CHAPTER VI TRANSPORTATION
The limits within which tropical commerce can profitably be expanded are confined to the area of cheap and rapid communication. The coast regions, which are tributary to foreign commerce, have already become poor in some of the most valuable natural products of the tropics and the natives do not of their own accord readily adopt new methods of raising produce for export. In order that commerce in the tropics may increase at all commensurately with the expectations of the colonizing powers it will be necessary first of all to create a more perfect system of communications. We have already seen that the movement of colonial expansion is due in large part to the improved methods of transportation and that the very existence of a colonial empire depends upon the rapid movement of intelligence, goods and persons. It has also been indicated that any transformation of the native societies in Africa toward greater social efficiency must be based upon improved means of communication, which will not only render the interior regions more accessible to the goods and methods of the Western nations, but will destroy the cruel and iniquitous slavery of the carrier system.
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