SOUTH AFRICA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8067, 24 March 1906, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA.

* THE CENBUBK MOTION, BIULLIANT SPEECH BY CHAM. BERLAIN. London, March 22, Iu the House of Commons Mr Byless' motion disapproving of Lord Miluer's action iu authorising the flog, ging of Chinese was negatived without division. Mr Churchill's amendment condemn* ing flogging in general terms, and in. viting the House in the interest of peace and conciliation iu South Africa, to refrain from censuring individuals was carried by 855 to 186. Mr Byless contended that if Lord Milner condoned every prancing pro« Consul he would be oncoursged to play the little autocrat. Mr Chamberlain, amidst much is* terruption, brilliantly and passionately defended Lord Milner, and scathingly denounced the persecution of a great public servant with a splendid record for a single error of judgment. Bit opponents were rindictirely trying to humiliate him, while afraid to impeach him. Ho explained that the suggei. tiou for corporal punishment came from Mr Evans, Protector of tho Chinese, aud that Lord Milner verbally acquoiscod.

Mr Chamberlain characterised Mf Churchill's- amendment as cowardly and contemptible, and framed to catch votes, by attacking, without "■""■l'g, Lord Milner.

Mr Churchill said it wa» clear Lord /i Milner had been guilty of a ; grave de. reliction of public duty in sanctioning illegal flogging. While he admired the moderation of Mr Byless' motion, t ho questioned the practical utility of formally censuring a man who served tho Empire strenuously, faithfully, and disinterestedly, and who was now merely a retired civil servant, without pension or gratuity. Besides being contrary to usage to censure a man unheard, was it worth while .for a strong party to pursue him further f If tho . motion was passed it would aggravate social and racial animosity in South ■ Africa. Mr Balfour characterised Mr. '< Churchill's speech as an extraordinary self -satisfied utterance. Personally, he infinitely preferred Mr Byless' attack to Mr Churchill's insulting protection. The House ought to reject the motion and amendment with equal contempt,

COMMIT/BE OF INQUIRY, THE QUESTION OF CONBWTU. TIOX. Received 23," o.*) p.m. Lo.vdon, March 28. In the Commons, Sir H. Campbell. Banuerman stated the committee of inquiry to visit South Africa and advise ' concerning the new constitutions, es« peeially with reference to the franchise and the political needs, of Orangia and the Transvaal would consist of Sir Joseph AVest Kidgwuy (chairman), *% Lord Sandhurst, Sir Francis Hopgood and Colouel Johnston. CHUKCHILL'S FAMOUS SPEECH, , Received 23,10 p.m. Capetown, March 23, The "Cnpe Times" declares Win. ston Churchill's speech was nauseous, hypocritical and unprincipled. A few -. years back Lord Milner's ideas were his.