Poland to Kamschatka, or of an America striding from the Atlantic to the Pacific, can be grasped readily enough. The British Empire, scattered in fragments over the world, linked only by ocean routes, comprising nationalities without end, embodying governments varying from the severe Crown colony type to practical independence, and bound together by commercial interests of the highest complexity, is at present within the realisation only of the few. The average Englishman reads of Greater Britain much as of Central Africa; and the Board schools, while able to find room for superfluities of all kinds, have so far failed in one of their first duties. Meanwhile the House of Commons. appears to grow steadily less qualified for dealing with imperial questions. A House animated by the true spirit of an imperial policy would have long ago demanded a comprehensive scheme of defence based upon real needs, and would have insisted upon readiness for war as the first necessity of national existence. The future is darkened by many clouds. Possible causes of war abound, some of which do not lie wholly within our control; since a wronged colony may lose patience and claim a support which could not be denied. Great Britain cannot afford to trust to the European chapter of accidents, or to leave her safety to the chance combinations which serve to fascinate the military speculator. She must be prepared to hold her own, relying only on her inherent resources, and on the great natural advantages she possesses, so long as no attempt is made to involve a little standing army in a giant struggle among the armed nations of the Continent. While there is yet time, it is necessary, not only to make material preparations for the day of trial, but to arrive at some clear understanding as to the first principles of action. Are we to qualify for admission to the central alliance on terms which-so it is implied-are of Prince Bismarck's making, and hand over to others the control of our action? Above all, are we to defend India from India, as an Indian Officer' so strongly maintains; or prepare to sweep the Caucasus with Turkish armies, and place British gunboats upon the Caspian? Questions such as these cannot safely await an answer till events inexorably demand it, and while they remain in dispute there is no solid ground on which to base imperial defence. In the striking lines put into the mouth of a messenger,' Shakespeare tells the whole story of national indecision: 'Among the soldiers this is muttered— That here you maintain several factions; And whilst a field should be despatched and fought One would have ling'ring wars with little cost; Let not sloth dim your honours. END OF VOL. CLXIX. No. CCCXLVII. will be published in July. 593 INDEX. A America, United States of, review of Mr. Firth's book, 'Our Kin American Commonwealth, the, review of Mr. Bryce's work on, 481- Apocrypha, the, review of Professor Wace's edition of, in 'Speaker's Artillery, Royal, review of Report of Committee on, 242-condition of, Aschrott, Dr., his work on the 'English Poor Law System' reviewed, B Boiteau, P., his work on the state of France in 1789 reviewed, 519. C Candolle, A. de, his 'Origin of Cultivated Plants' reviewed, 448. Chaudordy, Comte de, his work on France in 1889 reviewed, 519. Chute, C. W., his history of Vyne House reviewed, 44. Cockburn, Lord, review of two of his works, 379-his childhood, 380 Colomb, Capt. J. C. R., his book on the defence of Great and Greater Ꭰ Darmesteter, J., his 'Letters on India' reviewed, 1. Defence, British Imperial, review of works upon, 552-apathy con- D'Enghien, le Duc, review of M. H. Welschinger's life of, 351-his |