Excerpt from Some Phases of Preference in Imperial Policy: Imperial Federation League of Australia

Frequently in discussions on imperial preference trade relations are separated from every other national con sideration, and disparagingly referred to as sordid bonds, and the beneficial effects of the interdependence of the multifarious services of the Empire are couse quently unheeded. The mundane affairs of commerce and industry, with the necessity of maintaining them in per feet security, are essential factors of our national exist ence and welfare, and are closely linked with the people's Spiritual interests. Our final record in history may 1n deed be the great ideals of nationhood we stood for, as expressed in our literature, art, and laws, but the strength to do these things, and the power to give them enduring worth, require a Spirit of expansiveness, and a breadth of imagination 35! Well as an ability for skilful manipulation of material resources, combined with a ready capacity to turn them to the utmost profitable ad vantage. These energies, deeply absorbed as they were in promoting the material well-being of the people, consti tute an important source for the maintenance of those higher duties which vitally affect their future standing and influence. Indifference to these physical necessities on the part of leaders must inevitably bring about na tional decay, whereas a lively concern in all that per tains to commercial activity and industrial advancement will tend to produce a strong sense of unity and conserve national self-dependence. The recognition of all inte rests, with a due regard to the mutual obligations in volv, ed is essential for the compact development of the Empire. These common purposes necessitate readiness to resist external pressure likely to militate against their successful fulfilment. We cannot set ourselves to realise a solid and enduring union exercising a preponderant influence in the world, without rousing the jealousy of others aiming at a similar position; and it is a matter of supreme moment to provide against the incidences of in ternational prejudices. Their strength and capacity mustbe under constant discussion, and unwearying vigilance must also be exercised to prevent any liability of inviting untimely attacks. Complete preparedness against all likeiy dangers, and unflinching resolution to maintain in dependence at all costs, and to secure the full and un impeded enjoyment of constitutional liberties and free dom, are the objectives of a healthy and buoyant nation alism. But these things must be paid for, and that, too, by the expenditure of nerve and sinew in unremitting devotion to the exacting duties of an imperial citizen ship. The appeal of public duties is inseparable from a people's mission, and without their whole-hearted re cognition of the work to be done, and the ends to be accomplished, it must prove unavailing. Concentration of effort upon Imperial purposes is the desideratum of the Empire's future progress, and all factors must be care fully weighed, lest by the undue emphasis of one parti cular need, we may lose corresponding advantages from other related sources. It is folly to allow ourselves to become clogged for the sake of preserving mere phrases and shibboleths. If we are utterly determined on the end we shall unreservedly own mistakes, consider facts afresh, and mould present instruments to accomplish the desired changes.

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