THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3734, 13 December 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1880.

From the Australian newspaper Press we learn that the public opinion as enunciated .is largely in-favor of joining the various Australasian colonies in a firm bond of confederation. There is no doubt whatever that such a step is a most desirable one, and we are quite sure that were the several colonies all merged into one grand dominion the Imperial Government would Regard the step most favorably. As at present constituted we present to the outside world something of the same aspect as the states in the South American continent. A number of petty fogging states saddled with the cost of several Governments, having no unifoi'm rate of tariff,'having a plenitude of national debts, and doing, in many instances, all we can to cut each other's throats; and with each small state having its own postal arrangements, and customs tariff, we do far more harm than good to each other by remaining in a state of national celibacy. Then again with regard to the means of defence. Were the Australias united in one firm bond of alliance they would form a very formidable enemy, and wonld be able in case of attack to show a good defence, but at present with no organised system of defence, the Australian colonies would fall an easy prey to any rapacious foe who was greedy of territorial acquisitions; but with everyone joined together in a fraternal band we might defy any opponents who were disposed to make dependencies of the Australian colonies. " Union is strength," and this has long been proved a truism, and when the colonies are made one grand empire, we may expect greater prosperity to follow as a natural consequence. The confederation of the colonies would be a greater jewel in the British Crown than are the colonies as at present constituted as mere units, and we should be giving assistance to the formation of a real empire. The British empire as at present constituted, cannot be considered as a real empire until a resident in the Cape, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Fiji, India, etc., is of as much consequence as the man who has a business in London, or a seat in the House of Commons. By a confederation then of the Australian Colonies we should be taking a step in that direction, and it would not only strengthen us against outside influences, but it would encourage friendly intercourse, and act as a salutory check on those who endeavor to acquire wealth at the expense of the public of a neighboring colony, and whose greed for gain is largely in excess of their patriotism. Business would be conducted on a more comprehensive system, and the people of Australia and New Zealand would benefit morally, socially, and financially by the formation of a Grand Federal Council.