"As to the question whether this modification is opportune, the fact must not be lost sight of that the Berlin Conference never intended to fix unalterably the economic system of the Free State, which, as was already then foreseen, would undergo radical modifications under the influence of progress, nor of establishing for an indefinite period regulations which may hinder, check, and even arrest its development. Provision was wisely made for the probability of future changes, which would require a certain latitude in economic matters in order to secure their easy realization... The moment has now come when the marvellous progress made by the infant State is creating fresh needs, when it would be only in accordance with wisdom and foresight to revise an economic system primarily adapted to a creative and transitional period. Can we blame the infant State for a progress which, in its rapidity, has surpassed the most optimistic forecasts? Can we hinder and arrest this progress in refusing her the means necessary for her development? Can we condemn the Sovereign who has already made such great sacrifices to support for an indefinite period a burden which daily becomes heavier, and at the same time impose upon him new and heavy expenses necessitated by the suppression of the slave-trade? We are convinced that there will be but one answer to these questions."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
New Africa; an essay on government civilization in new countries, and on the foundation, organization and administration of the Congo Free State, NEW HONOURS FOR THE FREE STATE, Page 144. Lord Vivian, the British Minister at meeting of the Brussels Conference Act on May 10, 1890.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Berlin_Conference
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Berlin Conference
18 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Berlin Conference →
Related Quotes
"The slave trade has another character; it is the very denial of every law, of all social order. Man-hunting constitut…"
"The labours which we are about to undertake to regulate and develop the commercial relations of our countrymen with t…"
"Wares of whatever origin, imported into these regions, under whatsoever flag, by sea or river, or overland, shall be …"
"The rate of the taxes of compensation is not fixed in any definite manner. The support of foreign capital ought to be…"
"The doctrine of state ownership of land established since 1890 is the exact opposite of free trade, the new doctrine …"
"Freedom of trade and navigation in the Congo Basin, exclusion from any differential treatment, assimilation of foreig…"
"Everything seems to indicate that a decisive hour has sounded in the history of the world, the hour when an almost vi…"
"Congo is the oldest independent country in Africa, after Ethiopia (800 BC) and Liberia (1847). The only country that …"
"The present condition of Central Africa reminds one much of that of America when that continent was first opened up t…"
"Modern international law follows closely a line which leads to the recognition of the right of native tribes to dispo…"