Though the legislature is made up of representatives chosen by the people, the governor of each province or colony is appointed by the Crown, and governs in the name of the Queen.

The local governments can make what laws they please, but any act of the colonial parliament that is obnoxious to England can be annulled by the British Parliament.

While England endeavors to make the colonies independent, she also insists on their being obedient.  She maintains armies to protect them, stands ready to advance the young colonies money for their development, and rules them in a kindly and beneficent way.

There is no question of taxing and draining the resources of the country for the sake of gain, as in the olden days, or as Spain does at the present; the English policy since Victoria came to the throne has been to develop and improve the colonies and make them self-supporting and independent.

The colonies are represented in the British Parliament by the Colonial Secretary, who is a Cabinet officer, and holds one of the most important positions in the Government.  The wishes and desires of the colonies are made known to Parliament through him.

For years people have discussed the position of the colonies, and whether it would not be better if the bonds between the mother country and her dependencies were more closely drawn.  It has often been suggested that England should band her possessions together into one vast empire, on the principle of our own United States.  Each country would then have representatives in the British Parliament, just as our various States are represented at Washington, and all these countries would be joined together for offence and defence just as we are.