BIRTH OF UNION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 832, 2 June 1910, Page 5

BIRTH OF UNION.

CRITICISMS OF BOTHA CABINET. OEANGIA ELEMENT. By Teleeraph-Press ABBociaUon-Oooyrliiht (Rec. June 1, Ills p.m.) London, June 1. Sir Richard Solomon, Agont-Genernl for the Transvaal, has-been appointed High Commissioner in London for United South Africa, and Sir J. H. De Villiors, Cliiei , Jiislice of Cnne Colony, lias been nuwle Chief Justice of the South African Supremo Court. King George iin.s conferred a Barony on Sir J. 11. De Villiors. King George, in a message to the South African people, says his earnest hope— which is strong and confident—is that the new constitution will, under divine providence, further the, highest welfare of South Africa, and add strength to the Empire. Civic services to celebrate the Union were held in the Durban and Maritzburg Town Halls. The "Natal Advertiser" says that the Union was effected by guile and deception, but that British doggedness will triumph. The "Natal Mercury" is profoundly disappointed with General Botha, who, the paper alleges, has betrayed the trust placed in him by the British. The "Cape Times" declares that the presence iu tho Union Cabinet of the Premier (Mr. Fischer) and AttorneyGeneral (General Hertzog) of Orange llivor Colony (where the language-in-schools law has aroused the British residents) impairs that whole-hearted confidence which is desirable.' SERVICES AND OATH-TAKING. Pretoria, May 31. In connection with the birth of the South African Union, Lord Gladstone (Governor-General) and Lady Gladstone, members of the Cabinet, and a large congregation, attended a special service at Pretoria Cathedral. Thence thi- Governor-General, the Ministers, the Chief Justice, and other judges proceeded to the Legislative Assembly Chamber. It was a sombre gathering, owing to the mourning for King Edward. The Commission appointing Lord Gladstone was read in English and Dutch, and then Lord Gladstone, who on May 19, at Cape Town, had been sworn as High Commissioner, took the oath as Governor-General. Tho oaths were next administered to members of , the Cabinet. Lord and Lady Gladstone created a good impression. AUSTRALIA'S GREETING. Melbourne, June 1. The Federal Prime Minister, Mr. A. Fisher, and the State Premier, Mr. Murray, sent cable messages of congratulation to Lord Gladstone ,on the accomplishment of South African union.