§ 11.—Colonising for Political Aims.

A fresh impetus has recently been given to colonial enterprise by the action of foreign States, and by England also. Within the last few years France has sought fresh territory in Tonquin, Germany has joined in a scramble for Africa, Italy has obtained a footing on the coast of the Red Sea, Belgium has undertaken to establish and civilise the Congo territory, whilst England has advanced to Burmah and made fresh annexations in North Borneo. It is well to remember that a simple acquisition of territory is of but little value unless its economic conditions are likewise favourable. British colonies, favourably situated by climatic conditions and economic resources, have prospered. Those otherwise placed are more a burden than a benefit. Foreign States should moreover, remember that the source of increase lies in the people much more than in the State. British colonies have prospered because the Anglo-Saxons are a prolific people, of insular, yet of a roaming disposition-a people, too, possessed of much tact, skill, and perseverance. The French colonies have not prospered because the French themselves have never shown disposition either to increase in numbers or to emigrate, and have neither the tact nor the skill to regulate their affairs less by abstract theories than by practical experience.