7
the English House of Commons, but to vote only when questions affecting the Colonial Empire are before the House. England will readily consent to this, because it will be a step towards Imperial Federation. They will represent Australasia in Great Britain, whilst the Governor-General will represent British sovereignity here. Such are the details of the scheme (briefly dealt with because of limitation of words), and it only remains that its practicability be affirmed.
It is Practicable.
In proof of this bare assertion we shall further on give three historical examples from modern times. As a matter of fact the "thin edge of the wedge" has been inserted. We have really, though unconsciously, began the great work. Our intercolonial railways and telegraphs, into and through other colonies, are proofs of this. Two conferences have been held, the last of which was styled "Federal Council," and was held at Hobart Town in February of this year (1889). Admittedly there are difficulties to be overcome, the greatest of which is its basis, that is, shall it be a free trade or protective one? It is generally understood that it must be the former. Against its practicability it is argued that the tendency of each colony is now towards Protection. Even New South Wales is gradually becoming so. We share the conviction of others that when such is the case and each colony has a "war of tariffs" with each other, then, as a natural result, a reaction will set in and free trade will be the cry. Its base must be that of intercolonial free trade, and probably absolute free trade to the world.
As to its cost it is practicable, because it will be divided pro rata between the colonies according to population. Our present cost is very heavy. We find that the seven Colonial Governors receive for salaries alone £42,000 per year, and if special allowances, etc., are added it will be more than £60,000. We are not now dealing with Governor's residences or maintenance of same, but simply their salaries as against those of the Federal Parliament, as follows:—A Governor-General would get £12,000 per year; seven Colonial Governors at £2,500 each; twenty-one Representatives at £1,500 each; and seven High Commissioners at £2,000 each. This will amount to about £79,000 per year, or an excess on salaries of £19,000.
Now, by reducing the number of members in the Lower House of each colony where payment of members is made a very large sum each year may be saved. Then if we add interest of money and expenditure saved on residences and furnishing, etc., and all the extras that our Colonial Governors would not want, we think the entire cost of the Federal Empire will be very little more than our present form of Government. But supposing it were even more, it would be money well spent, because it would mean very great national progress. Again, it is practicable, because it is in accord with the democratic spirit of the age. The voice of the people is heard and its effects seen, first, in the representatives in Parliament, and then in the election of the Colonial Governors by the people.
