FRANCE IN NORTH AFRICA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15704, 25 August 1911, Page 6

FRANCE IN NORTH AFRICA.

A phase of the Moroccan controversy that has not attracted general attention is discussed by Sir Harry Johnston, in tho July number of tho “ Nineteenth Century.” Sir Harry, who speaks with peculiar authority on the affairs of uncivilised Africa,, urges that L ranco has established a claim to sympathy and even indulgence on tho part of the other Powers by means of the remarkable work she has done in North Africa during tho last eighty years. In 1830 Algeria and Tunis wore in a state of absolute barbarism, the haunts of nomadic tribes which maintained a reign of terror among tho settled agriculturists. The rainfall was decreasing, as a result of tho reckless destruction of forest areas, and tlio desert areas were growing in size, until there seemed a real danger that a new Sahara would come into existence in tho territories once occupied by prosperous Roman cities. Since that time France has drained swamps and planted forests over millions of acres of once barren land. Tho climate has become more humid, and the preservation of order and the successful campaign against wild beasts have given added encouragement to the natives to use the land. Artesian wells have mado oases in tlio desert, and tho locusts, under tho systematic operations of the French officials, have become little more than a memory. Districts that were blank, sandy desert in 1880 are to-day gardens and orchards, producing oranges, figs, dates, lentils and barley, and tho native population has increased greatly under tho improved conditions. Sir Harry’s idea is that France should be allowed to proceed with the application of civilising influences in North Africa, even to the extent of establishing a protectorate in Morocco, and that Germany should try to distinguish herself similarly elsewhere, presumably in Asia Minor. The solution of the trouble along these lines would be most pleasant, of course, but it is to bo feared that the Germans are not prepared to sacrifice possible advantages to themselves in order that France may continue to earn the gratitude of civilisation.