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BRANCH OF TIIK if jfmjicrial |re(|i?ratioii ^'^''^'•5-< HE J, I) AT THE A(^AI)EM7 OF ]\rU8IC, HALIFAX, 4T" JUNE, 1388. ilAMFAX, N. S. : \ PiTiu.isiiiv!) r,v TlAi.it.'AN Bkaxcii Jmi'kiuai, Fkdimiv iI').S- --,J^^fi>^ ■M SPEECHES DELIVERKD AT A PUBLIC MEETING OF THE HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, BRANCH m \ OF THB hii^m\ ftimtm l^ap^, HELD AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC, HALIFAX, 4TH JUNE, 1888. HALIFAX, N. S. : PtTBLISHED BY HALIFAX BbANCH ImPEBIAL FEDERATION LeAOVB, 188a Bt5C. I 43 ST. MARGAEET'S OITIOES, VIOTOEU 8TEEET, LONDON, S.W. Chairman : The Right Hon. Thk Earl ok Robkbrry. Vice-chairman : The Right Hon. Edward Stanhope, M. P. Hon. Treasurers : Lord Brassey, K. C. B. I The Hon. Harold Finch Hatton Secretary : A. H. Lorinq. Imperial J^ttr^ratioit ICeaguc in Cnnaba* President : D'Alton McCarthy, Q. C, M. P., Toronto. Vice-President : Alex. McNeill, M. P., Wiarton, Ont. Joint Hon. Secretaries. Arch. McQoun. Jr., 181 St. JamcB Street, Montreal. R. Carmin Dickson, 15 Wilcox Street, Toronto. Hon. Treasurer: Henry Herbert Lyman, 384 St. Paul Street, Montreal. HALIFAX BRANCH OP THE Imperial Jfeberation ^eagne in Canaba, %m- I Chairman : Sir Adams G. Archibald, K. C. M. G., Ex-Lioutenan^Governor of Nova Scotia. Vice-Clialnnen : His Grace The Most Rkv. C. O'Brien, Archbishop of Halifax. The Right Rev. Frederick Courtney, D. D., Lord Bishop of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Hon. James McDonald, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia. Corresponding Secretary: Charles H. Cahan. Recording Secretary: John M. Geldert, Jr. Treasurer: Edward G. Kenny. Executive Committee : J. C. Mackintosh, W. C. SIlveb, Colonel Lane, M. B. Daly, Robert Pickford, John F. Stairs, Alex. Stephen, John Docll, B. W. Chipman, Adam Burns. Address Corresponding Secretary, 15 Inglis Street, Halifax, N. S. ^ |mp^ti»t ^tAmikn ^afiwt in €m)i^&)ii. The present movement in favor of Imperial Federation was initiated at a Conference of a very influential character held in London on t' o 20th July, 1884, under the chairmanship of the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, M. P. Among those present were many leading Canadians, including: — Sir Charles Tupper; Hon. Oliver Mowat; D' Alton McCarthy. M. P.; Col. Gzowski (Toronto; ; R. R. Dobell (Quebec) ; Peter Redpath (late of Montreal) ; and letters were sent by Sir Alex. T. Gait and the Hon, Donald A. Smith ^now Sir Donald A. Smith, M. P.) This Conference was adjourned to the 18th of November of the same year, when the Imperial Federation Leaj^ue was formally organized with Mr. Forster as its first Chairman. Upon fhe death of Mr. Forster, the Earl of Rosebery accepted the chairmanship, and the Right Hon. Edward Stanhope was appointed Vice-Chairman. The Imperial Federation League in Can ida wa-s formed at a meeting held in Montreal on the 9th May, 1835, which was largely attended by Members of Parliament and ether leading men from all parts of the Dominion, including a formal deputation from Toronto. The following Resolutions were adopted and form the basis of the movement in this country ; CONSTITUTION. 1. That this meeting has observed with satisfaction the increased interest in the outlying portions of the Em- pire displayed by the people of the Mother Country, and the formation under the auspices of many dis- tinguished practical statesmen of The Imperial Federation League. 2. That to the end that the Mother Coimtry and her Colonies may remain perpetually under a common sovereignty, a United Empire in its foreign affairs, with constitutional liberty for every part as regards internal administra- 5' e IMPERIAL FKDERATfON. tion, a roadjustment of the several constitutional authoriticc of the Empire should, as occaHion ari.sos. be made in such manner an to increane the practical otRciency of Imperial unity. 3. That the reaolutions passed nt the Conforcince held in London on the 2yth July, 1884, anrl at the inan^Ljural meeting of the Lea<^ue on the ^"^th November, 1884, and notably the following: Thttt iu order to secure the i>ernianent unity of the Empirt), some fonn of federntion is essential. That no scheni" of federation bIiouW interfere with the exibtmg rights ot local parlinnients, as regards lonal allairB. , • , That ftuy scheme of federation should conihine on an ciiuitahle basis the res.urces of the Empire for tlie maintainancc of oonitnon iulereHts, and adequately providi; ^or an organized defence of conunou right-t. meet with the hearty acceptance of this meeting. 4. That a Canadian Branch of the League be now formed, to be called The Imperial Federation Lkague in CJanada. anil that the object of the League in Canada shall be to promote the discussion of means whereby the permanent unity of the Empire may be maintained, and its practical efficiency increased, to further the development and interchange of the resources of its vario\is parts, and to resist any measures tending lo (li)?intregation. 5. That the membership shall be open to any British subject who accepts the principles of the League, and pays a yearly subscription of at least One Dollar, out of which the necessary fees for affiliation with the League; in London shall be paid. 6. That the League shall meet annually in one of the prin- ciple cities in Canada, the place of meeting for each year to be selected at the preceding annual meeting. 7. That the business of the League shall be conducted by a General Committee, to be now appointed, w^ith power to add to their number ; that the General Committee be instructed to adopt such means as they may find convenient to promote the objects of the League, and that they furnish a r'eport at the next meeting. 