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Platform and Pulpit
139

Bond may have helped to manufacture the strong anti-British sentiment which prevails in most Continental countries. But this is primarily their concern. Though we may suffer from it, we are not responsible for it. But we are responsible for submitting to the process of manipulation which is here described. Dangers incalculably great, must await an empire whose citizens, when brought to the consideration of a policy which entails vast sacrifice of life and treasure, are unable to give a patient equal hearing to both sides, but eagerly submit their minds to statements of fact and opinions which they have no reason to believe to be impartial and disinterested. Here is one of the great tests of a capacity for empire. Can a body of interested men upon the spot, business men or politicians, impose their authority upon the Empire so as to utilize the imperial resources for their particular ends? In the case of South Africa it has been possible. Will it be possible again?

THE END

LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS

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