The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-11-08
Tho Recent Gold Discoveries In Asia and
Africa

Africa.
One Of the most noteworthy points In We
full account which we published on Monday last
of the newly discovered gold fields in Asia and
Africa is the striking contrast between the
welcome extended to foreign enterprise by tho
chiefs of the Bamangwato territory in South
Africa and the positive prohibitions OF the
Chinese imperial edict, which insultingly repels
in advance all 'sforeign wandering vagabonds"
who may be tempted to seek in the Shantung
mountains and ravines sources of wealth re-
ported to be more abundant than any in Cali
fornia or Australia. The Treaty Consuls have
had no alternative but to promulgate the edict
which the Taoutai of Shanghae has sent them.
But the narrow and exclusive spirit of this
edict and its cruel threats against ''any vii
famous Chinese" any Corrupt scoundrels of
the interior" who may secretly aid or abet
foreign adventurers in violating the Chinese
law that strictly prohibits the opening of
mines, are strangely inconsistent with the pro-
gressive idea which is supposed to have
prompted the Burlingame mission. At the
very moment when by this mission China is
asking to be admitted into the family Of nations,
and when splendid discovery furnishes addi-
tional motives to those already urged in favor
Of granting her request, she coolly closes upon
''outside barbarians" q most OPPORTUNITY
opened door for the quickening influences Of
modern civilization. For the present at least
all foreigners are warned not to catch the gold
fever that is raging at Shanghae in consequence
of the news from the Shantung mines. The
Consuls have officially notified miners through
out the world that there is no chance for them
in the Chefoo district until ''in the discretion
Of the high authorities at Pekin existing pro-
hibitions shall have been modified or removed. I"
Perhaps the Burlingame mission may be in
strumental in Fastening that event.
Meanwhile, in South Africa the friendly
disposition of the natives towards the foreigners
whom Karl Mauch's wonderful gold discov-
eries-fully confirmed by the testimony of Rev.
Mr.. McKenzie-have attracted to the Victoria
gold fields Z courages the hope that both
commerce and Christianity will at once find Q
new opening in that direction. While all but
Britishers may regard as decidedly cool and
nationally characteristic Captain Blacks loyal
haste in giving to Ramakhuoban the name OF
eVictoria gold fields" and virtually taking
possession of the whole territory, nevertheless
the fact that ''the British flag already floats
over the Victoria gold fields" and the addi-
tional fact that Maten has rendered to the
British government his allegiance and his ter
ritories, which abound in ''vast and equally
rich gold fields" give assurance that the
world will reap immediate benefits from the
discoveries of Karl Mauch. The British gov
eminent will doubtless extend to miners of all
nationalities every facility to aid in developing
the incalculable wealth Of region which is
probably identical with the Biblical "Ophir, y
whence Solomon obtained his treasures. It is
not difficult to foresee that among the conse-
quences of these recent extraordinary gold
discoveries in South Africa there will soon
be an influx of white population that must
ultimately affect the destiny of the African
races.