SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 4016, 26 February 1903, Page 1

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

CAPETOWN, Feb. 221 Mr Ghameberlaib said he wished he could think he woii.d be alive to see the fulfilment of federation. He was confident as regards the rest lof South Africa, and was now almost sanguine as to the Cape itsel; The time of his active service for the Empire was necessarily, drawing to a close, Lhe greatest happiness of his life would be realised if his last act of statesmanship was the uniting of the two white races. Reuter’s agency states that it was informally suggested to Mr Chamberlain that the Cape war contribution of £10,000,000 be a final and absolute proof of' Dutch loyalty. Sortie urgedthat the amount was excessive. CAPETOWN, Feb 23. The Bond’s address protested unalterable attachment to the British ;Cohncsxion,, .iinh a ferfent hope of federation on the model of Australia and Canada. Mr Hofmcyer promised to appeal to the Dutch to promote a good understanding, and the happiness and prosperity of all ;calsses. He deprecated all offensive acts by either race. Mr Chamberlain said that Mr Hofmeyer's admirable statement was a hopeful, -happy augury lor future paece and |goodwill., He complained' that the I deputation treated rebellion tod jlightly. He, challenged, the statement that racial differences dated ifrom the Jameson raid. Personally jhe considered that it began a quarter |of a century ago. Referring to • federation he expressed a hope that isome day one great Parliament of ian Imoerial race would be establishied. i The . Johannesburg Chamber of SMines and Native Labour Association have sent a commission to IChina to report upon the empploy:ment of Chinese labour in the ? Rand. The prospects of recruiting 1 the South African natives are ;much brighter,, as-thej Kaffirs . are to the offer of higher wages. ! Feb. 23. There is a consensus of opinion' at ‘Capetown, that Mr Chamberlain’s interview with the Bond leaders is the best day’s work he : hasaccomplished. ’ ... Feb. 24. i Mr Henry Juta, a member of the Gape Parliament, introduced a d.eputationof persecuted Dutch loyalists, jwlio asserted that boycotting and ostracism were*increasing. They asked for - the dissolution of Parliament and the appointment of a commission *of inquiry into loyalists’ wrongs. 'i Mr Andries Cronje stated that if the loyal Cape Dutch were persecuted he would find them farms in the Transvaal. - ■ , ■ i Mr Chamberlain promised the loyalists generous compensation for their losses, aind said that the Government were trying in various ways to differentiate in the loyalists’ favour. He hoped that Mr Hofmeyer’s avowed abhorrence would. ’ stop boycotting. Mr Chamberlain said that it was impossible to appoint an Imperial Commission to inquire into the social ’conditions of an autonomous colony, and .asked for authentic instances or Per in C addressing the Cape Chamber of Commerce Mr Chamberlain impressed bn the autonomous colonies the nebessity of realising their position. The burden of empire was becoming greater than the Motherland cou.d bear alone, and as the colonies grew in influence and: wealth they musi either abandon the idea of forming hart of the Empire or take their full share of responsibility. r 'P^ + V 1 the war contribution, he said that it were better to dQ ■without than accent a grant reluctantly given. | Mr Chamberlain sails for London in the Norham Castle on Wednesday.