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. 



