THE WEEK.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7365, 17 January 1902, Page 2

THE WEEK.

Tub reported expectation of a general surrender of Boera on the 15th was probably nothing but a camp rumor. Harassed as they are, the boubheast.ern Transvaal Boera may sur render in increasing numbers, but it is as certain as unaccomplished things can be that official Boerdom in ostmp and in Cabinet will not compromise their standing claim for independence. Tha most promising aspect of matters, if true, is thj period of two months for further fighting placed upon their intentions by Orange Colony belligerents. But that probably means that further restraint will not b9 put upon those who wish to surrender. The most reliable Authorities, especially those at the Cape, expect fighting, more or less desultory, to continue for an indefinite period. The combined blockhouse and wearing-down processes are proving successful, the striking arm of the army, however, being at present deficient, come 45,000 men- Meanwhile, attempts are bfiog made to carry on a dual government, military and civil, at the same time, a thing without precedent, but viewed with sanguine expectation under such eminently suitable men as Lords Kitchener and Milner. Ihsse are forming a scheme whioh shall reconcile military necessities with civil government.

Gebman antipathy to Britain dates back to before the war, and when, on the threshold of the century, Eing and Kaiper clasped hands over the coffin of Viotoria the Wellbsloved, it was expected that reconciliation would follow by toe German people. But the Kaiser's amity waa viewed in sulky discontent by Germans, which was changed to a howl of exeoration when the Kaiser decorated Lord Roberts with the Black Eagle. Notwithstanding the discontent then created between himself and his people, the Kaifer ha 3 agein approached our King to disassociate himself from the Anglophobia of the German people. The net result of all this execration of Britain and things British is the drawing together, as never were they drawn before, of every unit which goea to make the Bntish Empire, and the fixing in lhat Empire a less friendly attitude towards Germany and German commerce.

Apart from the fact that things are seldom as they appear to ba in the Chinese Empire, faith in the hitherto reactionary Dowager will not ba inspired by her suddea change of front. Likd the apothecary of Hades, when she is good she te too good. The Emperor is known to be eager for reform, and, therefore, had it been &aid lhat his influence was supreme over the Dowoger, instead of the reverse, things -would have been more promising. Tho best evidence we have of improved prospects is the combination of ¥uan-shi-kai with the Viceroys Liukunyi aDd Chang-ch : tang, and the inclination of the' Dowagef to listen to their advice.

In reading of preparations in Italy for the occupation of Tripoli and in Turkey for its defence, we are reminded of the late promise made to Italy by France that her interests, actual and prospective, in Northern Africa shall be respected. Although Italy has hitherto made no move in this direction, it has been generally understood by the Powers that in the event of a break-up of the Sultan's dominions in Africa, Italy's claims in Tripoli are paramount, fche was defrauded by France's agression in Tunis and the subsequent umvarranted fortification of Bizerta, and the necessity of- keeping within national territory the largo emigration now going to South America, which led to her attempts to colonise Abyssinia, is still a prominent factor. It is, however, doubtful if she alone would commit an act of aggression in a region in which such acts must be followed by other similar acts of other nations.

In the uprising of an Imperial nation of world wide extent to signify its determination to stand together firm in front against the enmity of rivals, and what that enmity may bring, the great British and Australian press has crowned in burning words the sentiments of the people of Greater Britain. And not the least significant act of those which emphasise the sentiments is the intimation of little Newfoundland that it will renew the modus vivendi in respect of the fisheries if Imperial needs require it. This is a measure Newfoundland hates, and one she said last year she would not renew again. It is derogatory to the dignity of the British nation, and only the needs spoken of justify its further operation.

The Sultan of Turkey lately exprossed himself satisfied that Britain would not oooupy Koweyt, or allow another nation to do so. When we now read that he has apprehension over the matter, it may be safely concluded that it is Germany who stands at his back, and is striving for the confirmation of her concessions to push on the railway to Konhia, Bahgdad , Basra, and Kasima. The last named is close to Koweyt, and would appear to be outside of any scheme for connecting with Persia. It is recognised in the Chancelleries of Europe (hit

Germany must either colonise Asia Minor in defiance of Russia, or South America, and defy the Monroe doctrine. The definite choice of Asia Minor would change the attitude of each Power of Europe to one another an! to Germany, and would bo likely to draw Britain nearer to Rusjia. The notification is probably only a diplomatic move.