Sir F. Lugard, who has a habit of success, occupied
Sokoto on the 15th ult., almost without resistance. The Sultan fled, and the administration will be conducted by his brother under a British Protectorate. Sir F. Lugard has himself returned to North Nigeria, and apparently fears no rising behind him. With the destruction of this State the Foulah Empire, which has so grievously oppressed the Hanna populations in West Africa, comes to an end, and the British suzerainty is extended over five hundred thousand square miles of territory, and more than twenty millions of people. The collapse of the Foulahs, who are good fighters, is not yet clearly explained, but is mainly due, it is said, to the intensity of the hatred caused by their tyranny, and to the hope that the British will allow the people to trade and cultivate in peace. The maintenance of our sovereignty will be anxious work ; but we shall interfere little, except by prohibiting slave-raiding and clearing the trade routes ; and it has become obvious as each successive State has fallen that our overlordship is regarded by the blacks with a certain favour. The two difficulties now are to secure a revenue, and to organise a fighting police which shall be efficient. If the newly conquered States remain quiet, as they seem inclined to do, both objects will be gradually accomplished.
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