THE TRANSVAAL CONSTITUTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 28

THE TRANSVAAL CONSTITUTION.

THE BOERS DISSATISFIED,

CAPTOWN, May 3.

Ex-Generai Botha circulated a Dutch resume of the Transvaal Constitution, which he declared would cause universal dissatisfaction. Indignation is felt at the deep distrust evinced of the Transvaal public, particularly the Boers. Botha complained of the denial of a Constitution to Orangia and autonomy from the TransvaaF against the wish of vast majorities. He contended that the nominated quarter of the Legislature would always turn the scale in favour of the Government, enabling disastrous proposals, like the 30 million war contribution, to be easily carried. He asserted that the limitation of the powers made the Legislature a debating society instead of a serious Parliament. He hoped the Constitution would speedily- be changed. The Transvaal's prosperity would) only be assured by the British people and the. Government placing manly trust in the Transvaalers.

May 8.

Mr Harry Solomon, a leading Johannesburg publicist, addressing a meeting at Johannesburg, urged loyalty under the new regime. He suggested that the Progressive, Responsible Government, and Het Yolk parties discuss the Constitution amicably to facilitate the granting of responsible government. He added that the attitude of Liberals in England was merely a matter of party politics. The Transvaal could not accept any Constitution not allowing them full control of the natives.

The Responsible Government party in the Transvaal has issued a manifesto in reply to the Hon. A. Lyttelton, declaring the dissatisfaction that exists over the Constitution, and stating that those who promised a war contribution had no mandate. The question ought to have been left to a fully responsible elective assembly.

LONDON, May 3.

The Westminster Gazete (L.) recommends the Boers to try the new Constitution, with a view to obtaining a better.

The Times objects to giving men unlimited' sovereign rights who, three years ago, endeavoured to sweep us into the sea. Nevertheless, it SJ>«y s » the Boers are

on probation, and if they act above lip service Britain is willing to extend representative government.

May 8.

The Times' Capetown correspondent describes the manifesto as an attempt tc save the face of the leaders and play the game to Radical friends in England.