the security from native
attack of various European States in South Africa. Sir Frederick
Young spoke of the attitude towards the Imperial Government. I
could wish he had been in Cape Town on the day Sir Charles Warren
landed, and seen the ovation he received from all classes. Let me
add this--that the Bechuanaland expedition, which was led by Sir
Charles Warren, and in which I had the good fortune to take part,
cost the Mother Country perhaps L1,500,000, but in the discussions
in Parliament or in the press as to the future of Bechuanaland, the
fact is seldom mentioned that Bechuanaland was acquired for the
Empire at the cost of the British taxpayer. Let me remind you of
another fact, which the Cape Colonist well knows--that when the
Imperial Government wished, from wise motives of economy, to extend
the Cape system of railways to Kimberley, at a time when the Cape
Ministers were not prepared to carry out the extension, the British
Parliament advanced a loan of L400,000, at a low rate of interest,
for that object. Another instance I could quote, in connection with
the history of that interesting native territory--Basutoland. You
remember how that country was handed over to the Cape Colonists,
and that for various reasons the management of the Basutos got
beyond their power, the result being that the Imperial Government
went to the aid of the Cape Colony and took back Basutoland. I
mention these cases because they illustrate an aspect of affairs
which is, I think, apt to be neglected. We at home--and certainly
those who have enjoyed the kind hospitality of their brethren in
South Africa--wish to do all we can to aid our fellow-countrymen in
that part of the globe. We do not wish to interfere, and I should
like to see this put forward as the grand and final policy of South
Africa--that we are ready to aid that portion of the Empire, but
set our faces against interference. In conclusion, I will add that
I am sure all of us congratulate Sir Frederick Young on having so
successfully accomplished his arduous journey, returning to us, as
he does, in better health than when he left. If you wish to renew
your youth, and grow younger instead of older, follow his
example--make a trip through South Africa, sleeping in the open
veldt.

Dr. SYMES THOMPSON: