Let us approach the problem first from the Imperial side.
On the whole, the most remarkable thing about the British Empire is that there is no British Empire.

We are in presence of the familiar distinction between the raw material and the finished article.

There are, indeed, on the surface of the globe a number of self-governing colonies, founded and peopled by men of Irish and English blood.

In each of these the United Kingdom is represented by a Governor whose whole duty consists in being seen on formal occasions, but never heard in counsel or rebuke.

The only other connecting links are those of law and finance.