The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-03-30
THE FUTURE OF AFRICA.

Every European government has real
ICED that the civilization OF Africa IL only
a question OF time: and each has made
more or less earnest efforts 20 take hand
In the acquisition Of territory. The Meth
erfands, Portugal. England. Germany.
Belgium. France and Italy have succeeded
In getting a foothoid. but only the Dutch
and English have held on to any extent to
the rights they acquired. The Portuguese
settlements are very insignificant. and
Germany, France. Italy and Belgium have
suffered immense losses of men and money
In their effort TO establish colonies.
Germany has no territory In South Asri-
merchants from that country. and these
have been followed by diamond buyers and
advcnturers. At Algoa Bay. Mossel Bay.
GRAF Reinet and other places the Ger
mans are very powerful, and as their deal
iDgs are with the home country. a close
association OF interests has influenced the
German government. in extending sympa-
thy 10 the Beers with whom much Of the
wool trade Is transacted.
For two centuries America WAS the scene
of European intrigue. That continent
promised at one time to become the prop
erty Of England. France. Spain. Portugal
and Holland, bit II has gradually been
wrested from them. and Africa will take
its place as the new world to be conquered.
1t IL to the interest Of all Europe that
f11o pk,rs rft ~ aDd
reason Why the governments are so FUR
prisinxly passive under the recent move
rnent OF England probably Is THAI each
IL willing to see her bear The brurt of the
savage warfare. England seemed a few
years ago to have established order
throughout large part OF the northern
territory. The explorations Of living
ston and Stanley. the establishment of
British influence IN Egypt and up the Nile
10 the great lakes. the subjugation of
Abyssinia. and The partial conquest of the
Soudan gave her immense prestige. That
she was not successful was entirely due
to the timorous policy Of the Gladstone
government which so poorly supported
Gordon that his defeat and shameful de-
sertion followed Lord wulseley's expe-
dition was successful Up to the point where
no needed achievements. but these were
withheld. and the expedition withdrawn.
For the past ten years the Soudan has
been permitted to return gradually to bar
barisn. and the effort to recover 1t viii
be exceedingly dif.icuit in face of the en-
couragcmeut afforded by the recent defeat
OF Italy.
II England were free from other entan-
clements. and threw her whole strength
into the task Of conquest. II would be soon
accomplished. but in view OF the complex
ton Of affairs. she VIII hardly dare draw
or from other points the necessary forces
and Involve herself In the necessary cx-
pendtsre. 1t is an enormous territory
TO cover In the presence of tireless and ir-
responsible foes, and with the necessity
VI relying upon the transportation across
n desert and over marsh lands Of All sup
plies. The Dervishes have the same ad-
vantsges as the insurgent Ctfhans: they
are familiar with the country and accus-
toned to It's climate and conditions They
have an extensive and friendly source from
which 10 draw provisions and can suoslst
on fare to which the invaders are unac-
cusiomed.
Should England win any great victories
and establish orpce more supremacy over
the troublesome district. It is more than
probable that the rest Of Europe Win step
in 10 share with her the fruits Of her en-
terprise. This win lead TO a partition ot
territory. and be the initiation OF a series
~ projects for the purpose OF afrording
trade TO the several countries. II may
rake many years. but the work OF coloniz-
ing and clviliElng Africa WIFI never cease.
and the end Will DC the domination of the
whites over the aboriginal races OF the
Dark Continent.