The Globe. SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1275, 20 April 1878, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1878.

“ England and her Colonics ” forms the subject of an article which appears in the January number of Frazer's Magazine. In the present aspect of affairs, anything ■which contributes to the elucidation of the great cpiestiou of the relationship of the different parts of the Empire, should be interesting to a large number of our readers. Inoppositiou to those who hold a different view, the writer maintains that England and her Colonies do form one state, having certain constitutional theories, definite commercial and industrial tendencies, and specific social aspirations. It is true that the various members which make up the State are scattered over the globe, but when we compare England’s position and that of Russia, it will bo seen that the ocean gives us much greater facilities for communication than contiguous territory gives the subjects of the Czar. We need not discuss the cpiestiou of whether it is to the interest of the various colonies to continue members of the Empire, for nearly all agree that it is. Even those few who hold that these colonies will develop into free Empires, admit that the peaceful separation is still in the distant future. The practical question before British and Colonial statesmen is—how best to maintain her honour and integrity as she exists at present. The writer of the article points out that the question resolves itself into two divisions —the defence of the “ hearths and homes ” of each portion of the State, and the maintenance of communication between the several parts. The first division-self-defence—-is the duty of the local authorities, and “ when we consider the great ease, in these days of big guns and torpedoes, with which ports are rendered safe even from the attack of ironclads, it is evident that what is required to be done would be insignificant in cost and in quantity, and might prove of vital importance.” The article, after pointing out in what way our ports should be defended, goes on to discuss the other and moie difficult question-—-that of the maintenance of communication. Foi a long time the British Boot, with its chief bases at Portsmouth and Devonport, has been the guardian of these communications. But in these days of steam and ironclads, the conditions have altered. Coal is a necessary item in the materials of war, and for their effectiv o existence our ships must always bo in the neighbourhood of a port for refitting, The writer therefore suggests the establishment of minor arsenals in various parts of the Empire, "Were this done, it would be possible to have an ironclad of the “Devastation” type stationed in the neighbourhood of each, which would act as a sentinel, and warn off hostile cruisers. Were England engaged in a great war, her fleet would be more or less scattered over the world, but her ships would always bo within reach of a fortified arsenal, and thus be able to act with dangerous effect against almost any other foe. These impregnable ports would bo the centres of the local supply of torpedos, torpedo boats, and trained men to direct their working. The superior economy and efficiency, the writer points out, of such a plan are obvious, over one which should merely distribute these means of defence in time of peace. The “outlying interests” of the Empire, it is stated in the article, may be conveniently divided into six groups. The North American, which already possesses an arsenal at Halifax; the Mediterranean, provided with Malta; the i;West Indian, with Bermuda; the West American, which should have an arsenal at Esquimau!!; India and the Straits, which should have a dockyard at Bombay or in Ceylon; the South African, which should have a centre in Simon’s Bay; and the Australian, which should have' a dockyard at Sydney or Melbouro. Those strategical points, of course, should be in the possession of the Imperial authorities, who should arm them and place an efficient garrison in each. In addition, a number of fortified coaling stations are suggested. There are coalfields in India, Labuau, Vancouver's Island, Now Zealand, Natal, and other colonial possessions, but most of them undefended. Were these and the woll-stored coal depots ip opr possession all over the world fortified, our supremacy at eea would bo secured

beyond a doubt. As already stated, those fortified points should bo in the hands of tho Imperial authorities, and garrisoned by them. These troops would be placed, not so much for local defence as general welfare, but their presence would bo a standing evidence of the unity of tho Empire, and of the great power of this unity. In course of time recruits would bo drawn from the ranks of tho colonists, and ultimately it might bo expedient oven to extend the “ localisation of the forces ” scheme and give new regiments colonial titles. “ Tho evident tendency of tho future,” says tho writer, “is that tho provisional distinctions of mother country and colonies should melt and coalesce into tho conception of the Empire as a whole. And tho powers of this must be represented by an armed force. The Imperial force may be further regarded as a species of military school, from which there should bo from time to time drafted into the local forces trained leaders to infuse into the fighting power of the Empire, whether local or , foreigngoing, a unity of method keeping pace with the military science of tho day.” In addition to the means of defence we have stated, tho writer urges the importance of the mercantile marine being so constructed as to be able to ship a heavy gun or two if required. Tho fleet of the P. and 0. Company alone, if but slightly armed, could, it is said, in time of war. clear the seas of all vessels of tho “ Alabama ” typo. Tho article concludes with a statement of what tho Imperial Government is doing in tho direction indicated. During the year 1876-7 there was spent—on Malta £50,000, Gibraltar £16,000, Halifax £IO,OOO, West Indies £IO,OOO, Cape £IB,OOO, Trincomalee £4OOO, Hong Kong £34,000, Esquimault £SOOO, Shanghai £2OOO, Sydney £2OOO. It will thus bo seen that the scheme discussed has been actually commenced, and in course of time may bo fully developed,