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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 85

The West African Possessions. — Sierra Leone, Gambia, The Gold Coast, Lagos

The West African Possessions.

Sierra Leone, Gambia, The Gold Coast, Lagos.

Their exact area and population have not been determined; on a small map of Africa they appear to be strips of sea coast.

At present, owing, (1) To the unhealthiness of the climate to Europeans, (2) To the quarrels of the African tribes, (3) To the neglect of the Home Government, these possessions fall very far short of their value.

But when Christianity and Civilization have altered the page 55 character of the natives (of which there is proof abundant that they do), how much work will be found for English looms and forges.

Sierra Leone is the Liverpool of West Africa. It gives us a coast line of about 200 miles. Gambia gives us the command of the best river in that part of Africa. The Gold Coast gives us about 240 miles of coast line. Lagos, a small island, gives us the only safe harbour along 600 miles of coast.

These possessions tap the interior of north-west Africa, provide outlets for African produce, and open doors through which British goods can be sent into Africa.