THE GLOBE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1882. COLONIAL FEDERATION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2669, 26 October 1882, Page 2

THE GLOBE THURSDAY, OCTOBER COLONIAL FEDERATION.

The question of the federation of the Australasian colonies has been before the world for a length of time. It was discussed by delegates from tho various colonies some few years ago, and nothing camo of it, but it still holds a prominent place among the thoughts of politicians. Sir Henry Partes brought tho matter strongly forward during his trip to England, and, after his return to New South Wales, eloquently referred to the advantages of such a anion. It is, however, the general opinion that the proposal is a premature one, because theideas of tho several colonies are,-as yet, too divergent on some most important points. The principal of these, of course, is the tariff question. While Victoria holds to her Protectionist views it will be impossible that a thorough federal compact should bo entered into. The Victorians seemed wedded to their ideas on this subject, and nothing but the stern logic of facts will ever convince them of tho fallacy of their arguments. The rapid manner in which New South Wales is overhauling Victoria in prosperity will do more towards enforcing the true basis of federalization than any amount of talking either outside or inside tho walls of Parliament. A union where the members were at variance on this most important question would be far from desirable. There are enthusiasts in Melbourne who imagine that, if once joined together, their colony would fee able to enforce its views on the other units of the federal compact, but there can bo little doubt that bad would be made worse in such a case, and serious consequences might possibly be the result. It would be like a man being joined in tho bonds of wedlock with a woman of a totally different temperament. Unjoined there is some chance of their getting along comfortably together in the same house, but once the mystic knot has been tied, then farewell to all peace and comfort ; the home becomes a scene of constant discord. Those who favor immediate federation point to America and say that the American federation comprehends a wider circle of diverse countries than an Australian union would comprehend. But the American States were, as it were, born in wedlock, and were primarily forced into each other’s arms by a common resistance against their Mother Country. Even, as it is, after more than a century of union, the different parts of America do not run so amicably in doable harness as is generally supposed. The South and the West are not quite so happy under the tariff adopted for the commercial East as they might be. But, as in many other things, America cannot fairly be taken as an example. Her position is quite I abnormal. Her vast resources and the great and constant influx of new blood render her nnsnited for a parallel.

It is somewhat instructive to see how the Victorians, who are in reality the main hindiances to any union, are jnat at the present time more active in the matter than the people of any other colony. But when we see some of the arguments brought forth we shall no longer wonder at this fact. A decidedly amusing leading article appeared some short time back in the “ Age,” which gives one a very good idea of the reasons why a certain section of the people of Victoria advocate federalization. It starts with the assumption that the present time is of all others the most favorable for the scheme, because each colony has reached a certain stage of development, and has thoroughly tested its own resources. Its national life has, in short, assumed, for good and all, the type on which its future will be permanently moulded. Victoria is destined for industrial and agricultural pursuits, and New South Wales for pastoral. Consequently the bargain can, the “ Age ” argues, be struck with all the greater freedom and certainty. With regard to an intercolonial tariff, intercolonial free trade can only be attained by giving the colonies a common share in the Revenue of the Onstom House, as the conflict of producing interests in the various localities is too strong to admit of each member making concessions that will satisfy its [neighbors, and, at the same time, not expose it to too heavy a sacrifice on its own account. With intercolonial trade thus provided for, the outside trade must, the “ Age ” proceeds, of course be framed so as to place the local producer and manufacturer beyond the reach of competition from outside. So that platform No. 1 should be, according to the “ Age,” the spread of Protectionist views over**che whole of Australia, for the benefit of Victoria in particular, which “is destined for industrial and agricultural pursuits.” But there is another platform, the “ Age ” says, which is of almost equal importance with the tariff platform, namely, the boundary question. The territory of Victoria is too small, and, as a preliminary to federation, there should ha a general relimitation of the continental colonies. Queensland and South Anstralia are too large for administrative purposes, and must shortly be broken np. Victoria, on the other hand, is too small, and a strong reason why this relimitation should take place would be, that then the land fund might go into the Federal Treasury. At present Victoria has but a small land fnnd. With her bonndaries altered, this would be remedied, and all the colonies might pay pretty equally into the common fnnd. Victoria would tbne find herself sharing in a pretty little revenue that would not otherwise accrue to her. Indeed, the more the views of the “ Age ” are examined the more clear it becomes that it is not a matter with that journal of “ give and take,” bat of “ take ” only. Federalization is to be desired only if the views and interests of Victoria are made paramount. With a protective tariff all over Australia, and a general land fund into which Victoria might dip her hand at pleasure, a federal union will bo gladly welcomed—but not otherwise. Such outspoken selfishness is not likely to forward the cause. It makes it clearer than ever that the main obstacle* to a federal compact are the views held by a large section of Victorian politicians.

AgHBUETOK Sll'Lsa.—At the usual parade of the Ashburton Biflen on Tuesday last, 3J> Alfred A. Foots wag elected to the recant *ub.lieutenancy, and Sergeant T. Hayes was promoted to be oolor-iergeant.