The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF

Unfortunately no emigration statistics are kept. An annual emigration of approximately 10 per 1000 would appear at first sight to be a serious misfortune for such a poor and sparsely populated country, but there are factors present which made it a source of wealth. The Dalmatian leaves his home with the intention of amassing a fortune and of returning as soon as he shall have accomplished his object, and even while he is in America or elsewhere he constantly remits money to his relatives at home. Yet in spite of this welcome assistance from emigrants the rural population of Dalmatia is extremely poor, especially on the mainland and in the towns, the taxes are heavy, while the cost of living, which is already high, is steadily rising. Also from the point of view of the interests of Dalmatia this incessant stream of emigration possesses its advantages. There are districts in the province where the supply of farm labour is altogether inadequate, and in those parts and also in the ports where sufficient local labour is not obtainable, workmen from Hercegovina and Montenegro have to be imported. Although the emigrants return home bringing their savings, they are no longer available for agricultural or other labour. From long residence in the towns they are disinclined to return to their villages, and they prefer to settle in the larger towns along the coast.’’}

t Report on Commerce, Industries and Navigation of Dalmatia for Years 1910-11, by Mr. Vice-Consul Lucas Shadwell.

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