TWO IMPERIAL SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2137, 1 May 1914, Page 9

TWO IMPERIAL SCHOOLS

ROYAL COLONIAL INSTITUTE

IN DANGER

"COLONIAL" OR "BRITANNIC"

No more is likely to be heard of the attempt to change the name of the Royal Colonial Institute to the Royal Britannic Institute. ' Tho big attendance 'of- Fellows who r attended tho annual meeting in London in March made it quite clear, according to the Sydney "Telegraph's" correspondent, that they were doubtful of tho wisdom of any change, and that .if a lienc namo were adopted it should not be "Fntannic." Mr. Richard Jebb, the well-known Imperialist, who moved for the substitution of "Britannic," as spokesman for a unanimous council, urged that the word "Colonial" had become extremely unpopular in all of the self-governing Dominions, and particularly in Canada. According to Sir. Jebb, tho great majority of people overseas regarded the use of "Colonial" by residents in .the United Kingdom as implying inferiority. Tho Canadians, Mr. Jebb contended, were especially sensitive on this point, and ho insisted that it was impossible for tho institute to extend its fellowship and influence, as it should. do,, unless a better title were adopted. Apart from vague assurances on this point, however, Mr. Jebb had nothing to offer in support of\his case. Hβ admitted that the institute- was enjoying unprecedented prosperity and popularity at the present time. Tho membership had. been doubled withrfl tho past four years, and now reached a total in excess of 9000. ■ The (finances were equally satisfactory. Another strong argument against alteration was tho result of a referendum of Follows taken in 1911. Only some 600 or 700 replied to the invitation of the council.to express any opinion for or against a change, and others were indifferent and certainly not resentful of being classed as colonials. In the "face of this it was somewhat surprising that tho council should vontur© to bring the matter forward. They wore -v< quick :,to : i;flppr«ciate tho temper, of the meeting, and early in tho discussion they' abandoned the proposal to decide the matter that day, by throwing ;over. tho motion moved by Mr. Jebb, and accepting an amendment affirming that no chango should be taken until mombers had again been asked for their opinion by postal referendum.

Sign of the Times. The proposal to throw over the word "colonial 1 " is interesting generally as a sign of the times. Two distinct schools of Imperial thought and sentiment were represented by tnoso who' favoured and opposed the alteration. Both sides were x iu agreement upon i ho desirability of taldng every safe step towards the closer union of tho Empire. But thero was a striking difference of opinion as to 'what'':constitutes a safe step. The majority at' this big meeting was clearly for an Empire.dependent almost solely for its unity upon kinship' and sentiment, as against the erection of imposing bufc restrictive and highly dangerous machinery. Those for tho word "colonial" were in favour of letting well alone. They look upon ''colonial" and "colony" and the teriri "early colonist"" as words which express better than any other tho peculiar genius and temperament of tho British people. They argue that it is successful colonisation which lias , made the- Empire, and it is as colonists that tho people of the British race have proved superior to all others. Moreover,- they are not insensible to-tho fact that the Empire has been built in a casual, accidental manner, and that it is un-English to bo excessively particular about names and forma. Correct ,or grandiloquent titles are not a feature of British institutions. "Britannic" was especially condemned because it was pompous and . blatant and quite unsuitable to anything, as happy-go-lucky colonial life. Mr. J. G. Jenkins, one time Agent-General and Premier for South Australia, who is among tho best overseas speakers in England, expressed the opinion of tho gieat bulk of Britons abroad when he said that he was proud to be' termed a colonial. Those' who wish us to forget that we are colonials would wish us to have done with our huniblo Utt heroic beginnings. Tho word"colonial" must always stand for the triumph-of gallant little bands of Englishmen combating fearful odds in every part of the world. It is incredible that tho council of the Royal Colonial Institute could have, been so foolish in this matter. Unfortunately, however, thero are indications that, despite tho drubbing the proposal received it will be submitted to a vote of Fellows. Mlsht Snaak Throush, Tho Royal Colonial Institute had undoubtedly dono good work for tho Empire. It suffers, however, from' ono pronounced weakness. There is not enough colonial blood represented in tho executive in London. A few members of the council have had a distinguished association with the lifo of the Dominions, but the one or two who arc- nativeborn havo been many years resident' in England. That tho council is hopelessly out of touch with the sentiment of tho 9000 Follows is shown by this sorry proposal to chango tho name. Fellows resident abroad should bear this in mind, and tako every possible step to make their wishes known to the executive. Tho only chance of the ridiculous word "Britannic" being adopted is that it will sneak through because Fellows abroad will not take the troubleto vote. The feeling oii this occasion -undoubtedly showed that there would be a serious defection of membership under tho now name.