Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-08-25
The Portuguese IN Africa


1t would appear that Portugal has
either not heard tie news from Berlin or
that there is something behind hermove-
ments in Southern and Southeast Africa
of which the world is not cognizant. As
long rs she had the backing OF Germany
in her shadowy claims regarding terri
tory in the interior of the Dark Conu-
nent her arrogance towards, not to say
her defiance Of, tho English could be
understood. Germany is q power
that even England Is bound TO
respect. While the formers recogni-
ton of Portugal's alleged rights was
in force the little kingdom could afford
10 put on airs and pursue obstructive
tactics in dealing with tho British IN
Africa. Since, however, that Tecogni-
ton has been virtually withdrawn 1t
would appear on the surface that the
Portuguese are playing "A desperate
game, and interest in the situation III
creases seeing that Portugal's course TO-
wards England is becoming more irrl-
Eating every day. Not satisfied with
abrogaimG the Delagoa-Bay railway
charter and attempting to takopossosslon
OF that enterprise, the Portuguese have
projected two or three more railroads III
Africa. The most notable of these IS
road in the Shire and Nyassa coun-
tries. This, approximately speaking,
would give access TO the northern part
while the Dcagoa- Bay road with con-
nections Will penetrate the southern
part OF tho great stretch Of country tx
tending across the Africa continent,
which is claimed by Portugal As IS
well known, PortuGals claims IN this
matter are based on discoveries made
in HOO and 1900, when cupidlty mred
her navigators aud explorers to attempt
the search for Ophir and other mines.
The result Of the many Portuguese voy-
AGES to Africa was to plant numerous
small Portuguese colonies along the
southeast and southwest coasts o. the con-
tinent. But these colonies have never
been much moro than stations for levy
ing duty on the products brought from
the interior to the sea. The Portuguese
have never done anything for the devel-
opment and civilization of Africa. On the
contrary, it may 10 said their mission
has been to foster the slave trade, I'll NJ
the natives with mean rum, and supply
the Arab traders with arms and ammu-
milton. Indeed, it is charged that the
Portuguese traders have instgatod many
Of the tribal disorders near the coast IN
order 10 create markets for powder and
muskets. Much Of the territory Por-
tugal now proposes TO open up has
never been visited by her explorers,
although she claims 1t, but has been
visited 10y the English. In Nyassa land,
or Livingstone Land, there are a num-
her of Scotch and English missionary
stations. and these have done about all
for the civilization Of that country that
ever has been done. 1t Is therefore as
difficult to comprehend highlands COM
placoncy regarding the new Portuguese
road as it is to account for Portugars
boldness. 1t Is true that France has not
withdrawn her support Of Portugals
African claims, but that would hardly
influence England especially since 1t is
clear that the sentiment Of the Christian
world is crystalhzing in the conviction
that the best thing that can be done for
Africa is to allow England to have full
swing there in the matters Of colonial
ton and railway building.