The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-09-01
The German Movement Towards Africa

Many illusions have been made by the
European press to the evident need OF a
| more extended marine frontier for the new
German Empire, in order that ocean COM
merce may be increased and navy COM
mensurate to the dignity Of the State be
formed. But from an exceedingly able and
interesting article which has lately appeared
in the Augs5urger ANgemetne Zeitnng, one
of the most influential of German newspa-
pers, it seems that public sentiment is being
directed toward the acquisition Of extensive
colonial possessions, and that, too, in an un-
expected quarter.
The article mentioned is from the pen OF
Gerhard Rohlfs, among the most celebrated
OF modern African explorers, and whose
views are entitled to respect not only from
the intelligence and practical experience OF
the author, but because they have been in
measure foreshadowed by certain significant
movements heretofore. The project of Mr..
Rohlfs may. he summed up in very few
words. After commenting upon the neces-
sity Of extending the political and CONNER
cial power of Germany by the formation OF
colonies, he proposes that the government
shall establish q trade channel from Trip
oil, on the shores Of the Mediterranean,
through the Sahara Desert to the Kingdom
Of Borna, which occupies the centre OF the
African continent, and thence to the River
Niger, or some other favorable point near
the equatorial line. He suggests that per-
haps Spain might be induced to part with
the port OF Fernando Pc, which is near the
mouth Of the Niger, and would maF" an ex-
cellent naval station as we'll as coL-.nercial
depot. Reference to the map will show that
a line running due north from Fernando
Pc traverses the most fertile and populous
regions Of the African continent, passes
through the Kingdom Of Borna, and termi-
mates at Tripon, which is opposite Trieste.
Startling as this proposition is at first
sight, its difficulties and improbabilities
diminish on closer examination. Let US
glance briefly at the links in the chain.
Trieste belongs to Austria, but its people
and its interests are as much or more Ger
man than Austrian, and it has been strongly
limited that one of the next moves on the
European chess-board will give the city to
Germany altogether With Trieste as q
starting point,.it is easy to see how Rohlf's
plan can he made feasible. The immense
table lands OF Central Africa, which We know
from the reports OF recent travellers are re-
markable for their prodactiveness, salubrty
and natural beauty, and for the industry,
peaceful disposition and comparative intelli-
gence OF their inhabitants, are under the
control OF two moparchs-the Sultan OF
Borna and the Sultan Of SoudaL. 1t will be
recollected that about two years since, the
present Emperor Of Germany, then King of
Prussia, formed treaty with the frst-named
OF these African princes, and exchanged
congratulations and numerous presents with
his sable ally. Among the gifts received at
Berlin we're textile fabrics and implements
OF steel and iron, whose workmanship sur
.,rlsed those who we're accustomed to regard
the people Of Central Africa as only barVa'
rans, indisposed to work and incapable Of
invention. This treaty and its accompani-
ments settled two things-hrst friendly re-
lations between Germany and the Kingdom
of Borna; and second, the fact that the
trade OF Borna is eminently worth having.
1t would also appear that the German Gov
ernment has not been uumindful of the ad-
vantages accruing from this trade, and is
quietly preparing to grasp it at the proper
time and in the proper way. Last year when
Prim offered the throne of Spain to scion
Of the house Of HoheDzollern, it was re-
ported that one Of the clauses OF the agree
ment embraced the cession to Prussia OF the
Spanish colonies on the coast OF Africa; and
though the rumor was forgotten in the tre-
mendous events which followed, there is
reason 10 believe that the idea has not been
abandoned. II Germany wants these colo
MES she can obtain them at cheap rate;
for Spain has more than enoug b to engage
her attention at home without attempting
to maintain her ancient prestige abroad
save, perhaps, in Cuba. Should the road
which Roblls has pointed out be opened,
Borna and the adjacent regions OF Central
Africa would be brought within few days
journey of Berlin, and broad avenue for
commerce and colonization thrown open
from the capital Of united Germany to the
very heart Of Africa. That German energy,
enterprise and thrift would promptly enter
and cultivate this new field, cannot be
doubted by those who have studied the
character Of that people. They are essen
TALLY acolonizing race, and possess the rare
genius which is required to establish and
preserve colonial possessions in distant
climes. Africa is now the only really virgin
soil where colonies can be planted; every
other quarter OF the glche has been appro-
priated-therefore it is r II strange that the
far-seeing men who are directing the des-
TIMES CT the new Empire, should wish to
plant the seeds OF German power in the
midst OF q realm whose extent and riches