NIGER TERRITORY.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 251, 24 February 1898, Page 3

NIGER TERRITORY.

London, February 21. snorted that tbo British Government i...end to take over the Royal Niger Protectorate in a few weeks and compensate the company and establish an Imperial force of five thousand men. Mr Charuborlain, specking in the House of Commons, stated that a Houssa guard had occupied Borea, in the Lagos Hinterland, on February 6. The same week a French force arrived, and ordered the British flag to be lowered. The Houssas, however, refused to lower it. Thereupon the French withdrew and encamped three miles distant. Mr Chamberlain further stated that the French had established posts at Wae and Nassa, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, where Colonel Northcott's expedition had previously established posts. Colonel Northoott protested, and the French withdrew after protesting. ; At the conclusion of Mr Chamberlain's statement Dr. Tanner, the momber for Mid Cork, shouted " Vivo France," but the Speaker promptly reprimanded him. Reuter's despatch says it is reported at Akassa that two French expeditions ure advancing against the Sultan of Tokoto. Six offioers, with two hundred men, have already reached Argun ga-Lagga. The Sultan has commanded a halt within forty miles of his capital. Mr Wallace, tho Agent-General for the Niger Company, has collected a forco ready to assist the Sultan. The Temps, referring to Mr Chamberlain's statement in the House of Commons regarding French attempts to establish posts in West Africa previously occupied by the British, says the incidents are not alarming. Both sides are awaiting the results of the West African Delimitation Commission.