LAND SETTLEMENT AND COLONIZATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
By COLONEL OWEN THOMAS
Of all the Imperial problems in process of evolution—for solution cannot be named in this connection, since finality in Empire-building synchronizes with an era of deterioration—none can be reckoned of greater moment than that redistribution of population within the nation to which is given the name of settlement or colonization.
The subject is so large that it would, of course, be impossible to attempt to cover in one article both general principle and particular application. Nevertheless, before proceeding to consider in detail the question of settlement in South Africa, a few introductory words on the theory of colonization seem both reasonable and desirable.
At the outset I would like to say that the colonization of British territory by British citizens has no right to be regarded as emigration, and until this elementary comprehension of the relations existing between component parts of the Empire is mastered by the various redistributory agencies now at work in this country, the Imperial standpoint must be largely missed.
The emigrant breaks with his past, closes the volume of his British birth, with all of pride, honour, and love that it includes, and puts it from him altogether, or retains it only as the goal which he may hope to attain again for the comfort of his declining years. The emigrant, in a word, if he be a man of ordinary patriotism and good feeling, is to be pitied.
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