BOTHA AND HERTZOG.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16098, 11 December 1915, Page 6

BOTHA AND HERTZOG.

Taught by pleasant experience of British freedom that a policy of antagonism to British Imperialism would be fatal to the welfare of South Africa, General Botha and other Dutch loyalists have espoused the cause of the Empire in politics, and fought for it in war. Hertzog and his followers, on the other hand, have openly voiced sentiments which, had they been directed against Germany by any persons in a German colony, would have necessitated the requisitioning of the services of a firing party. Whatever may have been the exact wording of General Botha'B parliamentary condemnation of Hertzog's conduct during the recent rebellion, it is matter of common knowledge that this conduct was inexcusable, and would only have been tolerated under the British flag. It is patent to all who have followed the political situation in South Africa that Hertzog, far from exerting any influence to prevent the rebellion, openly took the part of the rebels. It is regrettable that the policy of a considerable section of the Dutch people should be one of foolish indifference to the fate of the Empire, but this makes all the more striking and gratifying the attitude of General Botha and his supporters.