3-085-636 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Lagos-Dahomey Frontier Question: scenes in the disputed hinterland district, 1898. '1. Kosoko (Headman) and his Wife; 2. Gates of Ketu; 3. Camp at Dopetu; 4. Native Porter; 5. Market Women. With respect to foreign politics, the most satisfactory news this week is that of the settlement on Friday, by the British and French Government Commissioners in Paris, of the tedious diplomatic negotiations concerning the frontiers, respectively, of the Lagos and the Dahomey "protected" territories in the bend of the Lower Niger. It is stated that an agreement has now been concluded by which Boussa, the chief native town and trading river port at the head of navigation from the sea-coast mouths of the Niger, will remain a British possession, likewise Ilo, higher up the river, towards Say, and much of Borgu; the whole of the native kingdom of Sokoto, with a boundary extending northward far into the interior, will henceforth be secured under British influence. On the other hand, Nikki, which is situated considerably to the west of the Niger, will be left in French occupation, and the Hinterland of the French Ivory Coast dominion is extended to Bona, including the inland Mossi territory'. From "Illustrated London News", 1898.