AFRICA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 7, 17 February 1909, Page 8

AFRICA.

(leiielik. the Emperor of Abyssinia, las improved in health, and is now engaged in a motor tour of his dominion. The "Standard" declares that the Somali Mullah, whose late aggression necessitated the increase of the British forces, has three columns of 10,000 men each, one-half being riflemen, and apparently is anxious to force a campaign upon the British. France and Germany in Morocco. France and Germany have arranged with regard to Morocco, for a signed declaration emphasising the integrity of the State. France agrees not to impede Germany’s commeieial and industrial interests, while Germany on the other hand recognise- the political claims of France. United South Africa. The draft Constitution of the South African Federation, hereafter to be called the South African I nion, was published last week. The Constitution makes provision for a Governor-General with a salary of fIO.OOO, an Executive Council, empowered to nominate eight senators, a Senate to consist of 40 members, each province electing eight—the present colonial Parliaments choosing them in the first instance, and Provincial Councils subsequently—and a House of Assembly comprising 51 members for Cape Colony, 17 for Natal. 17 for Orangia. and 36 for the Transvaal, all members to be of European descent. Tin- Federal constituencies are to be delimit <1 on the basis of the European ulult male population, with a quinquennial redistribution. The principle of pr< poi tional representation is to be applied with a single transferable vote. Th.- English and Dutch languages are to have equal privileges. Each province i- to be administered by an administrafor nominated by the Governor-General, Executive Council, and Provincial Council. A Federal Court of Appeal is to be established, with power of appeal to the Privy Council. The I ni< n assumes all assets and debts of the States, and takes over the Civil servants, and ns compensation for their acquiescent'' in the dual capital compromise pays to Pietermaritzburg (capital of Xatal) and Bloemfontein (capital of Orangia) two per centum of their municipal debts for 25 years. On the other band, if it is found necessary, Capetown •nd Pretoria are to be allowed one per

centum of their municipal debts. The railways and ports are to be vested in three commissioners and a Cabinet Minister. The interests of the native populations are carefully safeguarded, and the sale of liquor to them is prohibited. United South Africa. The preponderating sentiment in South Africa is favourable to the Federal Constitution, subject to certain amendments. The Hon. Louis Botha, interviewed at Capetown, said the Federal Constitution was a natural complement to the Vereeniging agreement. The two races were united in the resolve to lay the foundations of a South African nation which would be a worthy part of the Empire. Practical Friendship. Ow ing to the IVarsanazle tribe imploring H.M.S. Philomel’s protection, the cruiser shelled and dispersed the Somali Mullah’s followers, and thereby dispelled a growing belief that Britain did not intend to protect the friendly tribes.