Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1896. African Troubles.

Manawatu Herald, 23 April 1896, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1896. African Troubles.

To a better understanding of matters in South Africa much research is needed, and, as every little helps, we record some opinions taken from what may be accepted as undoubted authorities. Thus, for instance, we are told, rightly to understand the position in South Africa, the first thing to remember is that the Cape Colony was originally Dutch, and that at this moment an overwhelming majority of both Houses of Parliament consists of Dutch-speaking men. It is also stated that Mr Hofmeyr, of the Cape Colony, though holding in his hand the Dutch vote, trusted Mr Rhodes and secured him in his position at Capetown. Mr Rhodes, it may be remembered, strenuously urged the appointment of Sir Hercules Robinson.

as Governor of the Cape, because, as he told an interviewer " Sir Hercules Kobinson is indispensable to South Africa, because he is the one man whom the Boers know and trust. ... It was he who made the arrangement Which enabled them to re -establish their Republic. He has always enjoyed their confidence. Therefore it is, if we have to keep things going Bnioothilyj in South Africa we must have Sir Hercules as i High Commissioner." The loss of the Transvaal is act down to the resignation of the British agent at Pretoria, on account of the refusal of an increased salary. His successor had not been long at his post before the banner of independence was hoisted. Then followed Majuba Hill. A suzerainty was established in 1881 but the Home Government worried wi'h Egypt and thp Snndan paid but little attention to Southern Africa. Gar many took up Damaraland on the north.west boundary of the Cape Colony and pushed German travellers, German traders, German explorers into every nook and corner of South Africa. There was trouble with the Portuguese about Delagoa Bay, and much irritation between the Dutch and English races at tha (Jape. The Germans tried hard to gain a foothold there and to eject England. The Boars did not want German Government but used them to make better terms with England and so far succeeded that in 1884 another Convention was held and all mention ofsuzsrainty was dropped without being explicitly repudiated. The only vestige of suzerainty which was left'was the following article :— " The South African Republic will conslude no treaty or engagement with any State or nation, other than the Orange Free State, nor with any native tribe to tha eastward or west* ward of the Republic, until the same has been approved by Her Majesty the Queen." The Germans in 1884 attempted to obtain land right across the African continent to block " the broad red line " now shown on maps reaching from the Cape to Alexandria. In the attempt to effect this Germans and Boers became very intimate, the Germans getting many concessions, i one of the best known being a dynamite monopoly shared by the Nobel Company with Mr Lippert, of Hamburg. The result being an increase in cost to the consumer of 20 to 80 per cent. "Whisky is another monopoly held by the Erste Fabrike Hatherly Distillery Company. Another scheme is now being engineered, a monopoly of the cyanide process in the whole Republic. The Germans have the railways in their hands also. Thus the mistaken outburst of the German Emperor has more behind it than was at first expected. President Kruger has also a few years back paid a visit to Berlin and been very well treated and the Dr Leyds, State Sacretary of the Transvaal Republic who has lately been at Berlin, is a son-in-law of the President. All this helps to an understanding of the under-ground current of diplomacy. It is only a year ago that both President Kruger and Dr Leyds attended a banquet given by the German Consul in honour of the Emperor's birthday. In reply to the toast of his health referring to a recent difficulty with his British subjects, President Kru<?er said : — " / know I may count on the Germans in future a7id I hope Tramvaalers will do their best to itrengthen and foster the friendship txisthig between them." That sentiment must have had, it is said, a special meaning, well under* stood, perhaps, by the company ; for at the close of his speech ie was re* peated, in still more significant terms : "It is my wish " he said, " to continue those peaceful relations, and I wish also to give Germany all the support a little child can give a grown-up man. The time is coming for our friendship to be mw* firmly ss tablished than ever. ." All this bursted by the impetuosity of a young and inexperienced monarch ; unless the native risings are to be placed at the door of the Boers and Germans, which is possible.