Evening star., 1936-05-10

I into new imperial power, which has
extended its dominion, by conquest
annexation, purchase, lease and
treaty, over 100000 square miles and
100000 people-in terms OF trade
value, the worlds second richest en-
pire. The American empire is pretty
full, and there is home population
| of 122 900, 900 in an area about the
size of China.
John Bull can claim the population
| pressure excuse for empire. His home
islands cover $4,000 square miles. Into
this little space are crammed 46,000.-
900 people. This makes the United
Kingdom the third most densely pop
ulated national area on earth, with
504.7 persons per square mile. Only
Belgium and Holland exceed that
with 698.8 and 6105, respectively
unless you count Monaco, whose %, ,153
population work out at 2,770 to the
square mile, the principality covering
only 8 square miles. Population den
sity in the Continental United States
runs out at Alb per square mile. in
Japan proper at 1888, Germany at
360.7, Italy at 349.1, France at 1863,
European Russia, 81, and Asiatic Rus
sia, 4. Those figures illuminate the
population end of the clash between
"haves" and "have-nots."
Troubles Not Solved
Minus an empire. Britain would be
clamoring for outlets as loudly as the
japanese, Italians and Germans do
today. AS it is, owning the worlds
largest and richest empire-13, ,000,-
600 square miles and 5000, 900
people-she finds it has only relieved.
not solved, her population and trade
troubles, while dangerously compli-
eating her defense problem.
In pre-war days, the annual migra-
ton from the mother island aggre-
gate 350,000. In 1884. however,
$4,000 more citizens returned from
astonishing reversal of the trend, this
virtual dry-up of migration, lies the
explanation of the relative emptiness
of John Bulls empire, and the basis
for the recent cry Of the "have-nots"
that Britain is shirking her world
responsibilities.
Population density in Canada is 2.8
per square mile; in New Zealand,
14.9, in British Honduras, So, in
South Africa, Ill, In Newfoundland.
6.6, in British Guiana 35. Australia
is an empty continent. A population
the size of New York City's insists on
keeping as its own private preserve
potentially rich land covering nearly
100000 square miles. Australia's
population density is %.
Half of China's 400, ,0o0, 900 people
live in the track of the mighty
Yangtze: the life-giving river pro-
vides their means of living. An Aus
tralian high commissioner who knew
the Yangtze well once held forth to
me about Murray River potentialities.
The Murray River Is another Yangtze.
In years to come it will sustain hun
dred million peopleI White" I
asked him, "or Yellow" He changed
the subject.
John Bulls empty empire is stand
land-hungry and arming world. Two
factors have operated to keep it empty
and undeveloped: The elaborate pater-
nalism of British social policy, and the
attitude Of the self-governing domin-
ions, which regard immigrants as
threat to established living standards
and wage levels.
Both mother country and dominions
are now alarmed at the consequences
Of their respective policies in the new
and menacing conditions Of the world.
I'VE must people our country" cry
the spokesmen Of Australia and New
Zealand. Just how this is to be done.
nobody seems to know. Apparently it
cannot be done by babies. The birth