SOUTH AFRICA.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16424, 18 January 1919, Page 9

SOUTH AFRICA.

• THE FOOTBALL OF THE

EMPIRIC.'

NATIONALIST DEMANDS

(By Cable.—Preas A®aooiat:on.—Copyright)

(Reuter's Tclegrrame.)

(Received January 18th, 1.20 a.ni.) CAPE TOWN, January 1".

At tho congress of tho National Party at Blocmfontoin, all provinces were represented. General Hertzog, who said he regarded tho assertion that feouth. Africa had free government' as pure, mockery. Tho Union Government consisted of men who consulted solely Imperial interests. South Africa was nothing but tho football of the Empire. He then voiced the claims of tho Free State to independence.

Tho leaders of the other provinces presented tho cases of their respective provinces, the keynote being a demand for the reversal of the alleged injustice done in taking away tho Boer Rcpul>lics.

Separate provincial congresses were then constituted.

The Free Stat© congress adopted tt resolution demanding the restoration of its former independence, and tho sending of two delegates 1 to request th© King to grant such restoration. General Hertzog and General do Wot were elected the Free State delegates.

Tho Transvaal congress similarly demanded independence, and appointed' two delegates. Tho Capo congress was adjourned.