Lord Salisbury, speaking in the Merchant Taylors' Hall on Thursday,
made some important statements about Africa. He denied utterly the rumours of his having surrendered British territory. He had surrendered nothing, for no agreement had been made, the German and British Govern- ments having as yet only interchanged views. He intimated, indeed, twice over, that after all there might be no agreement, the two parties being unable to arrive at a compromise. He cautioned his hearers against requiring the State to acquire territories so far inland that it was difficult to reach and im- possible to defend them, but thought it" unjust" to surrender territory in the occupation of the great Companies. He intended to work in harmony with them, but was clearly doubtful as to the speedy attainment of any definite result. He, however, carefully kept his own secret as to the actual line of the negotiations, as did Sir J. Fergusson, his representa- tive in the Commons, when questioned on the same evening. It is quite clear that we must make concessions to Germany if we want her to make concessions to us, and the public will do well to possess its soul in patience. Lord Salisbury, we may be quite sure, does not intend to irritate all Scotland, the City, and the Imperialists all at once.
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