334 THE LAND OF THE LION 



constituted as to be able to formulate one. Laws are pro- 

 mulgated from time to time but those most deeply affected 

 by them have not even had a consulting voice as to what they 

 shall be, or how they are to be put in operation. 



On a lesser scale the shilly-shally " policy of muddle,'* 

 that has proved so costly and disastrous in South Africa, is 

 being re-enacted all over again in the Protectorate, with, be 

 it remembered, very similar elements to work on, the un- 

 satisfied settler and the ignorant, tenacious Boer. 



One thing seems evident and that is, the need of a settled 

 policy for the country. The men who know its needs, who 

 have studied and ruled its natives, who have scientifically 

 examined its agricultural, mineral and forest resources 

 should surely be called together to formulate such a policy; 

 and this being done, British East Africa should be placed un- 

 der the rule of a really efficient and experienced Colonial 

 governor, who with the aid of trained civil officers should be 

 permitted and encouraged to go ahead with the development 

 of the country and the education of the native without being 

 unduly hampered by the interference of either the Colonial 

 office or ignorant, if well-wishing, agitators in the House of 

 Commons or in the missionary societies. Shifting about 

 and changing of men and politics works badly everywhere, 

 but in Africa it works ruin pure and simple. England may 

 not be able to do this, she may not even wish to do it; if she 

 does not I am sure that all who know the country will agree 

 with me when I say she is bound to lose it, as she is now in 

 a fair way to lose South Africa. 



The next question that naturally arises is this: Is the 

 Protectorate worth maintaining at such a cost of trouble and 

 treasure ? It is a country with a big question mark after it. 

 It is not a land of one problem but of a series of problems. 

 Can the white man live and breed there in health and pros- 

 perity ? Can the sudden and severe calamities that have 

 overtaken the agriculturist and the herdsman be in the 



