South Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 24 February 1903, Page 2

South Africa.

THE BOND AND MR CHAMBERLAIN. ' Mr J. H. Hofraeyr, leader of the Afrikander Bond, and Mr W. P. Schreiner, ex-Preraier, lunched and conferred with Mr Chamberlain at Capetown. The result has not been divulged, but recently Mr Hofmeyr insisted on universal compensations, a general amnesty, and Lord Milner’s retirement. The Bond organ at Capetown complains of Mr Chamberlain’s misrepretfttions that Dutch journalists and ministers, i l * commending conspiracies and spreading a propaganda of radial antagonism, had done an infinitude of harm. The Africander Bond suggests the payment of a contribution of five millions towards .the war expenses on condition that an amnesty is granted and a coalition Ministry is formed, giving refranchisirient to rebels.

Mr Hofmeyr has assured Mr Chamberlain that the Bond was never a disloyal institution. POLITICAL PEELING IN CAPE COLONY. 1 A meeting of members of the Progressive party in Capetown condemned the Bond proposal for a coalition Ministry, on the ground that the Bond would control the stopgap Ministry until the expiration of the period of rebel disfranchisement. Moreover, a coalition Ministry would not solve the race difficulty. . The announcement by the “Cape Argus ” that the Cape would probably contribute five millions towards the expenses of the war was new to the majority of the Progressives, although it had been privately discussed in Dutch circles. Leading members of the Progressive party, on being interviewed said they were willing to contribute the amount. They held that there ought not to be any bargain between Mr Chamberlain and the Bond, as something beyond money was required to prove Dutch loyalty. If the money was spent on Imperial garrisons and boycotting were absolutely done away with, they would believe in the sincerity of the Dutch, The “ Cape Times ” says that a coalition Ministry is impossible There is no room for Sir Gordon Sprigg in a progressive Government ;; Any money contribution from the viu is considered Impr ol ’ a^6 - All ideas of a coalition have been n-. aD ' doned. ‘ , „ According to the “ Leader, a Johannesburg journal. Sir J. Gordon Sprigg, at Mafeking, undertook to propose that Parliament should make a contribution of ten millions. “ BIRMINGHAM’S IMPERIAL POLICY." Replying to an address from Birmingham and Midland men settled in South Africa, Mr Chamberlain eulogised Birmingham’s Imperial spirit and animated appreciation of the wider patriotism involved in membership of the Empire. He had had a considerable difference with the late Mr John Bright on the subject of colonial policy, and Birmingham left Mr Gladstone because it feared that his policy would ruin the Empire. THE BRITISH GARRISON. Mr Brddrick, Secretary for War, stated in the House of Commons that the South African garrison now numbers 33,000 men, and was being reduced to 30,000 INTERVIEW WITH MEMBERS OF THE BOND. Replying to a Bond deputation, including Messrs Merriman, De Waal and Hofmeyer—who promised to use their influence to moderate racial antagonism between British and Dutch —Mr Chamberlain refused an inquiry into the operations of martial law merely for the sake of raking up animosities. Mr Chamberlain concluded his reply with an appeal for unity. A promise by Mr Chamberlain not to interfere in local affairs was cordially received. Mr Merriman thanked the Colonial Secretary for his sentiments and the tone of his reply.