LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE ROYAL FAMILY AND EMPIRE SETTLEMENT
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—May I venture, greatly daring, to put forward a sug- gestion ? All are agreed as to the vital need of populating Australia, Canada, South Africa, &c., with British folk of right type, and not drawn only from one section of society. With all respect, may I suggest that a lead might here-be-given by our Royal Family ? I am conscious of the liberty which is taken in putting forward such a proposal. Yet in view of our present difficulties and the astonishing repercussion which such a step might have on the future of our Empire, I crave your permission to outline a suggestion. In our Royal Family we have to-day one princess and several princes. Would it not be possible for them, except, of course, the Prince of Wales, to make a settlement overseas ? There is no need to recall the regret Felt by many that the late Queen Victoria did not make a royal residence in Ireland as well as Scotland. But it seems to some of us that a similar opportunity has now arrived, and that permanent residences might be created in various parts of our Empire for the younger members of. our Royal House. No one would suggest that they should never return to England. Yet the principle of the suggestion is, not simply the erection of palaces, but the adoption of a policy by the scions of our Royalty to go out and settle over- seas for the sake of our Empire and its development. Immense would be the effect of such an example. It would stimulate in a notable manner the movement for group emigration. It would transform the concept of Empire in the mind of the average man, who would see for himself that Britain overseas was essentially a part of Britain. It would enhance our general sense of fellowship with one another, and deepen our consciousness of ourselves as a family which is at once the oldest nation in Europe and the largest Empire that history has seen. It would show our daughter-nations that we wished to send them of our best, and would encourage 411 to expand as well as cherish the best traditions of our heritage.
Of course, there would be many questions, constitutional perhaps as well as financial, which would necessarily arise. And it would be necessary to make it clear that the Royal House of Britain is the outward symbol of that which cements the British Empire, as a federation of free peoples, republican, yet crowned. But the idea entrances-the imagination, and would surely create an enthusiasm which would overcome all difficulties. One can but hope that it may be voiced with wisdom, courtesy, and respect, and that if it be pleasing to our King and Queen it may alio be not displeasing to the other members of their family.—I am, Sir, &c., H. T. K.
[It is essential to conquer the prejudice among wage- earners against emigration. Emigration is regarded With horror by many as a humiliating exile. We therefore regard with much sympathy any plan that would encourage the right and true idea that any part of the Empire is " home." In most cases it would be a much richer and better home than is found here. Our correspondent's proposal, however, has. a personal side, as he admits, on which the feeling of ,the Royal Family as well as the public sentiment must be con- sidered. No doubt he remembers that the Prince of Wales has a ranch in Canada, and that the Duke of Connaught served there a long term as Governor-General, and that the present Governor-General of the Union of South Africa, his. predecessor, and their waves are all members of the Royal, Family.—En. Spectator.]
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