The Press. MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1898, BRITISH PRESTIGE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9990, 21 March 1898, Page 4

The Press. MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1898, BRITISH PRESTIGE.

At a time when the world's jealousy of the British Empire is so pronounced it is refreshing to contemplate evidence of its virility and unshaken prestige. While China is monopolising the attention of the world, British Empire building is going forward by leaps and bounds elsewhere. We have previously explained that Sokoto is the head of a group of Moorish States on the Niger and fringing the South-western Soudan. The Sultan of Sokoto is the over-lord of the group of slave-raiding kingdoms, the population of which is supposed to be about forty millions, and the possibilities of trade with whom are very great. The bulk of the population is pagan. But the dominant race are Mohammedan Moors, who established their authority by conquest a century or so ago. The Sultan's authority is somewhat shadowy, and resembles that of the great Mogul in India in the time of Clivb. Indeed, it appears as if the history of the conquest of India was to be repeated in Nigeria. The battle of Plassey was won largely by native troops disciplined by the English. The battle of Bida last year was won by similar forces. Plassey led to the virtual annexation of Bengal nnder a puppet native prince, the Great Mogul acquiescing. In a similar manner the battle of Bida led to the annexation of part of the kingdom of Nupe and the placing of a puppet on the throne. But it remained some time in doubt whether the Sultan would imitate the Great Mogul or not. Several courses lay open to him. There is going on now, in Nigeria, precisely the same old rivalry between France and Britain as t formerly existed in India. It was quite possible that the 1 Sultan, in his exasperation at the infringement of his empire, might throw himself into the arms of Prance and accept her protection and preach a jehad against the English. But there was a second course much more likely to appeal to the Mohammedan mind. Inland of Sokoto, between. Lake Tchad and the westernmost sources of the Nile, lay the dominions of Ra_eh. This potentate, a fanatical Moslem, though once a slave, a great warrior and conqueror, was threatening Sokoto from the east with invasion. Any truckling to the Christian on the part of the Sultan would increase the danger from .the fanatical Rabeh. But an invitation to him to join in a holy war against both English and French would have been eagerly accepted. Had this course been taken the French, having made no formal annexation in the Sultanate, could have retired, and the force of the storm would have fallen on the tiny forces of the Royal Niger Company, and possibly a temporary loss of prestige would have resulted and many revolts and disasters have followed.

But the Saltan had, of course, to consider whether Babeh would retire willingly after the war. This consideration probably had great weight in the crisis of his fortunes. But perhaps international jealousy and estrangement was the determining factor iv .his decision. However, his decision was

awaited with considerable anxiety for a whole year after the battle of Bida in January, 1897. At first he appeared to be bent upon resistance, for he refused his subsidy of _8000 a year, and declared he could not accept the position that followed Bida. At the same time he sent despatches to the Emirs of the subsidiary states preaching a jehad, and directing them to rise against the infidel oompany. He did not, however, lead the way, and none of the Emirs obeyed, but handed the Sultan's despatches over to the English. This notable action was largely the result of three facts. The victory of Bida was ringing throughout Nigeria, and the Emirs were paralysed with wonder and fear. Again the Company had prepared for the worst, and was believed to be equal to winning several other Bidas if need should arise. And, again, the British had endeavoured to be studiously just to the natives, and paid for everything they required. This not only contrasted sharply, with what was reported of the French' but it made the natives feel that the British presence and alliance were a great advantage, and not an evil.

In the course of la3fc year the Sultan probably learned all these things. It was no doubt a bitter pill for him to find that x his Emirs preferred the British to him. But at last he accepted the position, and towards the end of January consented to the partition of Nupe, withdrew his appeals to Mohamedan fanaticism, announced that he had rejected all overtures from France, declared that he would stand firmly by the British alliance, and graciously accepted his subsidy. This latter act is highly significant, both to friend and foe. The greatest Mohamedan ruler of the West accepts British pay! It will be noised abroad from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. It is probably known before now throughout the Soudan, and wherever French rivalry is felt that this Moorish Sultan backs the English to win, and elects to stand or fall with them. It is believed that this piece of intelligence will be more valuable than an army to the British. The native rulers decidedly prefer the winning side, and have a full appreciation of the saying that nothing succeeds like success. TJie Times regards the news contained in the above the most important that has been received from West Africa for a very long time. It considers that the Royal Niger Company has secured a great triumph in diplomacy, and that, should its,, territories pass under Imperial control, as proposed, they will do so free from internal danger, and with great external prestige.