IMPERIALISM

in modern usage} signifies either extended rule over various and often distant parts of the world or the desire to federate or unite more closely these distant dependencies with the mother country. During the LX. cent. most European countries were engaged in more or le determined efforts to extend their colonjal po e ions—France, in N. Africa, and B®. Asia; Germany, in Africa and the Pacific, and Italy, on the Red Sea littoral. Along with this proceeded a remarkable development of naval strength. The policy of Great Britain was profoundly affected by these events. Imperial Federation.—The desire arose for a closer federation between the mother country and the colonies, to be promoted by such schemes as improved telegraphic and postal communication within the empire, periodical conferences in Britain at which ministers of state confer with ministers from the colonies on subjects of imperial interest, preferential tariffs, etc. In 1884 an Imperial Federation League was founded. VJirst conference of representatives of self governing colonies took place in 1887, when Australia undertook certain obligations in regard to naval defence. In 1893 the league was di olved and the Imperial Federation (Defence) Committee was constituted to carry out a definite scheme based on part i tip at i on by the colonies in the work and cost of imperial defence. In same year second colonial conference was held, direct fruit of which was offer of an ironclad by Cape Colony and the provision of coal by Natl. In 1902 advantage was taken of the presence of colonial premiers at the coronation of Edward VII. to hold a third conference, the result of which was further grants towards the defence of the empire. German naval activity in 1909 resulted in an offer by Australia and New Zealand to contribute each a battleship to the imperial navy. At a subsequent imperial conference Oanada and Australia undertook to build navies of their own. chief-justice of Bengal; supported Warren Hastings; impeached in 1783 for action in trial of Maharajah Nand india. Pop. 67,000.