344 THE LAND OF THE LION 
children. But her policy presents so many contradictions 
that it is no wonder she has been and still is accused of 
an hypocrisy that on the one hand makes a pretension to 
high ideals and on the other shows subserviency to ordinary 
selfish nationalism. These contradictions she cannot ex- 
plain to herself: how much less can she do so to her critics? 
She forced opium on the Chinese at the muzzles of her 
cannon, and with the same civilizers she forces freedom 
on the East African slave. To attempt to explain the 
moral curiosities which attend the development of a great 
policy of trade or colonization requires time and study. 
In the United States so far as the same problems have 
arisen, our policy has often presented the same inconsist- 
encies. Inevitable results and responsibilities will con- 
front all who hold themselves to be keepers of their weaker 
brother, and in British East Africa these are about to 
press hard on England. 
Can she continue to be fair to the mixed people com- 
ing to that land? Can the clashing needs and passions of 
men be so bridled and modified? Can the selfishness of the 
human animal be so restrained? Can the heart of man 
be so enlarged that the white and black can live contentedly 
side by side to their mutual advantage? Many wise men 
already despair of such an Utopia, and in all honesty it 
must be admitted that till now there have been but few 
signs of any such issue to the struggle between the white 
man and the black, whether the field of competition be 
Africa or the United States. 
One thing at any rate is quite admirable in England’s 
attitude. That is its persistence. Blunderingly, defeatedly 
often, yet perseveringly, her mighty and but half-conscious 
democratic spirit struggles on, trying to right the wrongs she 
has herself often been guilty of, trying always to be fair. 
Surely, in the day when nations must come forth to trial, 
this shall be counted to her for righteousness. 
