Such were the elements of disunion. To cope with them a strong government was requisite; and that meant a _centralising_ government with a military force at its command to uphold unity and order. Our colonies, on the other hand, were free from such obstacles, and were themselves developing an “element of nationality.” They would not be assailed. But none the less, we must reckon with the United States in “the balance of power.” He would not say that a class in America regarded old Europe “with feelings of jealousy or vindictiveness,” “... but it is undeniable that the United States look to old Europe with _a want of sympathy. They have no sympathy with a country that is created and sustained by tradition._” We must, therefore, for the far future, foster and defend our colonies. If Canada had preferred absorption by America, “... we might terminate our connection with dignity, and without disaster.” But if, as appeared, Canada and our North American colonies desired deeply and sincerely “to form a considerable state and develop its resources, and to preserve the patronage and aid of England, ... then it would be the greatest political blunder that could be conceived, for us to renounce, relinquish, and avoid the responsibility of maintaining our interests in Canada.” American Anglophobia once more engaged his attention in 1871. The pith of his criticism may be summarised by the purport of that elegant metaphor, “Twisting the lion’s tail.” With regard to the _Alabama_ claims, their “indirect” demands, and the disputes with our colonies, which once more provoked British feeling, Disraeli now complained that America’s communications with England had been couched in arrogant terms, while those with Russia and Germany had been courteous. He declared that it was caused by rowdy rhetoric addressed to “irresponsible millions.” “... The reason of this offensive conduct,” he continued, “is this: there is a _party_ in America, _who certainly do not monopolise the intelligence, education, and property of the country, and who, I believe, are not numerically the strongest, who attempt to obtain political power and excite political passion by abusing England and its Government, because they believe they can do so with impunity_.... The danger is this. Habitually exciting the passions of millions, some unfortunate thing happens, or something unfortunate is said in either country; the fire lights up, it is beyond their control, and the two nations are landed in a contest which they can no longer prevent.... Though I should look upon it as the darkest hour of my life, if I were to counsel, or even to support, a war with the United States, still, the United States should know that they are not an exception to the other countries of the world, that we do not permit ourselves to be insulted by any other country in the world, and that they cannot be an exception.” Nevertheless, with regard to these