PREFACE. THE PURPORT of the accompanying treatise may be explained in a few words. 'Colonial Emancipa tion' is now warmly advocated by a pretty strong party in England, and the policy adopted by the Gladstone Administration would seem to indicate that the minds of some of our leading statesmen are becoming imbued with 'emancipationist' principles. These principles appear to me to be highly incorrect; but I am forced to admit that the present relationship of Fatherland and Colonies cannot possibly form the basis of a permanent connection, and that, in the absence of a modification of the terms of union, a disruption of the Empire is not likely to be long delayed. I have consequently sought to set forth the reasons which lead me to believe that 'emancipation' would be at once most disastrous to England and very |