We must take definite exception, however, to at least two
of the pronouncements in this manifesto. The authors can find no evidence that German administration in tropical Africa has been much worse than that of other European Governments. We are sure that if they look a little further they will be able to find such evidence. In any case, the proposal that tropical Africa should be placed under a condominium is ill-advised. Joint rule wherever it has been tried over uncivilized populations has never resulted in their happiness and fair treatment. Our own feeling is that the first consideration is the welfare of the natives. An arrangement that would avoid " annexation " is, no doubt, desirable and convenient for many reasons, but we are frankly much more concerned to provide for the interests of the natives than to please Germany. The second serious objection that we have to make is that the spokesmen of Labour hand back European Turkey to the Young Turks without the least trace of hesitation. We are unable to understand the precipitation with which this move is made before it is proved necessary. When one reflects upon the hideous and barbaric atrocities which have resulted from the presence in Europe of that foreign ingredient called Ottoman rule, one is astonished at the complaisance of these leaders of Labour. They seem to seek to save one ideal by -hurriedly sacrificing another just as important
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