I 
INTRODUCTORY 
7 
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. 
