Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-11-01
The Former German Colonies.

Mr.. Balfours recent announcement that the
colonies wrested from Germany should never be
returned will evoke hearty approval wherever
principles of humane and constructive government
are cherished. On grounds of self-protecton
alone, the British would have ample warrant for
their position. The Union of South Africa could
not afford for any consideration to permit revival
of German intrigue along it's borders and amongst
its natives, undoubtedly there would be II Ger
man colonial rule in that region were restored.
Nor could the Commonwealth of Australia, after
all that it has contributed and sacrificed to the
winning Of the war be expected to countenance a
renewal of the German perils which it has blotted
from its part of the globe The people of the Brit
ish domnions, thoroughly self-governing as they
have the right to decide for themselves in this
matter at least to the extent of safeguarding their
security and peace; the Empire would not pre-
sumo to gainsay them. And they have declared
emphatcally that they dare not and will not suher
the territory which they have freed to pass back
to Hun control On this same solid ground the
French, Portuguese and Belgians repulse any sug-
gestion of Germanys treacherOus influence being
allowed again in their colonial neighborhood.
There are other and broader reasons for leav-
Ing these emancipated lands permanently free from
German COMMUNICATIONS of humanity and OF
Civilizations common interests. 1t is hardly con-
ceivable indeed, that council of nations, having
regard fer the rights of mankind, could ever agree
deliver the millions of defenseless natives in the
former German colonies back INTO their cruel OPP
pressors clutch. Wherever the Anglo-Saxon has
planted colonies he has cultivated the interests of
humanity: has developed the resources of peoples
as we'll Of forests and mines and streams; has
wrought with an eye to times unborn and heart
for things unseen. And, perhaps most important of
ALL the Anglo-SaXon a colOniZer has shown a
wisdom which even the ancient Roman with all
his constructive genius never attained the gener-
wisdom of imparting and encouraging the doc
tTine of self-government, which is the beginning
and end of freedom. But the Prussian has gone
into colonization into all else with a view to
swelling his money bags and putting his vainglory.
He has shown craftsmanship, imagination,
none of the glorious spirit that
Slew the beast and field
The forest letting in the sun and made
Broad pathways for the hunter and the
knight.
Is it not significant that Germany with her millions
Of acres in Africa and the Pacific and with her
Querulous complaint of congested population at
home, sent forth only a few thousand to
the sturdy tasks of colonization? She sent spies
and propagandsts apenty; she sent crafty traders,
and tyrannOus governors But she scarcely
preached the great work of clearing the wilderness
and advancing the frontiers of civilization. In
stead, she sent her immigrants, for the most part,
into lands already developed, instructing them to
profit by the enterprise of others, but always to
remember DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLIES.
Never worthy of colonial trusts, never qualified
by character or by spiritual outlook for colonial
responsibilities. Germany has forfeited all claim to
the overseas territory where her black flag
waved. Whatever disposition may finally be made
Of these lands they should not be returned to Ger
misrule.