It is conceivable that out of a combination so formed, if it led to a successful immediate result, some union of a closer kind might eventually emerge.

It is not only conceivable, but it is entirely certain, that attempts made when no such occasion has arisen, by politicians ambitious of distinguishing themselves, will fail, and in failing will make the object that is aimed at more confessedly unattainable than it is now."* -- * English in the West Indies, p.

168.
-- So far Froude's predictions have been realised.

When he wrote, the Imperial Federation League had just been formed, and Lord Rosebery was arguing for Irish Home Rule as part of a much wider scheme.

Except Australia, which is homogeneous, like the Dominion of Canada, the British Empire is no nearer Federation, and Ireland is no nearer Home Rule, than they were then.