8. That the co-operation of men of all political parties in every part of Canada be sought for the establishment of branches, which shall have power to elect representa- tives on the General Committee. IMPERIAL FEDEIIATION. T Subsequently an Exeoutive Comtnittpo was named with representativen frou) every Province, who have thus far suporintondod the work in this country. The Leaorue in Canada was represented at tho Lnperial Federation Conference hehl last year in London, among the speakers at which were:— Sir A. T. Ualt, who rend a paper; Hon. W. 0. RosH, of the Provincial Government, (Ontario; O. R. Parkin, and others ; and also upon t1u> deputation which waited upon the Marquis of Salisbury to urge him to call m\ Imperial Conference, which has since been done. Mr. Sandford Fleming, one of the Canadian representatives at the Imperial Conference, has been a member of the fjcague in Canada since its inception. At a jneeting of the General Committee, hold at Ottawa, in the Tower Room, House of Commons, and largely attended by Members of Parliament, on the 20th June, 1887, the following resolution was adopted. Resolved — "That this meeting suggests for considotation Imperial Reciprocity as the trade policy most in accordance with the objects of tho League, and reitt3r."ites the opinion that trade between different parts of the Empire should take place upon more favorub'e terms than trade with foreign nations." HALIFAX BRANCH. On December 23rd, 1880, a large and influential meeting was held at Mason's Hall, Halifax, at which the Halifax Branch of the Imperial Federation League was formed ; and a large number of active members have been enrolled, among vrhom are the following: Sir Adams G. Archibald; Arch- bishop O'Brien; Bishop Courtney; Chief Justice McDonald; W. C. Silver, President of the Chamber of Commerce; P. O'Mullin, Mayor ; J. C. Mackintosh. ex-Mayor of Halifax ; M. B. Daly, ex-M. P.; Robert Pickford; John F. Stairs. ex-M.P.; Alderman Stephen; John Doull ; B. W. Chipman, Warden of Halifax County ; Adam Burns ; Hon. S. L. Shannon ; M. P. Black; Peter Lynch, Q. C; Rev. Dr. Partridge ; Rev. Dr. Hole; Benj. Russell, Recorder of Dartmouth ; C. S. Harrington, Q. C; H. McD. Henry, Q.C.; R. Sedgewick, Q.C.; T. E. Kenny, M. P.; C. H. Tupper, M. P. ; F. G. Parker ; John P. Mott ; Rev. F, R. Murray ; J. S. Maclean ; H. H. Fuller ; David Allison, Super- intendent of Education ; F. Blake Crofton, Provincial Librarian; 8 OSPEmAL FEDEBaTION. Major-Qeneral Laurie, M. P.; Robert Motion, Stipendiary of Halifax ; J. £. Chipman ; John Naylor ; Colonel McDonald ; Oapt. Rawson; A. H. Mackinlay; Judge Savary, (Digby); Rev. Principal Forrest, Dalhousie College ; Prof. Butler, King's College; R. 0. Leckie, Spring Hill; and over one hundred other representative citizens Of other prominent residents of Nova Scotia who are also members of Ihe League we may mention Hon. Justice Townshend; Senator A. MacFarlane; J. N. Freeman, M. P.; John A. Macdonald, M. P.; David McKeen, M. P.; John Mac- Dougald, M. P.; John B. Mills, M. P.; Dr. R. C. Weldon, M. P.; A. C. Bell, ex-M. P. P., and others. IMPERIAL FEDERATION MEETING AT HALIFAX. The Halifax Branch of the Imperial Federation League held a Public Meeting at the Academy of Music, ^lalifax, on the evening of June 4th, 1888, to which all who were in sympathy with the olyects of the League were invited to be present. The purpose of the meeting was to promote the discussion of means whereby the permaitent unity of tiie Empire may be maintained. There were present between seven and eight hundred of representative citizens. The platform was handsomely decorated with flags and bunting. Sir Adams Archibald presided, and among others on the platform were General Sir John Ross, commander of the forces in British North America, then acting Governor-General of Canada; His Grace the Archbishop of Halifax ; Rev, E. F. Murphy, P.P. ; Rev. Canon Partridge^ D.D. ; Mayor O'MuUin, Rev. Dr. Hole, W. 0. Silver, President Chamber of Commerce; Rev. Robert Laing, ex-Mayor Mackintosh, Rev. F. H. Almon, Rev. W. B. King, General Laurie, M. P. ; J. E. Chipman, Judge Motton, Senator Almon, M, B. Daly, ex-M.P. ; Dr. Oliver, Col. Stewart, John F. StairS) ex-M.P. ; Adam Burns, John Doull, Captain Rawson, R.E. ; mVEBXAL I^PEBATION. 8 Joseph Wood, Colonel Lane, 0. H. Cahan, F. Blake Grofton, Provincial Librarian, Prot C. F. Fraser, OoL Wainwright, Dr. Almon, C. rovenients ; and as time goes on soaje developnuint of the idea will gradually take shajie, and result in a scheme which will serve the purposes of an Imv erial constitution. It must be remembered that it was not four years since the League was formed, and already the idea was taking hold of a large and respectable section of the people at tSe heart of the empire, and in every colony. Men are beginning to see that things could not continue as they were. Already the English out of Great Britain are one-quarter the number of those in it, and proportionately are increasing five times as rapidly as they are in the parent country. In fifty years, Englishmen in the colonies will outnumber tho.se at the heart of the Empire. (Cheers). It is as clear that great changes must take place, and are at hand. The Empire must be either a imity, or else broken up into numerou.s fragments. It is our aim to use every means to keep it one. Wo" have united to aid in upholding the prestige and power of the greatest Empire that has ever existed. (Applause). Sir Adams then called upon the Rev. D. M. Gordon to move the first resolution. 