THE FUTURE OF EAST AFRICA
. [To the Editor of the Srxeratou.]
Scn, :111 British settlers in Africa would no doubt like to endorse Mr. J. A. Watson's statement in his letter to your paper of August 30th, that the standards of conduct of Kenya settlers towards backward races are exceptionally high. One is aware that owing to the force of enlightened public opinion, improvements are being effected in the laws governing Kenya natives ; but I would like to know on what foundation
Mr. Watson's statement rests ; is he basing it on the condit which have existed in Kenya in the past ?
I find it difficult, though British, to reconcile Mr. Watson's statement with a consideration of sonic of the British legis- lation for Kenya natives in the past, such as that which made forced labour (embracing on occasion that of women and children) lawful and drew forth a protest from the resident bishops ; or with facts related in such books as The Golden Stool, and that by Dr. Let's, entitled Kenya, to read which makes one wonder if " innate sense of justice in British people " is merely a tradition or a chimera. From such facts it would seem that it is not only Dutch rule in Africa which leaves much to be desired if justice is still to be esteemed the ruling factor in the administration and framing of laws 'and there is to be no regrettable discrimination as regards colour and race.
A long residence in Africa imprints very firmly the unwanted impression that the native in any difference with the white person—he dare not actually dispute—almost invariably comes off worst, and that where the weaker race is concerned, justice, as commonly applied, goes overboard, either for want of proper investigation or as a matter of convenience or indifference. The fact that natives have certain inherent rights as human beings seems conveniently to escape the notice of many of the most outwardly charming and humane white people one comes across ; whether these people come from Kenya or from other parts of Africa makes no differ- ence to the point of view. One would like to think that the future government of British East Africa will become the model exception that shall eventually prove the rule throughout
the whole continent. —I am, Sir, &c., P. A. BANKES. 10 Barkston Gardens, S.W.5.,
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