SOUTH AFRICA

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 823, 23 February 1903, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. Capetown, Fob. 2U. A mooting of Progressives at Capetown condemned tho Bond proposal for a coalition Ministry, on tho ground that tho Bond would control a Stopgap Ministry until tho expiration of tho rebel disfranchment, and, moreover, it would not solve tho raco di'iiculty.

An announcement by the Capo Argus that tho Capo will possibly contribute five millions to the expenses of tho war is due to a majority of tho Progressives, although privately discussed in Dutch circles.

Loading Progressives, interviewed, stated they were willing to contribute tho amount, but there ought not to be a bargain between Mr Chamborlain and the Bond. Something boyond money was required to prove Dutch loyalty. If tho money was spent in Imperial garrisons and reinstatement of ovoryone boj’cotted they would believe in the sincerity of tho Dutch.

Tho Capo Times says that a coalition Ministry is impossible. Thoro is no room for Sir Gordon Sprigg in a Progrcssive Government. Australians at Capetown are ap proaehing Mr Chamberlain to secure reinvestigation of the caso of Lieutenant Wilton, of tho Bush Veldt Carbineers.

Replying to an address from Birmingham and Midland men nettled in South Africa, Mr Chamberlain eulogised Birmingham's Imperial spirit, animated by an appreciation of tho wider patriotism involved in membership of the Empire. Ho had considerable differonco with Mr John Bright’s colonial policy, and Birmingham left Gladstone becauso it feared his policy would ruin tho Empire. London, Fob. 20. Mr Brodrick, speaking in tho Houso of Commons, stated that tho South African garrison was now 33,00 U, and he was reducing it to 30,000.

NO CONTRIBUTION FROM

CAFE.

SPRIGCx S 810 FOR FAVOR,

Received 5 p.m., February flint

Capetown, Fob. 21

Any money contribution from tho Capo is considered improbablo, and all idoas of a coalition liavo been abandoned.

According to the Leader, a Johannesburg journal, Sir Gordon Sprigg, at Mafoking, undertook to propose that Parliament mako a contribution of ton millions to tho war expenses.

A BOND DEPUTATION,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Bcceivcd 12.42 a.m., Feb. 23.

Cupotown, Feb. 22.

Replying to a Bond deputation, including Merriumn, Do Waal, and Hofmoyor, who promised to uso their iniluonco to modorate tho rncial antagonism betwoen British and Dutch, Mr Chamberlain refused enquiry into martial law mcroly for tho sako of raking up animosities, concluding with an appeal for unity. His promiso not to interfero in locnl affuirs was cordially received, Mr Morriman thanking him for his sentiments and tho tono of his roply.