The Natives of South Africa; Their Economic and Social Condition

Abstract

BY far the most serious of all the questions confronting us in South Africa is the question of the native races. The reason is not far to seek. Two at least of the African races are endowed with extraordinary vitality. The Australian aborigines are a people which will neither thrive in the presence of the white man nor be absorbed into his hosts. They are, therefore, bound to die out in the presence of civilisation, and, however much we may regret it from philanthropic or scientific motives, the political and social problems involved will sooner or later cease to exist. It is otherwise with the Negroes and the Bantu. These two prolific races show no signs of decay when brought in contact with civilisation. On the contrary, their intestine wars and savage practices being put an end to, they increase rapidly in number.

The Natives of South Africa; Their Economic and Social Condition.

Edited by the South African Native Races Committee. Pp. xv + 360. (London: John Murray, 1901.) Price 12s. net.