The Swiss abroad

Author(s) : Victor Dingelstedt

Source : https://doi.org/10.1080/00369220908733953

Abstract:

“Prof. James Bryce, in his inaugural address at the meeting of the London Branch of the E.S.G-.S., held in April 1892, fitly remarked that the study of the migrations of men belongs almost equally to physical and descriptive geography on the one side, and to history and economics on the other. According to this eminent authority three forms may be distinguished in the movements of population—transference, or the migrations of the whole, or of a large majority of a people ; dispersion, the most ordinary process, by which some active races spread themselves over the world, or, while retaining their ancient seats, overflow into new lands; and thirdly, permeation or assimilation, when a nation, thanks to its ascendency or moral superiority, imparts to other nations its character, institutions, language, etc. Dealing in this paper with the Swiss going abroad to seek new fortunes, we are concerned exclusively with this second form of migration or dispersion. It is the commonest form of procedure for all very numerous people in thickly populated countries, who are discontented, ambitious, or do not find sufficient means of existence at home.”