12 IMPERIAL FEDERATION. KEV. D. M. GORDON said he did not know what particular object the Committee liad in procuring such a generous sprinkling of clerical speakers, unless it was that they, being so far removed from politics, were better able to look at the question of Imperial Federation with unbiased vision. He suggested as a fitting motto for the League the old ecclesiastical maxim, ** Unity in things essential, Liberty in things non-essential, and Charity in all things." The Rev. Joseph (/ook, the famous American lecturer, had said that the British subject who did not take hold of the matter of Imperial Federation with enthusiasm was a Philistine of the first magnitude. (Laughter.) Something was wanted to weld more firmly together the British Empire. He took for granted that all wished to retain British con- nection. There was a time in the history of the various portions of Canada when a desire to be joined to another country might have sprung up in the breasts of some, but that time had long gone by. (Cheers.) Today no Canadian statesman would dare stand up in Parliament and advocate separation from the mother country." (Renewed cheering.) Should such a question arise he knew not who would be the more loyal, Sir John Macdonald or Alex. Mackenzie. And in the matter of Imperial Federation we had no more eloquent advocate than Edward Blake. (Hear, hear.) We want to continue under the old flag ; but our present connec- tion with the British Empire has not the elements of permanence. In the carrying on of internal affairs M'e are wholly dependent upon the mother country. We are more like subjects than citizens. The desire is for a closer relation of all parts of the empire to each other, and this the Imperial Federation League w.is seeking to effect. On the broad platform of the League all of the British Empire can stand. No distinct scheme had been yet proposed. The League was not com- mitted to any. It seeks to foster public opinion on the subject rather than to place before the people a cut and dried scheme for adoption. No statesman had yet been able to submit a practical plan, and only a dreamer would attempt at this stage to put forward a scheme and expect it to be successful. There were serious difficulties to be met. Fiscal arrangements to suit all the colonies, would be extremely difficult to make ; but not impossible. Difficult qrestions might arise in regard to war, but while we might not be prepared to join England in an aggressive war, we would readily take part in defending the mother country in case of an attack. Then there was the question of repre- sentation in the councils of Great Britain. These were serious questions which must be met at the outset. But they were not insoluble. He believed in the power of British statesmen to handle such questions. (Cheers.) IMPERIAL FEDERATION. 13 Wnen the Colonial Empire of Britain was first acquired, greater difficulties would then have stared any one in the face who might have proposed Imperial Federation. At that time sucjh a proposal was manifestly impi-acticable on account of the distance of the CJolonies from the mother country. That difficulty, however, had passed away through the medium of steam and electricity. To-day it was easier for England to communicate with her remotest Colonies, than it was for the remotest parts of England and Scotland to com- municate at the time those two countries became one. Difficulties must not cause inactivity. We must j?o on until every stone has been rolled away, relying on the ability of our states- men to wrestle with the subject manfully and successfully. The League was doing good work in en'ightening the public. A scheme of Federation to be successful must be " broad-based upon the people's will," The ])eople must demand it and the statesmen must carry it out. Sentiment and opinion will giow until the movement becomes a grand success. (Applause.) He had great pleasure in moving : That this meeting of Halifax citizens desires to express and record its gratifica- tion at the rapid progress nhich the Idea of Imperial Federation has made, alike in Canada and in thb mother country ; and its confident hope that by continued ♦•xertions on the part of i.he League public seutiment will become more and more pronoiuioed in favor of the objects which the League was formed to promote. REV. F. PARTRIDGE, D.D. I arise to second this resolution. If I had taken alarm at the threats of a certain portion of the press of this city, I should not have the honor of seconding this resolution to-night. (Ijaughter.) But part of the reason why I was glad to be here, is that I might proclaim my entire reprobation of the endeavor which has been made to stamp this magnificent cause with the seal of party. (Cheers.) If there is one thing more than anothei- which retards the progress of the Dominion to which we belong, it is the virulence, the narrow-mindedness, the scurrilousness, the determination to impute bad motives, which characterizes the party press. (Hear, hear.) Why should it be necessary to cover with abuse one who differs from you 1 Why should it be a tenet of legitimate political warfare to deny all prescience, all political foresight, all intellectual ability, all common honesty, to those who are on the opposite side of what after all is an open question 1 1 came to this country, Mr. Chairman, twenty years ago, an Englishman, brought up in the straitest sect of conservatism. I am free to confess, that since I have been in this country, I have learned Bo.iuy things undreamt of before. I have learned that Britain has colonies. I have learned that British Colonies have produced 14 IMPERIAL FEDERATION. stAteRtnen of tlie highest order. I have learned that responsible government is safely to bo entrusted to every portion of this vast empire. 