266 WITH MR. CHAMBERLAIN IN THE 



pride in the extraordinary achievements of a kindred 

 race, and of their advance in all that constitutes the 

 true greatness of a nation. How could it be other- 

 wise in the case of a country which claims a common 

 ancestry with ourselves, and whose laws and history, 

 whose speech and literature, whose religion and 

 social customs, constantly recall the common origin 

 of ties of blood which bind us together ? I believe 

 that now there is not only no class in this country, 

 but there are no individuals of the slightest promi- 

 nence or importance, who would not feel that a 

 serious quarrel with the United States would be the 

 greatest national calamity. (Cheers.) Differences 

 there must be from time to time between two nations 

 whose enterprise and genius lead them into natural 

 competition, and whose interests touch at every 

 point ; but I am convinced that it is the firm de- 

 termination of the democracies of both countries 

 that these differences shall be amicably arranged by 

 their respective Governments, and that they shall 

 not endanger the good relations which ought to 

 subsist between all the branches of the Anglo-Saxon 

 race. (Cheers.) I was animated by this feeling 

 when I accepted — rather more than a year ago— 

 the honourable mission with which I was charged 

 by her Majesty. I venture to claim I entered fully 

 into the spirit of that mission, both in my public 

 and in my private capacity, and I have done all 

 that in me lies to promote union — (laughter) — and 

 a good understanding between the two countries. 

 (Laughter and cheers.) I was fortunate enough on 

 that occasion to make two treaties. (Laughter.) 



