T h e r e i s , h o w e v e r , one most i m p o r t a n t e l e m e n ti n i t w h i c h , from a s t r i c t l y c o n s t i t u t i o n a l p o i n t ofv i e w , h a s now 7 a s r e g a r d s a l l v i t a l m a t t e r s , r e a c h e di t s f u l l d e v e l o p m e n t ; we r e f e r t o t h e group ofs e l f g o v e r n i n g c o m m u n i t i e s composed of G r e a t B r i t a i nand t h e D o m i n i o n s . T h e i r p o s i t i o n and . . u t u a l r e l a t i o nmay be r e a d i l y d e f i n e d
This passage asserts that the British colonies (the Dominions) have reached political maturity and are now capable of governing themselves completely independently. It defines a new relationship of equality in which Great Britain and these nations become free partners, without any relationship of domination.