1 have learned that outride of Great Britain is a Greater Britain, tha hearts. of whose sons and daughters, if they are only allowed to do so, throb with love to their mother, and who regard the unity and stability of the empire as the highest aim of states- manship. (Cheers.) There are troubhjs in existence. There are strifes and divisions; but God rules. Above the malevolence of party strife, above the contention of creeds and races, infinitely above the smallness of crotchety individuals ; truth ami righteousness and justice abide and shall stand forever ! Therefore, I, as a clergy- man, rejoice to be present. (Cheers.) I am honored in being asked to contiibute to the forward motion of this great idea. I refuse to be included by anonymous writers in the ranks of those who would " stain their skirts with party warfare." I have voted as I have felt. Where there is statesmanlike grip of passing events, where there is boldness and adaptiveness to the times; where there is fearless disregard of petty eonse(iaences ; where there is the patriotic and broad sentiment which has led England through many a difficulty; there am I. Arid I do not hesitate to say, that where these things are, whatever be the name which the world accepts, whatever be the color or badges which distinguishes; there shall my influence help. I refuse therefore to be ticketed, to be accu.sed of pafty manoeuvring. (Cheers.) 1 am here as a citizen of Halifax ; as an adopted son of Nova Scotia ; as a subject of an empire on which the sun never sets. Where love of country and home bears rule; where duty to humanity is the fore- most thought; where opportunities and powers, and historical impetus drive ; there let us tend ; there let us lose party ; there let the best minds of all shades concentrate. (Applause.) The federation of this vast empire is a grand thought Even those whose narrow-minded selfishness and party spirit lead thera to oppose, must admire it. Britain is an empire now such as the world has never seen. Alexander's dream was a great one. When he accomplished it on a very restricted field he died, and his kingdom was divided between four, who could not hold it. Napoleon also strove for universal dominion and lost it at Waterloo. But Britain's Queen reigns over portions of all quarters of the habitable globe. There is no pai't of the earth over which the flag of the free does not Hy, And the tendency of the age is to draw ^\l the parts of her vast empire together. (Hear, hear.) When a few years ago the Russian guns thundered at the gates of Constantinople, and one day's march would have gained them admittance, never more to retire, what drove them back from the goal of their ambition 1 The hand of a trembling old man, tottering with years, but of terrorless instincts, which sent the British fleet up the Dardanelles, and brought the Indian thousands to fight their IMPERIAL FEDERATION. 16 mother's battle ! When England again needed a helping? hand and the scorching Bands cf ^iaMt Africa were slaying her soldievH, what brought the Australian contingent across the ocean but the love of mother England 1 What took Canadian Voyageurs up the Nile, but the desire to participate in the enterprise of the iiritish flag, which ever waves over the oppressed and downtrwlden. (Applause.) It is too late to opiK).«!e In)])erial Federation. (Cheers.^ The sound of it is in the air. (Renewed cheering.) The mighty proposal has been launched and will yet ride the surging seaa What the cause needs is a leader. Let him \ie raised up, and take the tide at the flood, and it shall bear him on to victory. Britain has now an empire such as the world has never seen. She rules the waves and guides the destinies of by far the greater portion of the world. Federateinpf, I believe and maintain that Impi-rial Federation wonld ntrengthen rathe** than weaken the prospects of Homo Rule. (Loud Apfdause.) My own conviction in that Ireland's right to self-government will bo recognized in a very short time ; tlien Federation would perfect and Hafeguard it. But should my conviction not be realized in the near future, what possible injury could Federation do to Ireland 1 Is not the overwhelming majority of Canada, of Australia and other self- governing provinces in favor cf Home Rnlel (C'heering.) And if federated would not ihat vast majority, thus bound together, act to some purpose in obtaining for their fellow citizens their proper place as arbiters of their local affairs? Certainly reason, their own feel- ings, and the logic events, would lead to this. Hence we look upon this apprehension of Homo Kulers as groundless ; whilst on the other hand we can conclude that the local rights of each factor of federa- tion will be secured and made |)ermanent by Imperial Federation. But whilst wo thus unhesitatingly assert, and are prepared to defend the untrarameled action of local parliaments over local affairs, and whilst we yield to none in love for the principle of free responsible government, still we think the time is at hand, or is just approaching, when a federation of the various countries of the Empire must Ik) made for the common benefit of its parts. I shall, briefly dwell on this point. The observant student of our progres- sive development must be convinced that Canada, at least, cannot remain much longer in its embryotic stage of existence. All its pulses are throbbing with the rich blood of a young and vigorous life ; its organism has well nigh reached perfection ; and its intel- lectual faculties are keenly alive to the grandeur of its destiny. (Cheers.) All, 1 think, admit that a change must soon come. Now, as we ore, I trust, too sensible to fall into anarchy, one of three courses is open to us — independence, annexation, or federation. Practically we are independent now, so far as real freedom of government is concerned. We have all the blessings of liberty without the cost of supporting a monarchy and without the social demoralization of a Presidential campaign. (Applause and laughter.) I take it that the wiser part of this Dominion will be in no hurry to exchange this cheaply maintained liberty, for the very doubtful benefits of a costly independence as a monarchy, or for that national decadence which has ever dogged the steps of every republic the world has ever known. (Cheera, ) What shall we say of annexation 1 There are, I doubt not> a few unreflecting Canadians who sigh for annexation, (laughter) misled by the catch cry of a vast market for our farm products, and dazzled by visions of untold wealth sure to fall, not like a summer shower, but like an autumn down-pour, over an annexed Canada. (Laughter.) 