The Chronicle PUBLISHED DAILY LEVIN. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1915.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 July 1915, Page 2

The Chronicle PUBLISHED DAILY LEVIN. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1915.

LOYAL SOUTH A ERICA. TJie wisdom and tho statesmanship of the British Liberal Cabinet never was (xemplilied better than it was in the Cabinet's action in giving a constitution to the conquered Boer .states united under the title of South Africa. Eor some years after the granting oi this charter of British liberty to a conquered race there were recurrent- protestations against what was termed an act of foolish clemency and great danger. Deponents came forward by the score to say that an underlying hatred of the British had survived from the war. and thai al the first cliaiiee for successful rebellion there would be raised the standard of insurrection. Tlio standard was raised. ;s we all know, but around it then- assembled only a comparative handlul of irreconcileableH, led by such visionaries as I)c Wet, while against them was arrayed the mass oi the Boers and Africanders under the leadership ot the old Boer General Botha. The happy and portentous success of the British Arms against the rebellious fioers and the allied Germans of South Africa i« of too recent origin to rerjuirc- more than passing reference, but a tribute of appreciation deservingly if> paid to General Botha'.s latest appeal to his people to volunteer tractive service in other part.sol the British Empire. The spirit animating the Premier of the African States Confederacy is that of a true citizen of the great Empire to which he nas sworn allegiance. In arms against us he fought bravely and with a marked measure of success, but when by the fortune of war ho had to yield he did so with grace and dignity, and ever afterwards proved his worth and fealty. There have been many turbulent passages in the history of South Africa since the peace of 11)02. am'i here and there has been discovered a malcontent Boer in high office, but the great majority of the conquered race has demonstrated unmistakably 'ts readiness to act up to the spirit ot the British constitution and to shoulder whenever necessary the obligations entailed upon every citizen of military ago to defend the .standard of our liber ties. Eorcmost in exhortation' as in example and in ollice, Genera iiotha stands to-day as an exemplification of the tact that clemency to a brave !<'e (one or a nation; is not misplaced. Ot this the surest proof is seen in the appeal of Botha to his people (cabled from Capetown thiis week) to take up arms in the empire's defence. The lesson thus afforded may have some bearing at a later date: but lor the present there are so many eventualities "in the lap of the gods" that any present discussion concerning conccjwioiiß in the interests of peace would be untiinelv.