The British statesman Alfred Milner, 1st Viscount Milner (1854-1925), served as high commissioner of South Africa and later as a Cabinet member. A public servant of great ability, he is closely associated with British imperialism.

Alfred Milner was born on March 23, 1854, at Giessen, Hesse-Darmstadt (Germany). He lived part of his youth in Germany and part in England. His parents were English, and his mother insisted that he be educated in English schools. Young Milner distinguished himself at King's College School, London, and at Balliol College, Oxford.

Milner started out on a legal career but then turned to journalism. He was interested in many facets of economic policy and political administration. Because of his known ability he moved about in influential government circles and held a variety of official assignments. In 1884 he took the job of private secretary to G. J. Goschen. The next year Milner helped Goschen win...