The Globe. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1878.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1391, 31 July 1878, Page 2

The Globe. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1878.

The appointment of the Marquis of Lome to the Governor-Generalship of Canada, is another indication of the nature of tho policy which the British Cabinet is adopting in connection with the colonies. It is a proof that tho Imperial Government aro anxious to cultivate the sentiment of loyalty which exists in tho breast of nearly every subject of tho empire. A few years ago it was the fashion among tho statesmen in power to maintain that the colonies ought to ho abandoned at tho earliest opportunity. This anti-imperial doctrine is still held by a powerful class of political writers. The “ positive” aud “ material” tendency of tbo views of a certain set of thinkers, and tho instincts of a section of the middle classes in England, foster such a view. They ask what would England lose by separation from her colonies; and maintain that not only would tho mother country not suffer a loss by tho change, she would actually bo a gainer, not only in peace but in war. More recently, however, a striking change lias taken place in tho sentiments of those in power, aud there is now but little danger of tho empire gradually shrinking till nothing is left of it but “ two small islands.” The love of empire properly understood —that is “ tho instinct of self-development and expansion” —has been held by a great writer to bo an unfailing symptom of lusty and vigorous life in a people, and the decline of such a feeling is always the result of luxurious imbecility aud selfish sloth. Those who at present guide the affairs of the Empire cannot bo charged with a desire to retard its growth. Not only in their dealings with the colonies, but in their foreign policy generally, the interests of tho Empire aro the first consideration. The Auglo-Turkish Convention is hardly concluded, aud the Island of Cyprus occupied by British troops, before wo hear of another stop which will no doubt tend to still further strengthen tho hold on India. The Island of Socotra, situated in tho Arabian Sea, near tho entrance to tho Red Sea, has been annexed. A glance at the map will show how valuable it may become in

tlio event of war. Gibaralter, Malta, Cyprus, Aden, Socotra, aro all so many stages on the road lo India, -which wo could ill-aiford to see in the possession of a powerful rival. The of tho son-in-law of the Queen to important post of Governor-General of the Dominion of Canada is in keeping with the recent acts of Earl Beaconsfield’s Government, and one which should commend itself to tho inhabitants of other colonics as well. It is a tribute to tho sentement of loyalty which every lover of his country cherishes. The onslaught of that “candid and plain-spoken friend” of tho Government —Dr. Wallis—must have taken tho Ministerialists by surprise. Tho criticism of the lion, member for Auckland City West was as uncompromisingly hostile as anything that has appeared in the columns of tho much abused Opposition journals. His description of tho character of tho Cabinet, composed of such discordant elements, Conservative, Radical, and Moderate, was as severe as tho most determined opponents of the Government could wish. Ho characterised tho administration of tho departments of education, justice, and public works, as most unsatisfactory. Ho criticised tho conduct of Ministers in flying all over tho country during tho recess, instead of attending to their duties. Ho contrasted their speeches while in opposition and their conduct while in office ; ho condemned tho nso they had been making of the Hinomoa. Ho thought that their scheme of financial reform really meant increasing the burden of taxation. What had become of manhood suffrage, lie asked, which tho Premier had so eloquently and persistently advocated? All this and more the versatile doctor hurled against the Government. Had the speech been delivered by a promnont member of tho Opposition it would have been considered bitter enough, but from the mouth of a candid friend, it must indeed have boon gall and wormwood to tho occupants of the Ministerial benches.