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Great Britain and her Empire 549 easily suppressed a rising of some of his old comrades but con- quered German West Africa for the British Empire. The British look with much pride upon this tribute to their wisdom in granting freedom and self-government to the Boers. 1 994. Other British Possessions in Africa. In addition to these colonies Great Britain has three enormous provinces in Africa occupied almost entirely by negroes. North of the Cape lies the Bechuanaland protectorate, inhabited by peaceful native tribes. Next beyond Bechuanaland and the Transvaal is Rho- desia, which was acquired through the British South Africa Com- pany by two annexations in 1888 and 1898 and, with subsequent additions, brought under the protection of the British government. On the east coast, extending inland to the great lakes at the source of the Nile, lies the valuable ranching land of British East Africa. It is of especial value as controlling the southern approach to the Sudan and Egypt, which are so important to Britain. QUESTIONS I. What is cabinet government ? How has it been connected with party government ? How is the English government responsible to the people? Describe the ways in which Parliament failed to represent the nation prior to 1832. Outline the provisions of the Reform Bill of 1832. What did the Chartists want? How was the right to vote later extended ? II. Why is freedom of speech an important part of self-government ? Trace the growth of religious liberty in England from the seven- teenth century. Can you imagine any arguments for and against a stern criminal law? for keeping prisons horrible? What was the effect of factory work upon children? Why did economists oppose shorter hours of labor? When did England accept free trade? De- scribe the work of the Liberal government from 1906. III. What were the sources of Ireland's misery? What were the conditions of the union of 1801? What are the obstacles in the way of Home Rule for Ireland ? Describe conditions in Ireland today. 1 There are about six millions of people in the South African Union, but a large por- tion of these are colored. The white population, including both those of English and those of Dutch descent, do not equal in number the inhabitants of Philadelphia.