Taking the view of Sir Robert Peel first, we all agree in theory that, burdened as we are with our extra-European interests, it would be highly convenient if we could act as though Europe were not. But, unfortunately, as time goes on, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we cannot escape by any possibility from the direct influence of, and intimate contact with, the continental powers.
For instance, our dealings with the world outside Europe have multiplied enormously since 1850, and, strangely enough, it is these which have brought us into closer contact with Europe. That was the inwardness of Bismarck's meaning when he said that he could defend the German colonies "against France, at the gates of Metz; or against England, in Egypt." Or again, it is well known that the Boers, during the years prior to the last South African War, were guided in the main outline of their policy by the knowledge that some sympathies in Europe were on their side. Thus nowadays, our critics in Europe, without lifting a finger or moving a gun, cross the sea without ships, stand impalpably in the battle, and mulct us in treasure and in blood.
Or again, it is Europe which enters vitally into our domestic finance, and actually determines to a very considerable extent our internal economy. For not only is the immense bulk of our national debt due to our past wars in Europe, but to-day the barometer of our army and navy estimates
