SOUTH AFRICA

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1617, 25 February 1903, Page 33

SOUTH AFRICA

CAPETOWN, February 20. A meeting' of members of the Progressive party in Capetown condemned the Bond proposal for a coalition Alitii-st-ry, on tho ground that the Bond would control tho stopgap Ministry until the expiration of the period of rebel disfranshisement. Aloreovei*, a coalition Ministry would not solve -the race difficulty. Tho 'announcement by the “Cape Argus” that the Cape would probably contribute five millions towards the expenses of the war was new to the majority of the Progressives, although it had been privately discussed in Dutch circles.

Leading members of the Progressive party, on being interviewed, said they were willing to contribute the amount. They held that there ought not to be any bargain between Air Chamberlain and the Bond, as sometl :vg beyond money was required to prove Dutch loyalty. If the money was spent on Imperial garrisons and boycotting were absolutely done away with, they would believe in the sincerity of the Dutch. The “Capo Times” says that a coalition Ministry is' impossible. There is no room for Sir Gordon Sprigg in a progressive Government. CAPETOWN, February 21. Any money contribution from the

Cape towards the expenses of the war is considered improbable. AL ideas ot a coalition have been abandoned. According to tlio ‘ Leader, a Johannesburg journal. Sir J. Gordon Spngg* at Matching, undertook to propose that Parliament should make a contribution of ten millions. Replying' to an address from Birmingham and Midland men settled in South Africa, Mr Chamberlain eulogised Birmingham's Imperial spirit and animated appreciation of the wider patriotism.involved in membership of tlio Empire. He had had a considerable difference villi the late Mr John Bright on .the subject of colonial policy, and Birmingham left Mr Gladstone because it feprocl that his policy would rum the Empire. Tho Australians in Capetown are approaching Mr Chamberlain to secure a re-investigation of the case of Lieut. Witt on, of the Bush V eldt Caroineeis, who is undergoing imprisonment for shooting Boer prisoners. A commission lias been appointed at Pretoria to inquire into the creation of a mining University. CAPETOWN, February 22. Replying to a Bond deputation, including Messrs Mcrriman, De Waal and Hofmeyr—who promised to use their influence to moderate racial antagonism between British and Dutch —Air Chamberlain refused an inquiry into the operations of martial law merely for the sake of raking up animosities. Mr Chamberlain concluded his reply with an appeal for unity. A promise by Mr Chamberlain not to interfere in local affairs was cordially received. All* AI er ri man thanked the Colonial Secretary for Ins sentiments and tho tone of his reply. Air Chamberlain, in the course of a speech, said he wished ho could think ho would be alive to see the fulfilment of South African federation. He was confident as regards the rest of South Africa, and now almost sanguine as to tho Capo itself. Tho time of his active service for the Empire, Air Chamberlain added, was necessarily drawing to a close, and it would be* the greatest happiness of his life if his last act of statesmanship was the uniting of the two white races. • CAPETOWN, February 23. Tho address of the Afrikander Bond to Air Chamberlain protested unalterable attachment to the British connection and a fervent hope for federation, on the model of Australia and Canada. Air Hofmeyr (the Bond leader) promised to appeal to the Dutch to promote a good understanding for the happiness and prosperity of all classes He deprecated all offensive acts by either race. Air Chamberlain said Air Hofmeyr s admirable statement was a hopenil and happy augury of future peace and goodwill. Ho complained that the deputation had treated rebellion too l*ght ! y. He challenged the statement that the racial differences dated from , lie Jameson raid. Personally, he considered they began a quarter c-f a century ago. Referring to federation, Air Chamberlain expressed the hope that one day one great Parliament of an Imperial race would bo established. Tlio Johannesburg Chamber of Alines and tho Native Labour Association, have sent a commission to China to report- upon the question of the employment of Chinese labour on the Rand. The prospects -of reciruiting South African natives are much brighter. The Kaffirs are responding to the offer of higher wages. LONDON, February 20. Air Brodrick, Secretary for War, stated in the House of Commons that the South African garrison now numbers 33.000 men, and was being reduced to 30,000. LONDON, February 23. A Router’s message states that it was informally suggested to Air Chamberlain that the Cape war contribution of ten millions should be final as an absolute proof of Dutch loyalty. Some urged that the amount was excessive. Air Chamberlain declined any contribution which was not made absolutely unanimously and spontaneously.