18 IMPERIAL FEDESATIOIf. Men will have their delusions, (Renewed laughter) harmless ones at times ; but hurtful a^so on other occasions. And some men too will cloao their eyes to passing events and become, not dreamers of a grand and noble dream, but fretful bewailerti of a past that can never return. (Applause.) Let us, as reasonable men, compare the condition of farmers in Canada with th»».t of fai-mers in the United States. What do we find 1 Will any man, who knows whereof he speaks, dare assert that our agricultural population i.s behind that of the United States in education, in refinement of manners, in material comforts, or in moral and civic virtue 1 I am not now arguing, nor do I intend to argue, from a sentimental standpoint. I am a Cana- dian, loyal to Canada, proud of her, devoted to her (Cheers) ; but, so far as the " old flag " argument is concerned, I leave that to those who may think it a valid one. It is chiefly, if not wholly, to the good of Canada that I am looking. If then, it is certain, as it is certain, that the Canadian farmer is fully as prosperous, as free, and more clear of debt than his brother in the United States, what inducement is there for him to sink his national aspiration, and to become an insignificant factor of an uncogonial community ] Surely there is none. And yet those who have been asleep for the last ien or fifteen years (I.aughtei-) tell of the fabulous prices which farm products would bring were we only annexed to the United States. Sir, the prices of the past can never be realized again. Fourteen years ago oats sold readily in P. E. I., for fifty cents a bushel. We had, some will say, reciprocity then. Yes ; but to-day oats can be bought for much less than that in New York. Pork, at that time, found a ready market at eight cents, — now it can be bou^";ht tor I'ss than six in New York. And so we might go through the list of farm products and we would find that allowing for the expense of transportation these products are nearly as cheap in New York as in P. E. I. or Nova Scotia. And with the still further opening uj) of the farming lands of the Western States, the cheapening of the cost of production, and increased facilities of transportation, it is more than probable that all the products of the farm will be cheaper in New York and Boston than in Halifax or Montreal. It is time for men who pretend to lead public opinion to wake up to the changed conditions of the agricultural industry in the past decade ; and to the still greater changes in the near future. (Cheers.) There is another small section of Canadians in favor of annexation. Some are men of intellectual parts, ^nd fired with aspiration-s of political greatness. (Laughter.) They think they perceive a wider tield for the successful employment of their talents in an annexed Canada. (Renewed laugter.) To these I would merely say: become one of us ; hslp to lay broad and deep the foundation of a world- circling power. It will afford ample scope for all legitimate ifimbitions, and be a work worthy of the mightiest intellects. IMPERIAL FEDERATION. 19 (Cheers.) Tliere are, however, otliei*8 of this section, loss worthy of respect. They are men who have i.ot courage to face great national prolilenia, but think it wistlom to become the Cassandras of every noble undertaking. These num have for leader and niouth[)iece Gold win Smith, the peripatetic prophet of pessimism. (Laughter and applause.) Because forbooth, his own life has been a dismal failure, — because his overweaning vanity was badly injured in its collision with Canadian common sense, — because we would not take phrases void of sense for apothegms of wisdom, he, the fossilized enemy of local autoncmy, (Applause) and the last defender of bigotry, has put his feel)le curse on Canadian nationality, and assumed the leadership of the gruesoiue crowd of atrs. Gummages, (Laughter and cheers) who see no future for Canada but vassalage to ihe United States. Let them, if it so pleases, wring their hands in cowardly dispair. But are we, the decendants of mighty races, the inheritors of a vast patrimony, the heirs of noble traditions, so poor ill resources, or so degenerate as to know no foiin of action save the tears and hand wringings of dismal forebodings '? It is an insult, and should be resented as such, to Ije told that annexation is our destiny. ( Prolonged cheering. ) The promoters of Imperial Federation are called dreamers. Well, their dream is at least an ennobling one — one that appeals to all the noble sentiments of manhood. But what we are to say to the dreaiv prophets of e /il, the decriers of their country, the traitors of their magnificent inheritance 1 They are not dreamers ; the^ are the dazed victims of a hideous nightmare, to be kindly reasoned with when sincere ; to be remorselessly thrust aside when acting the demagogue. (Cheers.) The principle of Canadian nationality has taken too firm a hold