The Economical Future of Britain.

The British gain their living by agriculture, manufactures, and commerce. The last two employments are consequent entirely on the country's mines and minerals. These will no doubt fail, or fail so far as to bring into successful competition those of other countries. In such a case what is to be done? Will "two little islands in the middle of the ocean still rule 200 millions of people?" If this failure come to pass, and if other natural powers do not come to the rescue, the social state of the people must deteriorate. They must fall back on the land, and form a community not perhaps unlike the Irish or Chinese; or emigrate to other lands where labour is more productive. The latter, for reasons pretty manifest, will be the course. They may, to support their name and fame, endeavour to become a conquering and ruling people, like, in some respects, the ancient Roman. But the surrounding nations are page 202 powerful and watchful. In the event of their emigrating, they may retain their labour-saving machinery and their social forms almost unimpaired-Agricultural and pastoral pursuits and perhaps a wealthy but not very heavy population, may be predicted of future Britain. I say "wealthy," because the loans made by Britain to other countries should be remembered.

Even were a British Confederacy an accomplished fact, its influence in populating or over-populating the British Islands, need not be great. For such confederacy will not be stronger than at least two other great powers. Hence in case of war prudence will require but a moderate population.