Except for Mr. Balfour's statement as to public business, the
debates in the House of Commons in the earlier part of the week were of little interest. There was a good deal of talking over the clauses of the Sale of Foods and Drugs Bill, and on Wednesday the Bill for taking over the Niger Company was read a second time, but the previous debate was of no special moment. Mr. Chamberlain, however, stated the arrangements made for the future administration of Nigeria. Three governments will be formed,—namely, Lagos, Southern Nigeria, and Northern Nigeria. Of these, of course Northern Nigeria, the land of the Hausas and the Fulahta is by far the most important as well as the most interesting. Its first Governor is to be Colonel Lugard. That is a most excellent appointment, for Colonel Lugard is a man of great energy, and possesses in a high degree the qualifications of an explorer and adminis- trator. At first the former qualities will be most needful, for Colonel Lugard's kingdom is practically terra incognita. There is no knowing what scientific discoveries may not be made in this great region, peopled for the most part, remember, not by mere savages but by semi-civilised races. We con- gratulate Colonel Lugard upon obtaining a post with such possibilities, and one worthy of his fine African record.
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