INTRODUCTORY 





placing the two Protectorates under one administra- 

 tion ; which of these outweighs the other depends on 

 the point of view taken by each man interested. It 

 will be noticed that whenever plans for amalgama- 

 tion or decentralisation are mooted, a magnificent case 

 is made for them and each is held out as furnishing 

 the one essential for a renewed prosperity. The latest 

 cases of amalgamation in the Empire are the Federa- 

 tion of the South African Colonies, and, in a smaller 

 way, of Northern and Southern Nigeria. With what 

 trumpetings of delight and self-congratulation they 

 were heralded, and what evidence they furnished of 

 advance in civilisation and progress ! Great Britain 

 is presumably equally civilised ; but here the goal 

 aimed at is its dismemberment. With an outburst of 

 glorification Home Rule is to be granted to Ireland, and 

 to be followed by the same priceless gift to England, 

 Scotland, and Wales. Next century, in all probability, 

 we shall advance once more. The United Kingdom 

 will be federated once again under some labour or 

 Irish despot, and Home Rule will be granted to 

 the Orange Free State, Cape Colony, the Transvaal, 

 and Natal ! To the ordinary individual, therefore, 

 there does not seem to be anything much in it, but 

 one thing at all events is certain. There will be no 

 economy in administration or diminution in the amount 

 of officials employed. Every change means an increase 

 both of expense and of officialdom, however much this 

 fact may surprise the perpetrator of each great reform. 

 This particular amalgamation may have much to 

 recommend it, but from one point of view at all events 

 I suggest that there is reason for opposition. This is 

 from the point of view of those who see in the 

 Highlands of British East Africa a colony of the future. 



