IMPERIAL CONSIDERATIONS 189 



or less degree, artificial and therefore in a corresponding 



degree unhealthy. 



Even in our young sister countries overseas we already 

 see the evils of the over-large urban populations be- 

 coming a menace to their future ; yet we have done 

 and still do nothing to counteract the overgrowth of 

 the towns by building up the countr\'side. 



Other nations for years past have perceived this 

 danger and have taken measures, largely successful, 

 to increase the rural population, and to improve the 

 conditions under which it lives. 



We, too, must reverse our evil policy of the past and 

 concentrate upon the rural side, if our Empire is to 

 survive the century. 



Finallv, we must have a carefully thought-out economic 

 policy if we are to achieve a " self-supporting " Empire 

 — an ideal by no means beyond attainment, which should 

 stir the heart of every patriotic citizen. 



