UNREST IN SOUTH AFRICA

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4930, 25 July 1918, Page 6

UNREST IN SOUTH AFRICA

CONTRIBUTING"" FACTORS. SUPERSTITION AND I.W.W. LONDON, July 8

A Times message from Capetown says that General Botha s manifesto was not a surprise, as it was known that forces bad been working for a long time to produce an atmosphere favorable to enemy agencies. General Hertzog’s disavowal of republican propaganda was regarded by thousands of the Dutch as praiseworthy camouflage, and many of the extremist henchman are prepared, upon a favorable opportunity, to resort to unconstitutional methods. A second factor is the fact that- a prominent Nationalist lady is pamphleted a$ claiming a Divine revelation of a coming upheaval as a preliminary to the advent of the kingdom of God. This is significant in view of the influence of the prophet Vahrensberg in the last rebellion, who agitated through loyal trades unionists and contributed to the general unrest. Finally many International Socialists and Industrial Workers of the World operating these agencies are responsible for the troubled waters, in which, the enemy has found profitable fishing. The manifesto is certain to lead to a demand for stronger measures. A message from Johannesburg says that the first announcement lias been made to-day of concerted action by the Government since the crisis of last week. Last night three alleged International Socialists were arrested. Two are well-known Johannesburg men, but the third is practically unknown to the public, Raids were made by the police, sunn;larieously on the offices. worktops, and dwellings of the three men. The utmost secrecy was preserved, indicating the seriousness of the Government’s action. Those arrested at Johannesburg ar6 ._S. p Bunting, formerly provincial councillor, H, H-anscombe, described as a butcher who arrived from America, six months ago, ai cl one Tinker, of whom little is knov n.