of our peoj)le to permit them to merge their distinct life in that of a nation whose institutions give no warrant of pernianancy, as they alibrd no guarantee of real individual and religious liberty. (Renewed cheers.) Independence then and annexation being both out of the question there remains Imperial Federation. As we have shown it does not intrench on local rights, but presupposes them, and ensures their continuance. We are taunted with not offering a detailed plan of federation. Well this taunt simply proves that we are not of the school of doctrinaire fools, who think that a constitution may be written out somewhat after the manner of a geometi'ical demonstra- tion, by reasoning from abstract principles, and theoretical identities. (Laughter.) The man of theory iu mechanics will tell you that in such a system of pulleys a power of such a value will raise a weight of so many pounds ; but the practical mechanic knows that it will not. Allowance must be made for friction, for the i-igidity of cordage and for other impediments. And so in the work of planning constitutions, the practical wisdom to be gained by experience, by 20 IMPERIAL FEDERATION. interchange of views, and by a careful study of interests involved is required ; not the crude theories of abstract re^soners. When the Barons of England, headed, I ^^y/^^f' "^ yj;^; ^'^ "^ archbishop, made a stand for constitutional Ireedom they were satisfied to lay down a few general principles, leaving it Jo the ex- perience of successive generations to develop and mould them into organic shape. So it is with us. We move now o" broad lines thl resolution in hand indicates the general outline of the fedeiaton idea, but only intelligent discussion, patient labor on the P^J^^f " «^ n e;ery portion of the empire, and widening knowledge of mutua :^mme?cial interests can fill in the details. All this will come m £0™d time ; all this is fast approaching. The problem of Impejial Federation will soon be ripe for solution, then it will be solved. ^""fionsLn, if they will, rise to the height of tj-ir destiniea The seeming puzzles of to-day v.ill be the sport of /«hool boys to-morrow. \Ve, Canadians, with our untold sources of -^^«lth an^ our unsurpassed facilities by sea and land, would be the veriest cravens that ever disgraced humanity, were we to fold our hands m helpless despondency, and shrink from facing the national prob em tha? confronts us. Loud applause ) Placed between the old t me usages of Europe, and the more flippant manners of the United States, we have learned what to avoid in the laws of each and now stand forth as the model of liberty that is not license, and of ordei born of justice and nourished by a respect for mutua rights. W ith all these advantages we are fitted to be, and wo will surely be, the prime factor in Imperial Federation. (Cheers.) „ „f „„^ ^ Let us realize the vastness of our resources, the advantages of our situation, and, as a consequence, our responsibility to the h "man race The blessing which we enjoy we should seek to diffuse ; this we can do by helping to build up a federation of autonomous, «tate« un ted not for purposes of aggression but for *he niaintenanco of mutua rights aid the protection of common intere^ts-a f«osition and hostile criticism on the one hand, from those who have not taken the trouble to inform themselves upon its merits; and on. the other hand from those who hesitate not to declare their ]>refereuce for the disintegration rather than the consolidation of the Empire. However, the opposition that this Agitation has evoked, wiJl greatly aid in the development of the mm ■'&i^iMimaS'^WMii&§i 24 IMPERIAL FEDERATION. deteils of the scheme. Opposition is the life of every agitation as well as of trad(\ Denude this movement of legitimate opposition and free discussion, and you at once eliminate from it the principal element of its success. Without a vigorous, outspoken, healthy op|x>sition in the initial stages of the agitation we might reasonably presage failure and absolute discomtiture. (Cheers.) But the kind of opposition we have met with from those who prefer disintegration of the Ck)Ionial Empire and annexation to the United States, need not give us any trouble. They are a mere handful. And if, you, Sir Adams, were to take a standing vote at this meeting, on .this resolution, you would find the numerical strength of the minority to which I refer, would be so insignificant that it would not be sufficient to form a respectable corporal's guard. (Cheers.) We cheerfully invite the opposition of those who will discuss the matter upon its merits — divesting it of party and everything calculated to impugn the motives of its supporters:. We appeal to this meeting as we hope to appeal to every loyal Canadian to assist their fellow-colonists throughout the vast Colonial Empire in seeking consolidation — and that thereby we may become an integral portion of the realm of Great Britain — inviting in closer and more enduring fellowship and union the hearts of millions predisposed to loyalty and fvffection. Non-interference with existing rights of colonial parliam.nits is guaranteed; the scheme ])roposed, subject to the approvrU of the Colonists, is such as shall combine on an equitable basis the resources of the Empire for the " maintenance of common interests, and adequately provide for an organized defence of common rights." (Cheers.) And further adopting the language of the League literature, we invite the unity of sympathy, interest, purpose, of every lover of his country's welfare. The consummation of all this is in- evitable, only a question of time, when the details are perfected. We are simply asking in the resolutions offered to night, the affirmation of a