32 PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 



than in onr attitudes towards the great Commonwealth of Na- 

 tions kncnvn as the British Empire, which in the past we have 

 treated as a glorious abstraction. . . . We have decided that 

 in future it is the business of the British and Dominion statesman 

 to knit the Empire with closer bonds and in the interest of trade, 

 commerce, business and general intercourse." 



And we echo the words of our King, the Honorary President 

 of this Association, when he says : — 



'' The value of the Empire lies not in the greatness of its 

 strength alone, but in the several contributions that each of its 

 diverse parts, with varying circumstances and conditions, makes 

 to one general stock of knowledge and progress." 



