Thus the three crosses in the Union Jack have ceased to have solely their local meanings, for their story has become merged in the larger significance which their presence now imparts to the several Dominion Union Ensigns as being the sign of this greater British Union.
[CHAPTER XXVII.]
THE UNION ENSIGNS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.
A further evolution in the Union flag has come step after step, by which the distinguishing emblems of the colonies have become part, first of the Union Jack, afterwards of the Union ensigns, and then through the red ensign to unite home and colony in one Imperial Union ensign.
In the century of the expansion of Raleigh's "trade command," the governors of the English colonies, principally of those in America, began giving commissions to their local colonial ships, authorizing them to engage in the various free and ready methods by which that trade was being obtained from foreign sources. Some inconvenience seems to have resulted from this practice, as the colonial ships carrying the two-crossed Jack were making prizes and taking trade under the flag which the Old Country merchant ships were directed not to use. Objection was made by the ships sailing from the home ports, and under William III. the matter was taken up.
PLATE IX.
| 1 Canadian Union Ensign |
| 2 Australian Union Ensign |
| 3 New Zealand Union Ensign |