gland idea, embodying a sentiment that will find a responsive echo in every loyal breast — the ultimate fruition of which will be "unity of the Empire in the bonds of friendship and permanent alliance — that will be a guarantee of peace and consequently of the advancement of the human race." It will not be until this federation is thus accomplished that the world will be able to realize the true greatness and surpassing magnitude of the British Empire. Truly the Rev. Dr. Partridge in his aggressive address, inspired me with martial ardour, and I was rejoiced when I found he had not committed me to a declaration of war ; for, I must confess that if in an unguarded moment I had done so, it is not unlikely I would have followed the example of the ^ilor, who in one of Nelson's battles, was found upon his knees on the deck of the vessel praying amidst the fire of shot and shell, and, when asked by his officer what he was praying for, replied that he was ''praying that the shots might be ^- IMPERIAL FEDERATION. t5 divided like the prize money — the largest share aruongsfc the officers." (Laughter.) I hope that when this movement is thoroughly appreciated, and its principles are understood by all classes of our fellow- colonists in Canada ; that, lifted above the mire and mists of party and fairly out of the old ruts, there will be such an unanimity of sentiment that the accomplishment of Imperial Federation will be greatly accelerated. (CheerH.) The people desire more information upon the subject, therefore, let the literature of the League be more widely diaseminated. With the large display of National bunting — emblems of England's greatness — surrounding the platform, it occurs to me, that I cannot better conclude than by quoting from a poem written by the late Hon. Joseph Howe, on the " Old Flag " : "beneath it the emblems they cherished are waving — The rose of Old England the roadside perfumes, The Shamrock and Thistle the North winds are braving, Securely the Mayflower blushes and blooms." And speaking of England : " Every flash of her genius ova pathway enlightens — Every field she explores we are beckoned to tread. Each laurel she gathers, our future day brightens — We joy with her living, and mourn for her dead." The second resolution was then unanimously approved by the audience. W. C. SILVER. The Federation of the Empire is a grand and far-reaching ques- tion, fraught with most momentous issues, and affects the well-being of a larger number of people than any other now before the world. Some of the keenest intellects of the day tell us, and we accept it as truth, that this Empire, which for a thousand years or more has braved the fierce storms of war abroad and political strife at home, ever growing stronger in the field, and wiser and more liberty- loving in the forum, until a position of power and extent of territory has been reached such as the world never saw before, (Cheers) the home and centre of liberty, justice and order — that this, our noble patrimony, bought and preserved for us by the blood of the noblest and best of her sons, which has been shed so freely in her behalf in all ages of her history, has arrived at a stage in which confederation — a drawing closer together of her vast domains — or else disintegration is inevitable. We simply accept the first, and will maintain it by every proper and lawful means with all our might, believing the last to be fraught with manifold and great evils to the Empire and the world. We believe that thus the se IMPERIAL FEDERATION. future portce of the world will be more assured and that a United Empire means not civil war but an extension of the principles which assure bleHHed peace. (Cheers.) Wo trust that when our aims and the means through which we are battling to j)ronioto them are fully made known, the vast majority of the people of the IJritish Isles at home, and the Oolonists abroad, will approve of them as a whole, and that thus the force of public opinions will insure their accomplishment in due time. At this early stage we have much to do on the platform and through the press, for many are not yet with us who, wo feel, are our friends at heart. A widely circulated and influential trade journal, published at Toronto, tells its readers, in alluding to Imperial Federation, that Canada has been ruling her own affairs for more than one hundred years, and that it is too late to expect her to hand over the administration of lior internal government to a IJritish Parliamire, never had our consent. They were enacted when Canada's whole population would liardly count one million, and when Australia and the Ca|Hi were of still less account. We v.eu; then in oui- infancy, our consent was not asked. We have now grown to manhood. VVe ask for a conference of the Colonics that these trade relations may be fully discussed. In the discussion of thfse (pit^stions we have a very great ii\tere8t. Surely the changed conditicms of the Colonies, their increa.sed population — an increase so rapid that it is threefold greater than the increase in (ircat Britain, — thechangu us. Wo (M)uKl turn to Austraiiu and iitul protluctH of ('anada, notably, tlie products of the forest, in di'iniind there, which nnd«M* a friendly tariff would erial Federation is to ho found tlie true solution of the trade prol)letnR agitating tlio United Kingdom, \vhile it will give to Canada bettor niark(-ts for her sur[iluR natural prodn(!tH than any reciprocity treaty with the United States which we have ever enjoyed or whi<'h has ever heen p;oponed. (Applause.) In niantifactures ('unada could not expect to compete with the TJnited States for many years, if ever ; and of natural products the United St^ites, with few exceptions, exports a