THE NATAL CRISIS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8073, 2 April 1906, Page 2

THE NATAL CRISIS

A CLIMB-DOWN. FEELING IN SOUTH AFRICA. INTERFERENCE SHEER MADNESS. NATIVES MUST BE DOMINATED. Capetown, March 80. Meetings of protest have been summoned at Maritzburg and Durban. Telegrams show that practically the whole of the white population in South Africa will support Mr Smythe. Lord Elgin's aotion is considered likely to raiso a falso impression in the minds of the natives and lessen their respeot for the colonial Government. " The Cape Times " says the British , Government's interference is sheer madness, and that it is impossible to i exaggerate the gravity of the situation. , " The Natal Mercury " says that Lord Elgin's action is a blunder of the , grossest magnitude, rendering just and j firm government of the natives im- ( possible. He must abandon the un- , tenable position or revoke the Couatit tutiou. ENGLISH NEWSPAPER OPINION. GRAVE POSSIBILITIES OF DISASTER. A WARNING TO THE LIBERALS. LondoPi March ,30. Liberal newspapers plead that the outbreak in Natal originated through protests against the increase of native taxation. Tho "Daily News" says two of Hunt's murdorers have already been executed under a sort of rough justice administered by militia < officers, and that now twelve more have been sentenced. Lord Elgin's exercise of the power of respite is nowise clear, and the beßt way of calming the discontent amongst the blacks would be to fill them with fear.

"The Daily Chronicle" relies on Lord Elgin acting temperately and judiciously. "Tho Standard" declares the incident a most serious blunder, fraught with the gravest possibilities of disaster.

• "Tho Times " says that Lord Elgin has precipitated a grave constitutional crisis, and it is too late to hope serious injury has not been inflicted. " We can only hope that this will act as a warning in futuro dealings with the Transvaal and the Empire."

" The Manchester Guardian" thoroughly approves Lord Elgin's action. Already, it says, two of the natives have becu shot for flagrant defiance of the law. The Natal Government aimed not at justice, but striking terror. FULL PAIITICULAHS. SUPPLIED TO THE COLONIAL OFFICE. ;

NATAL GOVERNOR'S ADVICE.

Received 1,423 p.ra,

Londok, Marcli 31. The Governor's (Colonel Sir H. E. MeCallum) telegram to Lord Elgjn,reccived on Wednesday, stated that the proceedings of the court martial had been carefully reviewed by the Gover-nor-in-Council. As the proceedings were in order and no injustice was committed, the Govornor -would accept the unanimous advice of his Ministers that the sentence should, be executed.

The telegram added that the death sentence on seven others had been commuted.

Lord Elgin yesterday received a re- ; ply to his inquiry for fullor information than was ooutawed in Wednesday's telegram. In explaining, Colotiol McCallum stated that he recoinmeuiled on Ihc fiftconth of withdrawal of tho charge of murder by i the' court martial at Richmond; au(l trial by civil tribunals. Tho Ministers replied that the. dissatisfaction was in no wiSo ended and it was only because prompt measures were taken that largo numbers werp not iu ,open rebellion Several tribes had still to be dealt with for openly defying the Magistrates. Interference with the court martial would havo a disastrous effe'ot,leading to an outbreak had any sign of indecision been observed by th 6 natives, who wore observing a waiting attitude. Tho Governor, after considering his Ministers' views, thereupon withdrew his proposal for civil trial and undertook to confirm or revise the sentences. In his telegram Col. McCallum added: "The evidence is conclusive. I trust your Lordship will now see your way to withdraw your objection. Afraid very intense feeling has been excitod by my having to suspend the execution." BRITISH GOVERNMENT CLIMB DOWN. NATAL GOVERNOR'S ACTION APPBOVED. AND COVERTLY HEPEOVED. , Keccivod 1, 4.1 p.m. ] London, March 31. Lord Elgin replied to Colonel McCallum, acknowledging that careful ' | examination had been given the case, and he is satisfied that any mitigating ' circumstances had been considered. ' He disclaims ever huviug any intention to interfere with the responsible Government, and says ho feels sure that the Natal Ministers will recognise, iu all the circumstances, and in view of the presence of British troops in the colony, that the Imperial Government was entitled, and in duty bound to ob. tain precise information. "In Hie t light of present information, the t Government recognises that thcdecisioo 1 in this grave matter rests in the hands t of your Minister and yourself. I ap- d prove your action, but regret you did not keep tne informed of the steps you were taking. This lack of information 1 necessitated my telegram of the 11 twenty-eighth." ' 0 I'RESS COMMENT. | COLONIALS MUST STIFFEN 1 THE IB BACKS.

AxV INGLORIOUS RETREAT. /Received 31, 5 p.m. \ Capetown, March 81. Many natives who assembled at lUcluttQ&d to witaosi tho Qsecutious

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mriTBD PERM ÜBoCl*iipir.—by y KMOTHIO TSLIaBirS,—OprTIIOBT were not informed why they hadbeen postponed. Meanwhile the whitea hastily assembled and niado a demand not to delay the execution. . • . London, Maroh 81. "The Times" Natal correspondent says it would be better if the Imperial troops were withdrawn, than made an excuse for the Imperial Government controlling our internal affair, The time has come for us to utifffn backs. Orer-sea Britons must be allowed to develop a brotherhood of free nations, or free decay and disruption of the Empire.

" The Times," commenting, says the Government's notion ha,s aroused astonishment and indication in iiouth Africa. Lord Elgk has done wisely iu losing no time in nuking tIM only possible exit from the gravity of an impolitic position, seriously menacing the Constitutional Imperialist. He has bought a costly lesson cheaply, paying in prestige. His retreat waa as inglorious one, sincere vm in no unio kept ignorant Of colonial aiAion, . The Daily Chroniolc deelares the' Government has shown good intentions, but bad judgment. , They acted first and inquired afterfra|ds. FULL.siItAD~A.HEAD, . TO LOSE SOUTH AFRICA. Bcceived 2, 1.3 a.m. London, Apnl 1. Sir WiltW Peace, ex-Agent-General for Natal, in aa interview, declared the Homo Government was going fall* speed ahead, and' they would lose South Africa. ■ ' '