New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-11-13
ANGLO-CELTIC SPIRIT.
IT'S SEPARATIST TENDENCY SHOWN IN THE
british COLONIES.
London, October -.

The idea IL frequently expressed in the editorial
pages Of the less conservative colonial newspapers
that England Is losing her hold upon some OF her
more remote colonies II Is hinted, 10 pup ~
mildly, that more than one Of the colonies are
drifting away from the Home Government, ana
while England Is smingly blind to it all she prob
ably would not think it necessary to take active
measures TO prevent disunion, even II her alton
ton were called 10 tho possibility of such an
event To the student who believes that events
are forecast by the signs Of the times il does not
seem at all improbable that Great Britain will
wake up some fine morning to find that the allure
ments ana attractions Of independence have
tempted one or more OF her colonies TO try their
wings II Is urged by the same writer's that the
colonies are getting old enough to look after their
own interests, and there certainly seems to be
growing inclination to do Attention, also,
has more than once been called to the fact that
the glory Of Great Britain, as measured by the
number and extent Of her colonies, is now ct III
zenith.
1t appears that all the civilized races. with one
exception, are teniins toward unifcation. Tho
English-speaking people, more properly designated
as the Ango-Celtic race, are certainly tending
toward disintegration, and the reasons for this
are numerous.
In all probability Russia will continue to hold
her own, and It is noticeable that the Slav racee
are constantly becoming more amalgamated.
Germany is tightening her iron grasp on her
colonial dependencies every day. France b
spreading her dominion and becoming more am
bilious for power The Jews making slow but
steady progress toward recaiming the Holy
Land, and Greece is collecting her forces and
may yet rule over Byzantum On the other
hand, tha there is not only possibility Of final
disinteeration of the Anglo-Celtic race. but an
actual tendency in this direction. and the ultimate
dissolution OF English colonies, will not be de-
MED by the careful observer. The class Of patrf-
otto adhcrents 10 the old country Is growing smaller
constantly, and this l. particularly noticeable in
the countries farthest away from Great Britain. az
Australasia and the South African colonies where
other races mngln- with the Anglo-C Celtic
and forming people with entirely different char
acteristics In every colony the first genera
ton always cings with more less tenacity to
the old country. The second generation has a
stronger feeling Of s,lf-interest, and it is well
known that the commercial interests Of q country
must necessarily be considered first.
The discomfort first arises from ineficiency Of
the laws, or from the inability of the Home
Government itself TO legislate I'm a manner that
suits the needs OF the distant colonies. A Paria-
ment, or a Cabinet that has not representative
Tor every colony cannot possibly administer in the
w1seet way for the interests Of that colony. Eng
land believes that countries occupying large areas
are particularly hard TO manage: and fearing that
only disastrous results will foow.-disastrous to
herself-if she allows too great liberty. goes to
the other extreme, ard keep her colonies under
nursery restrictions until they are full grown. As
result her people become discontented. and
sooner later the nndcrcurrcnt of dissatisfaction
rippes 10 the surface.
Take the NJ Soufh Africo Tho I'D trouhJa
between the adherents TO the interests Of tho
Home Government and those who are most
vehement in their cry o, Africa for the AMI
canders." is likely 10 become a matter for ad-
lustment between the colonies and the mother
country. Here il is particularly noticeable that
the feeling Of patriotism. more properly speak.
ing, the feeling for England wanes in each sue
cessve generation. When the question becomes Q
matter Of national concern: when, in fact, IL re-
solves itself into a matter Of sentiment on the
one hand and self-interest on the other tho
chances in favor OF the latter. Between q
waning sentiment and an increasing interest 1t Is
easy TO see the drift OF public feeling. Nations
have never been found 10 thrive long on senti.
ment alone Furthermore, the people are not
willing 10 stand the chickering's and insignificant
points OF difference between various factions each
perperating all sorts of mistakes in the name OF
the English Government.
The Minister Of the Cape is determined that
no new independent colonies shall be- established
in South Africa. The attempt 10 open up the
country far the Zambes and bring the
whole territory under ore rule bas caused con-
eiderable dissatisfaction not only among ths
natives, but among the Afrcanders themselves
who are opposed to imperialism. Mr. Rhodes
who presumably represents England. and seems
10 be working for the glory Of that country,
is, in reality, 50 his opponents say. attempting to
establish an empire of his own, which. IL ID
alleged will be under the control OF the Char
tered Company Furthermore. if the reports he
true England does not wish the territory az
nc>ed to Cape Colony fearing that her power
viii in some way bc usurpcd. but prefers To
control the new settlements herself as separate
and distinct colonies. The main object OF the
Care CoOniss in this struggle is 10 keep the
trade interests Of the whole of South Africa In
their own region. The possibility Of Zambcsi
wishing a government OF her own does not seem
to be matter of consideration with either Of
the opposing factions in the Cape. or with the
English Government.
The political situation in this region. when
is steadily becoming more complicated, ~ nos
likely TO b. permanently bcttrred by any ADJUST
ments that might be made. The people IN tho
Transvsal have organized trek 10 gain part
OF the disputed territory and establish repuo-
liza movement which has received the indorso-
ment not only of all South African Repuo leans,
but of the colonists who secretly desire indie
pcndcnce, and are about 70 take active measures
TO prevent the growth cf imperialism few OF
the boder colonists. looking with distust alike
upon Mr. Rhodes and the English Government.
have openly expressed approval Of the attempts
made bv neghbOring colonies 10 gain Independence
They have reason TO believe TINT the Prime
Minister desires 70 create an English empire In
south Africa. a condition they will not tolerate
While the situation in Africa is. Of course, I'M
ike that in any of the other colonies, II Yet
serves to show the indications of the Inevitable
outcome The settlement Of colonies by different
rntionaIites and the infltraton of races Of
,iycree characteristics must eventually result in
a neopla with entirely independent ideas on the
h;ect Of government At the congress- Of tho