NATAL CRISIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1713, 2 April 1906, Page 3

NATAL CRISIS.

DENUNCIATION OP LORD ELGIN’S AOTION.

By, telegraph, Press Ajas’n, Copyright Capetown, Maroh 80. ' Meetings of protest have been summoned at Maritzburg and Durban. Telegrams sbow that practically the whole while population in South Africa support Mr Smytbe, tbo Premier. Lord Elgin’s action Is considered likely to rouse a false impression in the minds of the nativos, and lesson their respool of the Co’onial Government. The Cape Times says the interference is sheer madness. It is impossible to exaggerate tbo gravity of the situation. The Natal Mercury says Lord Elgin’s action is a blander of the grossest magnitude, rendering just and firm government of the natives impossible. He must abandon his untenable position or rovoke the constitution.

London, Maroh 30. Liberal newspapers plead that tbe outbreak in Na'al originated through protests at the increase of naiivo taxation.

The Daily Newo says two of Colonel Hunt’s murderers have already been executed under a sort of Jodwood justice, administered by militia officers. Now twelve more have been sentenoed. Lord Elgin exercises power of respite. It is in nowise olear that the best way of oalming the disoontent of the blaoks would be to fill them with fear.

The Daily Chronicle relies on Lord Elgin temperately and judioiously dealing with tbe situation. The Standard deolares that it is a most serious blunder, fraught with tbo gravest possibilities of disaster.

The Daily Telegraph says the new fuel added to tbe South Afrioan fire is blazing disastrously. _ The Times says Lord Elgin has preoipitated a grave constitutional crisis. It is too late to hope that serions injury has not been inflicted. We can only hope it will act as a warning for future dealings with the Transvaal and tbe Empire. The Manchester Guardian thoroughly approves of Lord Elgin’s aotion. Already two natives have been shot for a flagrant defiance of the law of deoenoy. The Natal Government aimed not at justice but at striking terror.

THE GOVERNOR’S ADVICE.

Bjr telegraph, Press A»s’n, Copyright Received 4.23 p.m., April 1. London, March 31. Sic H. E. MoOallum’s telegram to Lord Elgio, reoeived on Wednesday, stated that the proceedings of the oourt martial had

been oarefully reviewed by the GovernorAs the prooeediogs were in order, and no iojustioe had been oomm’tted, the Governor would accept the unanimous advioe of Ministers that the sentenoe should be exeouted. He added : Tbe death sentence on seven others has been commuted.

Lord Elgin yesterday reoeived a reply to his inquiry for fuller information than Wednesday’s telegram, explaining that the Stateshad recommended on the 15th Maroh withdrawal of the charge of murder by oourt martial at Richmond and trial by civil tribunals,

Ministers replied that tbe disaffectirn was in nowise ended, and that it was only beoanse of the prompt measures taken a large number were not ia open rebellion. Several tribes had still to be dealt with for openly defying the magistrates. Interference with the court martial would have a disastrous effect, leading to an outbreak. Any sign of indecision would be observed by the natives, who were observing a waiting attitude.

Sir H. E. MoCallum thereupon withdrew his proposal for a civil trial, and undertook to confirm or revise the sentences.

Sir H. E. McOallum added: 11 Tbe evidence is conclusive. I trust your Lordship will now see your way to withdraw the objeotion. lam afraid very intense feeling will be exoited by my baviog suspended the execution."

LORD ELGIN GIVES WAY.

FAIR EXPLANATION.

Bj telegraph, Plena Asa’n, Copyright Received 4.40 p.m„ April 1.

_ London, Marob 31. Lord Elgin replied to Sir H. E. McCallam, acknowledging the careful examination given to the oase. He wa3 satisfied that aoy mitigating circumstances had been considered. He disclaims ever having any intention to interfere with a responsible Government. He says he feels sare that Natal Ministers will recognise that in all the circumstances, and in view of the presenoe of Brit'sh troops in the colony, the Imperial Government is entitled and in duly bound to obtain preoiae information. In the light of present information he recognises that " the decision of this grave matter rests in the hands of Ministers and yourself I approve of your action, but regret that you did not keep me informed of the steps you were taking. This lack of information necessitated the telegram of the twenty-eighth."

DEMAND OF THE WHITES.

AN INGLORIOUS BACK DOWN.

By telegraph, Pres* A*a'n, Copyright Received 5 p.m., April 1.

Capetown, March 31. Maay natives assembled at Bichmond to witness the executions. They were not informed why it was postponed. Mean* while the whites hastily assembled and made a demand not to delay the execution. London, Maroh 31.

The Times' Natal correspondent says : «It would be better for the Imperial troops to be withdrawn than be made an excuse tot the Imperial Government eontrolling internal affairs. The time has oome for us to stiffen our backs. Oversea Britons must be allowed to develop the brotherhood of free natione or face decay nod disruption of the Empire." The Times, oommentiog on the Bubjeoi, says the Government’s action has aroused astonishment and indignation in South Afrioa. Lord Elgin had done wisely in loßing no time in making the only possible exit from a g avoly impolitic position, seriously menacing the Constitution. Imperialists had bought a costly lesson, cheaply paying in prestige, The retreat was'inglorious, aioce they were in no sense kept in ignorance of the colonial sotion. The Daily Chronicle deolared that Go* vernment had Bhown good intentions, but bad judgmeot. They ac'.ed first and inquired afterwards.