THE FEDERATION OF BRITISH AUSTRALASIA. 905 
of through several Agents-General. A mother state naturally 
looks to her colonies for an outlet for her surplus population, and 
expects that, so far from entailing financial loss to her, those who 
depart will, by emigrating, increase her trade and her national 
importance, at the same time giving more elbow room to those at 
home who might otherwise be overcrowded. Colonies will 
naturally be more self-reliant federated than unfederated, and 
therefore should be a source of greater strength to the Empire in 
times of difficulty or danger. From the Foreign point of view, 
federation would emphasise the fact of the wonderful adaptability 
of the British race to altered and altering environment, and 
would presage a confederation of English-speaking communities 
able and willing not merely to defend themselves in time of 
need, but to assist the parent State should she unfortunately be 
attacked. Such a Commonwealth as that of Australasia, judging 
by the precedent of the United States of America, would attract 
a large share of continental emigration, and ultimately increase, 
commercially and otherwise, the power of the British Empire 
possibly, at the expense of her European rivals. Federation might 
also impress upon European nations the wisdom and feasibility of 
exchanging territories, so as to minimise the danger of political 
complications through undue proximity. Historic precedents are 
not wanting, as witness Louisiana, Alaska, and Heligoland. 
In considering the question from an economic point of view, 
attention was directed to the fact that there is a border line in 
which it is not easy to differentiate the political from the 
economic—the two are at times interlaced, as for instance in the 
question of intercolonial freetrade. Confining oneself to the 
economic aspect of federation, the examples of Germany and 
Canada prove that the abolition of border customs enormously 
increased internal trade, and the establishment of local manufac- 
tories. Federation should, in time, promote greater economy in 
cost of government. Amalgamation of various governmental 
departments, such as Customs, Postal, Telegraphic, &c., must mean 
the lessening of expense. The various ‘Agents-General should 
merge into one High Commissioner; one Postmaster-General 
ought to suffice ; and the reduction in number and in emoluments 
of provincial legislators all point in the same direction. It should 
only be a matter of time to have a unification of the railway 
gauges, the expense being borne by the Federal Government ; and 
the conversion and consolidation of the public debts, awhen 
accomplished, should result in a greater saving in annual charge for 
interest than all the other savings combined. The establishment 
of a Federal High Court should provide an alternative final 
Appeal Court to that of the Privy Council, and should tend in 
many cases to greater simplicity, quickness, ‘and economy in legal 
procedure, —itself a valuable economic gain. It is believed | it 
