The Berlin Conference is advancing to the conclusion of its
labours. It has defined the Congo Basin so as to include about 2,000,000 square miles of territory—nearly two Brazils—and has divided the Niger Basin into two more moderate divisions. The controlof the Congo will be handed over to an International Com- mission, which will issue rules sanctioned by a pure majority, and the great Power on its banks will be the International African Association. The Niger will be divided in two, the upper waters being entrusted to France, which also will " protect " the native Chiefs ; and the lower waters, for 600 miles from the sea, to England, with the similar right of protection. Both rivers will be open to all trade ; and both " basins," or rather all three basins, will be neutralised,—that is, traders on the rivers and within the three-mile limit cannot be attacked unless they carry munitions of war. It is also proposed, but not yet carried, to permit England to prohibit the entry of alcohol into the Niger, the only difficulty being that France, not being tee- total, wishes her brandy to be allowed on the Upper Niger. The regulations, so far, seem just and impartial, and our only com- plaint would be that England has got too much ; but the Conference has not dispersed yet, and there may be dangerous arguments about possessions on the coast. When one is building a new house, frontage counts for a good deal, and Ger- many in particular likes her edifices to be palatial.
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