The Dominion MONDAY, JUNE 14, 1915. EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2487, 14 June 1915, Page 4

The Dominion MONDAY, JUNE 14, 1915. EMPIRE PROBLEMS

The war has thrown much new light on the problem of Imperial unity, and it has become quite clear that after the conflict is over some readjustment will be made of the bonds which bind together tho various States of whioh the British Empire is composed. It is now generally recognised that furthor steps in the direction of Imperial unification havo become inevitable, but a good deal of uncertainty exists as to the best way of increasing the efficiency of tho Empire from the point of view of trade and defence. The ideas of thc_ general public regarding • these highly-important matters are decidedly vague, and a campaign of enlightenment is needed in order to enable the average man and woman to g;et a clear and intelligent grip of the problems that are now forcing fcUemselves to the front. They have been discussed from many standpoints and with exceptional ability in various issues of the Table, a periodical which has gained well-deserved distinction for the admirable manner in which it has endeavoured to fulfil its Imperial mission. Illuminative articles have appeared from timo to time written by men who have evidently made a special study of British Imperialism. The su&ject has been handled with rare insight and breadth of view, and the facts gathered and the opinions expressed cannot fail to be helpful to those who desire to obtain the necessary information on which to found a sound judgment. Tho New Zealand agency of the Bound Table has now issued a book containing some of the most striking passages in these articles. The purpose of the publication is to assist the citizens of the Dominion to reach conclusions based on accurate information in regard to defence, foreign policy, and other matters concerning the relations between the Mother _ Countij and the Overseas Dominions There is ample scope for educational work of tnis character, and the book, which bears the title Empire Problems, and can be purchased from booksellers throughout the Dominion, is well worthy of careful study. Some of the articles from which extracts are made were written before the commencement of the war, and others deal with phases _ of the actual struggle, with special reference to tho rights and duties of the self-govern-ing Dominions.

The people of Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia are bearing their share of the burden of war, and this, as we are told in the preface of Empire Problems, "will naturally raise the question of our sharing the responsibility for all decisions involving peace or war, that is to say, the general responsibility of maintaining the existence of the Empire as a whole." The articles deal with such matters as the nature of_ the Empire, foreign policy, Asiatic immigration, naval defence, tho causes and ultimate issues of the- war, and the need of an Imperial Conference during tho war. We are told by one of the writers in the Bound_ Table that each of the Dominions will soon have to make a definite ohoice—not between responsibility and irresponsibility for its own destiny, "but between responsibility without the Empire, as an independent nation, and responsibility within the Empire shared jointly with the, other nations comprising it." This pro-.em might have been stated in a form less open to the possibility of misconstruction. The Dominions have already irrevocably decided to work out their destinies within the Empire. This decision nothing can shake; but the growth of tin- spirit of colonial nationalism has given rise to some difficult problems which are now demanding solution. For some years past it, has been recognised that the machinery of the Empire must be improved in order to meet new needs and aspirations which have made themselves felt, and I he war has given a powerful impetus to the desire for a more perfect method o{ co-opera ton between tho various members of the FriUisb .l.w.jly ryf nation?. The Homeauthorities have definitely p.romited

to consult the Dominions in connection with the peace settlement. This is in itself a step forward, and will probably prepare tho way for further progress. The spread of sound knowledge on these questions is highly _ desirable, and the passages reprinted from tho Hound Table are of real valuo from the educational point of view. Of course tho supremo Empire problem at the present moment is to defeat tho Empire's enemies: but after this has been done the statesmen of the Empire will have to face tho task of readjusting Imperial relationships in order that tho Dominions may be enabled to exercise rights and privileges _ commensurate with their increasing responsibilities, tbeir rapid progress, and their broadening outlook.