as far as they throw light upon the colonial policy of Great Britain. Original sources of information in the debates in Parliament, Reports of Committees, and official documents in public offices and in the British Museum, have invariably been resorted to where necessary; yet the author has not been unmindful of the current opinions of the day in well-informed circles, both commercial and political, on the many controverted questions, Imperial and colonial, here referred to. The writer has tried to compress into as small a compass as possible the great number and variety of facts connected with colonial history in ancient and modern times, which he has found it necessary to introduce; but for the purpose of illustrating other points, he has sometimes preferred to repeat a reference rather than to multiply quotations. The question between England and her colonies ought not to be one of separation but of sounder relations, as alike the interest of both, and the interest of good government throughout the world. In conclusion the author has the pleasing duty of tendering his thanks to those gentlemen, in and out of the public offices, who have so politely aided him in his researches. LONDON: 1865. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. GOVERNMENT OF THE FIRST ENGLISH COLONIES. First permanent English settlement in America, Virginia-The colonies-Provincial, proprietary, and charter governments— 1-11 AMERICAN CONFEDERATIONS FROM 1643-1790. First confederation of New England (1643)-Object, nature, and effect of-Assumed the functions of an independent govern- ment Treaty with France (1644)-Proposed one with the Governor of Canada (1648)-Population (1660) and (1760) --General Congress in New York of ten States (1765)—De- claration of rights-This first general government springs directly from the people, and not from the government of States-Lasted till 1781-Succeeded by the confederated government - Continental congress-Second congress from all the States in 1775-Delegates: how chosen-Troops to be raised-Money-General government-Nature of the confe- COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS, ANCIENT AND MODERN. Nature of first charters and character of colonists-Parliament European-Functions of State and central government-Pure democracy-Growing into representative government-Is there sufficient power in central government?-Self-government in Europe a failure-State governments in America-Greek and Tyrian colonies in Asia, Africa, and Europe-Their nature— Carthage its colonies-Commercial monopoly-Good govern- ment-Problem of colonial government-Should be left free, not trained for freedom-Roman colonies-Military posts- Governors-Origin of English and Grecian colonies-Character of colonization by military nations of modern Europe in con- trast with early Mediterranean-Portugal and Spain—Division of the world by Pope Alexander VI.-Rise and fall of Portu- guese power-Of Spanish-Of Dutch republic-The French -First representative government in America-Maryland, first province of the empire: its laws not subject to control of the Crown-Two houses-Titles of dignity-Disputes with Crown-Loss of charters-Rights claimed by Parliament- Charters granted to colonies by reformed Parliament, under William and Mary, less liberal-Extraordinary powers of governors-Right of taxation claimed by Parliament (1754) -Navigation Acts, 1651 and 1763-Powers of-Colonists be- fore 1763 and after-Cause of change of feelings-Dr. Frank- lin's testimony in 1766-Growth of the States and their rela- British provinces in North America: their settlement, acquisi- Russell's despatch-Interference with internal policy of colo- CONFEDERATION OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA. Confederation of North American provinces (1864)-Meetings at Charlottetown and Quebec-Articles of confederation-Consti- tution of United States departed far from English model— British America returns to it-Difference between the two- Based on different principles-Power in central arm-Ap- pointment of officers-Executive officers of the two govern- ments-Errors of American republics-Evidences of compro- mises in articles of British American confederation-Central and local government Local mostly municipal - Triple governments-Divided allegiance-Interests: local, federal, and imperial-Legislative council-Objections to its appointment : Lessons taught in colonial history-Blunder in government of |