BOTHA'S POLICY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 844, 16 June 1910, Page 5

BOTHA'S POLICY.

Iα programme of union and . advancement. WEAKNESS OF COALITIONS. STATES POSITION IN PRETORIA EAST. I By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. (Rec. June 15, 11.20 p.m.) Pretoria, June 15. The Prime Minister of the South African Union,' General Botha, in a speech at Pretoria (where he is opposing Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, a Progressive leader, in the East Pretoria constituency), declared the Government-policy. He received a great ovation. The Prime Minister said be hoped that the old party orgenisations would-be dissolved, and amalgamated into a great South African National party, for the promotion of the spirit of union; the sympathetic treatment of the natives; the encouragement of the white population, and the. prevention of Asiatic immigration ; a broad educational policy, acceptable' to all; the development of industries, mining, and land settlement, and tho encouragement of capital; also the opening of foreign markets. The ties witb the Mother Country, said General Botha, must be strengthened. Ho appealed to all to prevent South Africa relapsing into narrow-mindedness. Anyono' daring to call from the valley of death tho skeleton of the unhappy past would be an enemy of South Africa and a greater enemy of the Empire. While he appreciated the object of Dr. Jameson (Cape Progressive Leader, who proposed a coalition Government), in wishing to continue tho spirit of the South African Convention—in which all parties met to frame the pnion constitutionGeneral Botha pointed out that experience had shown that coalition was the weakest form of government. Referring to tho surprise expressed in some quarters that ho should opposo Sir Percy Fitzpatrick when he bad the option of boing elected unopposed for mother constituency, General Botha stated that many Englishmen and Dutch had requested him to stand for East Pretoria, where ho had resided sir.lo Hie declaration" of peace. He hoped tho contest would be friendly. The elections will bo held early in October, and the first Union Parliament trill bo opened about November I. [The "Daily Mail" states that very few of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick's former supporters resido in Pretoria East.] FIRST PARLIAMENT. DUKE OF CONNAUGHT WILL OPEN. (Rec. June 15, 11.20, p.m.) Cape Town, June 15. The Union of South Africa.has formally invited the Duke of Connaught to open tho first Union Parliament. King George has assented. Tho Duchess of Coniiaught and Princess Patricia will accompany tho Duke. After the opening of Parliament, about November 1, the Duke of Connaught

and his parly will visit Rhodesia. '■