South Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 19 February 1903, Page 2

South Africa.

THE DISSATISFACTION IN CAPE COLONY.

The Progressive leaders declared that if Mr Chamberlain was prepared to accept Dutch assurances of loyalty the Progressives would meet them more than half way.

The Afrikander address at Graaf Reinet thanked Mr Chamberlain for upholding the free institutions that are so highly valued, and assured him of a fervent resolve on the part of the Afrikanders to remain true to the Empire. Mr Chamberlain replied that he came not to see a display of British loyalty, because he could gat. that at Home, but to see fouth African disaffection and to ask whereon it was based and to find a remedy. He traced it to wilfulness and foolishness wnich had jeopardised the constitution by the past discontent and violence. He next appealed impressively for proofs of loyalty by aiding the union. Liberty and peace alone were the perquisites of unprecedented prosperity.

The Hon. Herbert Gladstone, in the course of a speech at Leeds, eulogised Mr Chamberlain for facing the facts and the problems in South Africa in a manner worthy of an Englishman. He displayed great sagacity and power of looking at things sympathetically and unexclusively with his own eyes. INDICATIONS OF RECONCILIATION. Mr De Waal, the secretary of the Afrikander Bond, accompanied Mr Chamber! am on his visit to Middelburg. In presenting an address there, he declared that the Dutch had read Mr Chamberlain’s speeches and cordially approved his conciliatory attitude, and were prepared to grasp hands in sincere friendship and mutual trust. All ideas of a United South Africa under any but the British flag had entirely vanished. Mr Chamberlain was received with acclamation when he replied. He said he came as a peacemaker*. The interests of both races were identical and there was no reason why they should not trust each other. He rejoiced that there at Middelburg a commencement had been made of a better understanding The only fault of the Dutch heretofore had been that they were too parochial They had forgotten for years that they formed part of the greatest Empire in the world. He urged them to accept their obligations equally with their privileges. Mr Chamberlain was accorded a hearty reception at Roamead. At Schopmbi, -where he received a deputation of many Dutchmen, including farmers from Burghersdorp, Aliwal and Hanover, he declared that his expectations since the beginning of the tour had been more than realised. THE TRANSVAAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

In declining seats on the Xegisla-

tive Council of the Transvaal, Generals Botha and De le Key and Mr. Smuts wrote, stating that the formation even of a nominated Legislative Council was prematue in view of the state of irritability in the colony, and was likely to provoke discord and dangerous agitation in favour of a representative council. Lord Milner replied that the cooperation of all sections in open council would lead to mutual respect. An explanation of the Government policy would remove misconceptions. He vainly renewed his appeal to the Generals to take office. The Generals, in replying, said they felt unable to be of real service to the Government or the country if they accepted the position#. Despite their refusal, the Council will shortly be formed. It will comprise thirty members, including sixteen Government officials. Sir Gordon Sprigg, Premier, has allowed loyalists to retain their arms, and if lost they will be allowed to repurchase rifles from the Government at 70s each. Mr Chamberlain, speaking at Beaufort West, emphasised Mr de Waal’s assurances of Dutch co-operation in securing Union. If he could he would not wish to be rid of the Dutch, as he warmly admired their tenacity and resolution. He hoped the British residents would unreservedly co-operate With the Dutch for the common good. The Boer Generals Will co-operate with Lord Milner in selecting other representative Boers for seats on the Legislative Council of the Transvaal. ,