surplus of what (/anada has to sell. When ocmsidering this aspect of Imperial Federation we must remember that if our agitation anion iit.s to any- thing, sooner or later, the question of special trade advantages between all parts of the Empire must be faced ; if they can be eecured it nuist bo admitted much will have lieen d i r towards securing Imperial PVderation. (Applauf>e.) Dit^icultie^ v stand in the way, bnt of one thing we niay be sure it will noi > Canada or any of the self-governing Colonies which will raise tl but tho mother country; and even in lier case they will not be found insurmountable, since to English statesmen the question of dia- n)end)erment of the Empire has now become a practical one ; to avoid it they are looking now for some means to consolidate the Empire ; and so iniportant do some of them consider it that they will be willing to go a long way in making concessions to the (/olonies, even, if necessary, to sacrificing the free trade policy of the past forty years. (Hear, hear.) When we claim that the colonies should be placed upon a better footing in the Engbsh markets than foreign cour.tries, we ar(i often asked : " What argument 1 You have now as free access to her markets as any other country. Everything you send there goes in free of duty ; whil '. everything England wishes to sell to Canada is taxed." To this we reply : " Exactly so, we treat their goods as we ao goods from the United States ; they treat our? "^s they do goods from the United S.ates." Can they blame us 1 As they did unto us BO have we done unto them. But whose fault is it that the Colonies treat England as they treat France, the United States, or any foreign country 1 Not the fault of the Colonies certainly. Does any one for a moment suppose that slight advantages given to the Colonies in her markets by England, about the time responsible government wag being given to them, or the continuance of those they had many years fkgo, would not have secured for all time to English r =TW?WBP^ 30 IMPERIAL FEDERATION. [t > I 1 III i jirtizans and opeiutives advantages in the Colonial markets over those of all foreign countries. (Cheers.) But this is not all by any raeansj. Can England blame us, when she places in her treaties, provisif>ns which Hbsolutely, according the interpretations put upon them by her own law oiRcers, prevent the colonies giving her any advantages in their tarifl's they do not to foreign nations? Could ahoit-sightedness have gone further? Are Canadian or Australian statesmen responsiide for this? And if, for instance, Canada were disposed to admit English cott(ni goods at 10 per cent duty, can the Manciiester manufacturer say anything to us for not doing so, if English statesmen should say : " No, you must not do it, unless you let American cotton goods in as well." (Ajiplause.) We are told this is the present state of affairs ; if true, we should not rest until everything in England's treaties with foreign nations which prevents the colonie.s treating Englaml in any manner they like is abrogated, anil only that retained which regards' ail this vast enipii'e as a unit. I have much pleasure in seconding this lesolution. (Ap[)lause). PROB\ C. F. ERASER. I was prepared to speak for an hour and a half upon Im])erial Federation, but considei'ing the lateness of the hour, I have no desire to impose upon the good nature of the audience, therefore I will occu]iy but a minute and a half in the remarks that J am about to make. The unrestricted debate in the Canadian Commons (laughter) upon reci[)rocity b tween Canada and the United States, and upon Commercial Union, has proved beyond the question of a doubt that annexation to the United States would I j the logical outcome of the policy of unrestricted reciprocity or conunercial union. At the same time it is quite evident that Canada cannot for a long- time continue to occupy the secondary position of a colony of Great Britain, and that as Canadian independence is V>oth undesiiable and impracticable, the future can hold in store for us, but one of the two courses now open to us, — either ^> ^aexation or Imperial Federation. Annexation is distasteful to the people of Canada,— first, because it involves the dissolution of the union which at present exists between Great Britain and this country j an I second, because the form of government adopted by the United Statf^s would give to our people no guarantee of permanency, while it also contra'-ts unfavorably with the modified form of the British constitution, under which we now enjoy as great a degree of liberty as that filling to the lot of any people under the sun. Closer federation within the Empire would preserve ^o our posterity^'all the rights and privileges of British subjects, and would entitle them to share in the gloriaus vM'm' IMPERIAL FEDERATION. SI heritage of British traditions, British conquests, British acquisitions and British enterprise. (Cheers.) If through the good offices of the J^ederation .^ague, the Colonies can secure material advanttiges as well as preserve sentimental ties of kin P.ui k:+,h, then we niay hope to see as the outcome of this movement a world-wide empire compared with which the Empire of the invincible Macedonian would appear small indeed. (Cheers.) Every patriotic Nova bcotian, every true Canadian, .should give this movement his hearty and unqualified support, so that the day of its consumnmtion may be hastened, till we in this countiy are no longer British Colonists or British subjects merely, but British citizens. (Applause.) The audience then unanimou.sly opproved of the thiid resolution. The meeting closed at 10.30 p. m., the band playing while the large audience joined in singing "God Save the Queen." ViVAT Reqina.