The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1915. THE WAR AND, EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2351, 6 January 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1915. THE WAR AND, EMPIRE PROBLEMS

It seems certain that the present war will prove to' be a turning-point in the history of British Imperialism. It is bound to make a great difference in. the relationship between the Mother Country and the Overseas Dominions.' After the war, and in the light of experience gain-, ed during the war, there will probably be a reconsideration, of the whole position, and important steps may be taken for the solution of pressing Empire problems. T ( his matter was recently referred to by the Prime Ministers of Canada and Australia, and commenting on this fact the London Times declares that the problems involved in the adolescence of the people of the Overseas Dominions will have to v be faced. The war has shown that_ these Dominions are no longer, .children who depend on Britain for support, but grown men ready and anxious to' do their share in the common task. It has sharply .emphasised the fact that they. have finally passed through the colonial stage of their existence, and have become nations. History is being made on a vast scale, and we are all going through a unique experience which -is developing new forces and new influences for which allowance will have to be made when the time for resettlement comes.' New phases in our national character are. being evolved, and when the struggle is, over it will be quite impossible to go back to the old state of affairs. The lessons which the Empire is now iearning can never be forgotten. They will help us to overcome .many difficulties and to solve , some of the problems which have been forcing themselves to the front during recent years. Before the .war, commenced the naval question was.receiving a great deal of attention in Canada. It was generally recognised that the time for a new. departure had arrived, but much difference of opinion existed as to the best course to pursue. Practical experience is now being gained which cannot fail to be of,'the utmost value to Canadian statesmen and experts when the time arrives for ■ adopting a permanent <tnd definite naval policy. This experience will also be extremely helpful to Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the Empire. South Africa is also learning her. lessons. They may have a touch of bitterness owing to the rebellion, but the country as a whole is facing the trying ordeal with resolute confidence, and there is every reason to believe that the British .and Boer elements of the population ( will be welded more closely by their co-operation against the common foe. India, too, is playing her part nobly. Her princes and peoples nave responded magnificent: fy to the Empire's call, and the fact that Indian troops fought side by side with British soldiers in this tremendous struggle against German militarism' is sure to have a very real influence in securing an amicable settlement of those, difficult problems connected with the government of the vast population of our Indian Empire. Though the experiences which the war is providing may help us to make further advances in the direction of the unification of the Empire in such matters as trade and defence, it must never be forgotten that the problems which have to be solved are enormously difficult. Progress must necessarily bo slow. It is vain to look for the adoption of some clear-cut, and complete scheme of Imperial federation covering every phase of national activity. The' Tonics declares that the facing of these Empire questions has been put off quite long enough; but as ■a matter of fact they have been constantly rbefore us, and we have been gradually working our way towards a better understanding on many points of mutual interest. It, is dangerous to force the, pace too strongly. Hasty and premature expedients are liable to prove disastrous. When a need becomes really imperative fcne genius of ths British rs^* aiiy. m ti'ustecUo fiei the. ngat .wax,

at the right time of satisfying it. After peace has been restored tho statesmen of the Empire will have to review the whole situation, and one of their fii'st duties will be to discover a more efficient and comprehensive scheme of Imperial defence in which room must be made for the natural development of the aspirations of the young Britannic nations which arc now beginning-to feel the independence of manhood, and aro no. longer content to play the part of children. Another matter which the war lias forced to the front is the need for the better organisation of. the commerce aud industries of the Empire. We must learn to develop our own resources more thoroughly, and'to be less reliant upon outsiders. The British communities in all parts of the world should aim at greater co-operation in trade for their mutual benefit, and must endeavour to play; into each other's hands more consistently than in the past. The Overseas Dominions will certainly expect to be given more, influence in the sphere of Imperial politics. It will require allthe political wisdom at tho Empire's disposal to -frame the machinery required to give satisfaction to this growing desire. This is ope of those problems which, as The Time's states, are not insoluble, but are difficult beyond precedent." Step by stephere a little and there a little—is tho only safe method of procedure. After taking one step forward we must feel the ground firm beneath our feet before we make the next move. This is the evolutionary process. It takes time, but it is sure. Rome was not built in a day, and the final. form of British unification cannot be accomplished by the stroke of a pen.