SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 4015, 24 February 1903, Page 1

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

, ' CAPETOWN, February 19. jMr Hofmeyer and Mr Schreincr, lunched and conferred with Mr Chamberlain. The result is not divulged, but recently Mr Hofmeyer insisted on universal compensation, a general amnesty, and Lord Milner's retirement. ! ' Feb, 20. The Afrikander Bond suggests a contribution of £5,000,000 towards the war expenses on condition that an amnesty is granted and a coalition ministry with reenfranchisement of rebels. Mr Hofmeyer assured Mr Chamberlain that the Bond was never a disloyal institution. CAPETOWN, Feb. 20. A meeting of Progressives at Capetown condemned the Afrikander Bpnd's proposal for a Coalition Ministry, on the ground that the Bond would control a stop-gap Ministry uritil the expiration of the rebels' disfranchisement. Moreover, itwould nqt solve the race difficulty. The announcement by the Cape Argus that the Cape woudd possibly contribute £5,000,000 to the expenses of the war was news, to the majority of the Progressives, although it had been privately discussed in Dutch circles. Leading Progressives, on being interviewed, said something beyond money was required to prove Dutch loyalty. If the money were spent on Imperial garrisons, and everyone bdycotted were reinstated, theywould believe in the sincerity of the Dutch. JThe Australians at Capetown are approaching Mr Chamberlain with a view to secure a reinvestigation of the case of Lieutenant Witt on,, of the Biish Veldt Carbinejr^. Replying to an address from Birmingham and Midland men settled in South Africa, Mr Chamberlain eulogised Birmingham's Imperial spirit, aiid said it was animated by an appreciation of the wider patriotism involved in membership of "the Empire. ' Feb. 2il. , According to the Leader, a Johannesburg journal,' Sir Gordon Sprigg, at Mafeking, undertook to propose that Parliament should make a contribution of £10,000,000 for war expenses. Feb. 22. Replying to the Bond deputation, including Messrs Merriman, De Wa ; al, and Hofmeyer, who promised to use their. influence to moderate the racial antagonism between the British and thp D,utch\ Mr Chamberlain refujsed inquiry into martial law merely for the sake of raking up: animosities. He concluded' with an appeal for unity. A.promise not to interfere in i local affairs was cordially received, Mr Merriman thanking Mr Chamberlain for his sentiments and t&e tone of his reply. LONDON, Feb. 20. lytr BrQdr-iek, Minister for War, stated in the House of Commons thafl the South African garrison is now 33,k)00, and is being reduced to 30,000