South Africa.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1914, Page 5

South Africa.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SOME SENSIBLE REMARKS. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 9 a.m.) London, February 3. .Mr Samuel (Postmaster-General), speaking at Harragate, said that whether the deportations were wise or unwise, it was not the function of a member of the Government in one portion of the Empire to condemn or commend the actions of another. V hatever view was taken of the merits of the case, the responsibility for what was done did not rest with "Viscount Gladstone. The constitutional relationship of Viscount Gladstone to his Ministers did not require his assent to the method which was adopted, and his assent was not asked for.

OPINION AT THE CAPE.

Capetown, February 3

Mr Cressw.ell, M.P., argued that not a single act had been committed by the strikers which justified martial Jaw. He added that Botha and his colleagues were" real criminals. They were plotters who used violence, and were guilty of brigandage. He pleaded with Parliament to protect the liberty of the subject. Mr Andrews charges the burghers with lining totally undisciplined, and having resorted to violence, laying the sjambok on unoffending people.

Mr Sheets said the movement was not crushed; and he predicted a revolution, when the weapons would be on the side of the revolutionaries and not of the Government.

The Opposition are awaiting Mr Smuts’ defence, while the Government refused to be drawn into a debate until the second reading on Wednesday. The Bill charges the doporteds with creating unrest, fomenting a strike, md inciting the wage-earners to unlawfully leave work. The Senate decided to wait for the Government’s statement before discussing the reasons of martial law.

A QUEENSLAND RESOLUTION.

IN SUPPORT OF BOTHA.

(Received 8.55 a.m.) Brisbane, February 4

A meeting of the national executive of the Queensland Farmers Union resolved to cable to the South \frican Government the Union’s approval of the splendid handling of die strike in the interests of law and M-der. The gathering expressed strong approval of General Botha - s nethods. The resolution was carried ;o the singing of “he’s a jolly good fellow.”

MINERS’ FEDERATION PROTEST.

(Received 11.15 a.m.) London, February 3

The executive of the Miners’ Federation in Britain unanimously passed a resolution protesting against the South African Government’s declaration of martial law, and - the deportations. They also demanded Viscount Gladstone’s recall.

COUNSEL FOR THE DEPORTED.

WILL APPEAR AT BAR OF HOUSE.

(Received 11.15 a.m.) Capetown, January 3

The Assembly agreed to receive on Thursday counsel’s petition for leave to appear at the Bar of the House in defence of the deported men when the Indemnity Bill is being discussed.