Page:The empire and the century.djvu/852

 but the reverse policy has been wisely followed, and future years will reap the benefit of it. Three things are necessary for further progress: an increased supply of labour, improved means of communication, and large irrigation schemes. Both these last mean, of course, a considerable capital expenditure. The labour question seems likely to solve itself in a few years' time. The demands for all sorts of commodities, which is everywhere springing up, is driving people to labour. Five years of settled security have already had a great effect on the increase of population. The number of children of five years old and under, all over the Sudan, is very remarkable, and it is encouraging both as a symptom of present prosperity and as a sign for the future. As for irrigation schemes, the Sudan now possesses an irrigation service of its own, and various large schemes are being carefully considered. Their execution, however, as well as many other developments, depends largely upon improved means of communication, and especially communication with the sea.

Goods going to Khartoum have now to be brought from Alexandria to Luxor, there transferred on to the narrow gauge to Assouan, thence carried by boat to Haifa, and once more put on board the tracks of the Sudan Railway, which runs to Khartoum. It is a long, cumbrous, and expensive process. The new railway which is being rapidly constructed from the present line near the mouth of the Atbara to the Red Sea will simplify the transport question enormously. Once Khartoum is within easy reach of the sea, trade and commerce will be greatly stimulated. Machinery and material of all kinds will be able to come in at a reasonable cost, and it will be possible to begin to think of opening up other parts of the Sudan by means of light railways and many other enterprises which are now practically prohibited. The new railway will be completed by March of next year, and it is reasonably hoped that it will prove a great step forward in the development of the country. One very satisfactory feature of its construc-