The problem of population

Abstract

The problem of population is going to be of growing importance amongst the white races in the coming decades. A gradually accelerating decline seems to be inevitable. Even though this decline may not be large during the next twenty years, its significance will be known and it will have a strong influence on international and domestic policies. It seems probable that the phenomenon of decline will make itself evident in England at a very early date. Public attention in that country will be increasingly directed to the problem. A number of authoritative studies of the question have recently been published. Already a Commission of Inquiry, comprising an impressive personnel, has been set up to study the factors of decline; the B.B.C. is conducting a series of discussions on the subject; and increasing space in the English Press is being devoted to the topic. A decline, or even the prospect of a decline, in the population of England may have reactions of importance in Ireland. Quite a distinct issue is whether Ireland is capable of maintaining her own powers of reproductivity. In my opinion there is undue complacency as to the probability of the Irish population to be able to maintain its numbers by reproduction. In this paper I will direct my attention to the Irish Free State. I understand that a separate paper on Northern Ireland will be presented to the Society.