English is our national language. But this forms a strong bond only with Canada, where there is a constant intercourse among peoples and a constant exchange of books and periodicals. It is becoming a factor in our relations with Australia, also, because Australians read widely and with avidity popular American literature. But outside of a limited circle, which needs no conversion to Anglo-Saxon solidarity, few British and Americans come into personal contact, and the reciprocal purchase of books and magazines and newspapers is surprisingly small. Potentially, however, common language is a basis of solidarity. It is an asset in favor of those who are working to bring the English-speaking peoples together. The practicable bases of Anglo-Saxon solidarity, which tercentenary orators could present with effect to _all_ their compatriots, are common laws and spirit of administration of justice, similar development of democratic institutions, common ideals, and common interests. The first two are in a certain sense included in the third and fourth, and the fourth covers the first three. One appeals to the moral sense and to self-interest, and then, to clinch the argument, shows how idealism is in harmony with interest, as in the adage, "Honesty is the best policy." In discussing the four bases of Anglo-Saxon solidarity, it must be remembered that the problem involves the direct relations between each two of the members of the English-speaking group of nations and between each English-speaking country and the colonies and possessions of the British Empire and the United States. The following table shows how wide a field Anglo-Saxon solidarity covers: Great Britain and United States Great Britain and Ireland Ireland and United States Great Britain and Canada United States and Canada Ireland and Canada Great Britain and Australia United States and Australia Ireland and Australia Canada and Australia Great Britain and New Zealand United States and New Zealand Ireland and New Zealand Canada and New Zealand Australia and New Zealand Great Britain and South Africa United States and South Africa Ireland and South Africa Canada and South Africa Australia and South Africa New Zealand and South Africa Great Britain and India and other possessions United States and British possessions Ireland and British possessions Canada and British possessions Australia and British possessions New Zealand and British possessions South Africa and British possessions United States and her possessions Great Britain and American possessions Ireland and American possessions Canada and American possessions Australia and American possessions New Zealand and American possessions South Africa and American possessions British possessions and American possessions