Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-02-17
Entrants and Colonies
By David C. LAMB
Colonixatiou Commissioosr Salvation Army.
would like to point out that you see

would like to point out that you seem to
have been seriously nnsinformed regarding the
objects of our Women's Empire Migration
scheme, which you recently alluded to IN an edi-
torial under the above beading. Our purpose is
not to migrate the "wreckage Of battle" to some
of the overseas portions Of the British empire.
But it is an economically sound, well deliberated
plan, founded on our long experience OF migra-
ton and colonization and endorsed by the au-
thorities in Great Britain and in the domnions,
for transferring a number OF selected women and
their families from the old country. where at the
present time women outnumber men by over
million and half, to those states OF the British
empire where there is dearth OF women. The
people whom we viii transfer to the dominions
under this scheme win be representative OF the
best elements Of British citrzenship-for the most
part wives and children of men who cherished
the British empire ideal so highly that they gave
up everything for it. The women will be COM
paratively young in most cases, at an adaptable
age and generally speaking, should have no dt-
fculty in making good. They may not possess
much worldly gear when they set out but they
would not be without means, and they would
have the Salvation Army at their back in all emer-
gencies. Pride of race is the birthright of these
migrants, and the impcrishable records Of their
fathers heroism will stimulate the children as
they grow up to robust empire patriotism In
fine, sir, the people we purpose sending to the
dominions will be the same kind of people, if
you will permit me to say so, as those who by
their labor and industry not only built up the
British empire, but had great deal to do with
making the great republic of the United States
of America the moral and intellectual power it
is today.
At the same time, might say no matter what
conditions prevail in the United Kingdom through
social or economic pressure, migration under this
scheme will be regulated entirely by the absorb
ing power Of the dominions.
In your editorial you were also at fault in
saying that only few years ago Canada pro-
tested in such an emphatic manner against the
practice that the Salvation Army was compelled
to desist from assisting emigrants from London
to the dominions" AS matter OF fact we have
bers every season since 1908 without any protest
from the people of Canada; instead we have al
ways had the cooperation and encouragement
Of their provincial and federal governments. OF
the 10000 people we have directed to Canada, less
than per cent have proved failures. As further
evidence to our bona fdes possibly you will al
low me to quote reference to our work made
by Earl Grey governor general of Canada be-
fore the duke of CSnnaught) in addressing con-
ference between representatives OF the British
and the overseas domrnions Pariiaments held re-
Gently in the House of Commons, London. On
that occasion Earl Grey said: my experience
leads me to believe that you would be acting
wisely in your own interests by making much
use of the organization of the Salvation Army.
have seen great deal of their work in Canada,
at nome here and In Australia, and wherever
have examined their work have found it to be
quite first rate They have machinery on both
Sides here and overseas, and thousands of help
ers under them = They are now raising a sum
of 100000 for the purpose Of helping widows
and their children to migrate to the dominions
The migration of women is as important, if not
more important, than that of men. You are 60
ing to benefit, and therefore you will be acting
wisely in your own interests by making it as
easy as possible for women and children who
are DESTROYS Of settling in your countries" trust
that with your American sense of fairness you
will see your way to give me space for this some
what lengthy reply to your comments
London, January g