290 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
lias Portugal done to develop the resources of her vast 
possessions in Africa ? Nothing. She has rather pro¬ 
moted slavery, formerly openly, and more lately 
secretly; whereas England has done all in her power 
to suppress the traffic in human beings, no matter at 
what sacrifice of blood and money. Portugal dis¬ 
courages scientific explorations, and hampers the 
movements of travellers ; England receives every 
cultivated visitor to her possessions, no matter where, 
with open arms, and is ever ready to further the cause 
of science. Great Britain has not only put down the 
disgraceful trade in coolies from Macao with a strong 
hand, but exercises a rigid control over her own 
harbours of Bombay and Calcutta. She enforces the 
rights and duties of humanity as befits a great Power, 
able to send the thunder of her fleets from Pole to Pole. 
