The Royal Niger Company Bill was read a second time
in the House of Lords on Tuesday. Lord Salisbury took the occasion tb support Sir George Gol'die's contention that the main object of the Company Was philanthropic and political rather than commercial. He summarised the achievements of the Company as the reserving for England influence over a vast and fertile territory, the stopping of intertribal wars and slave• raids, and the diminution of the liquor traffic. Though it was necessary that these territories should pass under the direct control of the Crown, they "could not sanction that great step without expressing their deep grati- tude and high esteem for the adventurers and patriots to whose efforts the preparation of that territory was due." Lord Kimberley associated himself unreservedly in these sentiments, and paid a high tribute to the prudence and tact shown by the Company. To this we may add that those who know Sir George Goldie will absolutely endorse his statement, that had not this been the character Of the Company he would never have had any connection with it.
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