SITUATION REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 17, 20 January 1914, Page 5

SITUATION REVIEWED.

CONSTITUTIONALISM WINS. COSTLY VICTORY. (Received 9 a.m.) CAPETOWN, January 19. The whole of the running staff at Pretoria signed on this morning, and some have already resumed work. While the industrial difficulties are by no means over, indeed, the settlement has scarcely yet begun, the immediate prospect of red ruin and the breaking up of the law is past. The Government's call to arms was responded to by all welldisposed persons throughout the "Union, irrespective of race, party or the considerations which ordinarily divided the people. The Indians, led by Mr. Gandhi, stood aloof, and the natives, obedient to the message from General Botha, remained qiiiet. The issue thus became a clear-cut one between constitutionalism on the one hand and anarchy on the other. Constitutionalism has prevailed at a cost, which in the end may be anything from a-quarter to half a million. , , .., The matter of cost depends on how long the active citizen forces remain on duly. While the gradual demobilisation has already began, it will not be unduly hastened, and it is noteworthy that the Government, even after the demobilisation, will retain in the Control Areas considerable forces, oh the plea that the men, having got together, the present is a good opportunity for them to undergo their regulation training. The attitude of the commandos is significant. They came out with alacrity, but let it be understood that they had had enough of industrial unrest and threats of social upheaval, and wanted this trouble settled once and for all. If r. weak settlement were made it is felt they would return to their homes disgusted, and would be slow to come out another time. They, however, seem satisfied with the Government's firmness and determination in dealing with the strike.