THE WORLD'S POPULATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2471, 12 May 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE WORLD'S POPULATION.

A Crisis Coming

Froji many quarters we are hearing tho question, will the world in its present state last another century ? And he would be a bold man who replied in the affirmative ! A well known writer whoso valuable works on statistics have had most important practical effects both in England and in India, says, " Many things combine to force on thoughtful men the solemn conviction that the present dispensation cauuor. last long. Apart from prophetic warning, the statistics of population point to an early close of the present social oconmy of our world. In view of the present rate of increase of tho population, we may say that the economic condition of the whole world must bo fundamentally changed during tho next century, and long before it lias run its course. It seems as if tho old command " Increase, multiply and replenish the earth " was soou to reach its consummation, preparatory to some grand climax in tho history of our race. Prophecy and the laws ef population are alike converging lines pointing to one issue in the near future. These are no mere statements of opinion, but arc backei up by facts that cannot be gainsaid. Population we must remember increases in geometrical ratio. A century doubles it even iu crowded India; half a century in England, and a quarter of a century in America. Already milliins in India never know what it is to befroefrom absolute hunger, where millions more exist on one meal a day. What will happen when India's two hundred and fifty millions are doubled ? When we have to govern these five hundred million Hindoos ? By the end of this century the United States will have its hundred inillious doubling every twenty-five years. There is no " new world " remaining now to bo discovered and colonized ! This is one of tho many

signs which consul" in showing us that " tho time is short," and the end of our ago at hand.— ' Regions Beyond.'