Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/219

 "'It is already apparent that you have set before yourself the task of giving effect, so far as may be practicable, to that feeling in favour of closer union between the mother country and the colonies, which is growing in intensity all over the Empire.

"'…What we want is some cheap and ready means of bridging over the chasm of distance between our people and the millions of their colonial kindred, of restoring the broken arch in their communications and the severed link in their sympathies, of weaving the innumerable delicate threads of private and family affection into a mighty strand that shall bind the Empire together, and resist any strain from our foes or the Fates. We want it now, while we are threatened; now while crafty rivals would replace us, and our wares and our rule; now while our far-off kinsmen are showing us in touching and inspiring fashion their loyalty to the Queen and their love for the Old Country. Such a measure as we are discussing would be instantly understood as Britannia's reply to all this love and loyalty; not only in colonial exchanges and market-places, but wherever a British axe rang in a clearing, or a British hunter stalked the wilds; aye, and in the closets of European statesmen, too. The time is opportune; all we want is a Minister who will seize the opportunity from which our Post Office has turned away.'

"This appeal was not thrown away. Next year, on the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the colonial Premiers were assembled in London, and met Mr Chamberlain on June 24th, 1897, when the English Minister made the following memorable declaration:

"'I should also mention the desire which is widely felt, and which I share, for an improved postal communication with the colonies. I believe that that matter rests entirely with the colonies themselves, and that they have revenue difficulties in the matter