The Dominion. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1912. SOUTH AFRICAN DANGERS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1601, 19 November 1912, Page 6

The Dominion. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1912. SOUTH AFRICAN DANGERS.

South Africa, under the Botha riffivie, has, from the presented many .characteristics of singular interest to New Zealand. The Dominion played a' part in bringing peaco to that troubled country, and today, there are doubtless many on this side of the Indian Ocean who scan the Union's political horizon for signs of storms—of stress and strife and another call for aid. There will be no.more armed warfare between Boer and Britain in South Africa, but a greater conflict than that of the whites seems to loom menacingly over the land. The Botha Ministry has done nothing to allay the steadily-increasing distrust and discontent of the natives. In their treatment of the Kaffir population Botha and his colleagues have rovealed themselves as typical Dutchmen of the old school. The attitude of Kruger who, on his own at times employed native.men and women as veritable beasts of burden, seems to be the attitude of the present Union Government towards the millions of dark-skinned humanity, found south of the Limpopo River. Fortunately, every Imperial Government has refused to allow the "Native Protectorates— Bechuanaland, Swaziland, and Basu-toland-rto be incorporated within the Union; and, in all probability,. South Africa's peace has, of late, remained unbroken, by reason of that very wise, and salutary decision. Some day, if South Africa is- to become powerful and united, the three Protectorates must be included with the four Provinces and be administered not from London, but' from Pretoria. General Botha and his fellow-Ministers, howevor, seem so '< fully engrossed with the one supreme question—the retention of office—that they_ are unable to give a moment's consideration to what'is probably the most pressing problem now before South Africa. The mutterings which come at times from native gatherings are treated with silent contempt. Earl Grey knows South Africa and he knows the Empire.' Recently, speaking in Johannesburg, he expressed genuine .alarm over the indifference of the Botha Administration with regard to the natives. Racial differences, in South Africa, he said, did not trouble him in tho very least. Jußt as Canadians of French descent appreciate the advantage of their British connection, so would educated South Africans of Dutch descent realise that a greater future awaits them inside rather than outside the Empire. "Your danger ahead," he went on to say, "is not this racial one. The real danger is tho native question. This is a stupendous problem, before which all white men should unite. Every, political question in this country should be regarded from the standpoint of how it will affect the strength and prosperity of the South African nation years hence. The growing disproportion between black and white is a matter which should engage thecloso attention of you all. The millions of natives are being educated to believe that the whites regard them with fear. The compounds arc further tending to obliterate the tribal distinctions and the old order of things. Unless j'ou can satisfy the natives that you have their well-being at heart, you will one day bo called upon to pay a heavy penalty." In what form would tho penalty, to which Earl Grey alludes, be exacted?. South Africa's history contains many a stained and gory page. General Botha's native policy will have to be, changed, or a Government bo installed capable of realising the dangers of the existing situation, if South Africa is to be saved from, it may be, another prolonged period of crime and bloodshed. That, in plainest language, is the meaning of Earl Grey's prediction. No wonder need be expressed because well-informed observers, and statesmen like Earl Grey and Lord Milner—who, having lived in the country, are familiar with its people and its problems—' are uneasy when discussing South Africa and its future. Lord Milner's policy was not of the fragmentary .order, like that of the Liberal Government. Complete and comprehensive, it would have secured the rights and tho liberties of the ontire inhabitants, irrespective of race, creed, or colour. Not tho rankest, onc-idead Radical that walks, would contend that the South African policy of the Liberal Government, or even the South African Constitution, passed by the Liberals and their expectant allies, aimed primarily at fully safeguarding' the rights of the natives. Under that Constitution the rights of the whites also, when British and in a minority, can bo trampled ruthlessly under foot, as witness the attempt, in the Free State to compel British children to learn Dutch; or rather, the South African apology for that language. To prevout catastrophes in tpc near future the duty of the Union Government is: First, to pass.

ameliorated legislation on behalf of the natives; and, second', to embark upon extensive schemes of immigration and of land settlement. But Botha and his supporters appear more concerned with their own personal welfare, than with the future peaco, prosperity and general wellbeing of South Africa. While _ the clouds gather the Prime Minister talks platitude, His latest deliverance on tho subject of immigration is truly described by tho Natal Mercury as "one pf tho most,amazing utterances that could be put forward as serious politics." In spite of all his fine speeches in London about drawing the "bone and sinew of England" to South Africa, the General's compassion now goes out to the "sons of the brave old voortrokkers who, to-day, are without'.land." He refers of course to the bywoners, the men incapable of making a living on the land. These he is now to provide with free farms, seed, cash presumably, and all the rest of it, before the question .of bringing more white men.into the country can be considered." Mr, Fischer and Mr. Hertzoo, at the same time, have been reassuring, the back veld: South Africa, they affirm, has "no use" for nowoomers, whoso arrival would be simply a "calamity." South Africa, thanks to the Home Liberals and Dutch "Nationalists" is, clearljyiin a condition of danger. When .a .'man of Earl Grey's ability, knowledge, and independence speaks of heavy penalties to be exacted, the tinie has surely come for seriously considering tho methods and_ the ' aims of, the present Union Ministry.