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IMPERIAL UNITY. the country, and I believe now, as I have always believed, that no solution will be found, except in connection with an even greater question, with which statesmen will be face to face before the twentieth century has run a quarter of its course, viz., the relations between the mother country and her Colonies. The feeling is growing, not only at home but in the Colonies, that it is unjust that the taxpayers of the mother country should practically bear the whole burden of the defence of the Empire. It is true that the Colonies have done something in regard to local defence, and that they have in some cases voluntarily come forward and offered to contribute to the general defence. But in their present stage of development they are not able to contribute substantially; and it is certain that they would not do so unless they had a voice in the control of the expenditure. When the Colonies are ready to bear their share of Imperial burdens, the Home Rule question may be satisfactorily solved. 51