Looming in the Future.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1832, 14 May 1886, Page 2

Looming in the Future.

Ik a manifesto issued ,by Mr Gladstone to his Midlothian constituents, he makes the important statement “ that he is willing to concede autonomy to Scotland and Wales as well .as to Ireland.” The scheme of home rule proposed by Mr Gladstone for Ireland includes an Irish Parliament sitting in Dublin, and a local Executive, possessing complete control over all the local and domestic affairs of that country. Should the same privilege be given to Scotland and Wales, the Imperial Parliament would then deal only with the affairs of the Empire. England, in face of the privileges given to Ireland, Scotland and Wales, would also demand to have a local Parliament so as to be placed on an equal footing with the other parts of the Kingdom. All this points to the conclusion that the Imperial Parlialiament and Executive would become a great Federal Governmeot dealing with the Empire as a whole. Id such a Parliament the oolonies would have an undeniable claim to be represented. Mr Gladstones proposals point in their ultimate result to a great federation of the Empire, embracing all the colonies and possessions of the Parent State. It may take many years to bring about this result—should it be ultimately achieved—but men's minds are being gradually educated on this great questiou, and such a federation aa is ]now, to a certain extent, indicated, may yet be brought about and at no very far distant period.