The Taranaki Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1899. THE TRANSVAAL TROUBLE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9916, 16 December 1899, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1899. THE TRANSVAAL TROUBLE.

The experienco of tho last eighteen years has convinced most people that a more disastrous error was nevex made by a British Government than that perpetra-

tod by the Gladstono Administration in 1881, when, after our defeat at Majuba Hill, an inglorious peace wus made with tho Boers. At tho time it was condemned by thoso who knew the Transvaal and its Boor population; but tho Government of tho day, which was so successful in its domestic policy, and so short-sighted in its foreign, could not sco far enough ahead to understand that to givo in to the Boers at thab juncture was to build up for England a future troublo which would plunge her in a torriblo war later on. In a leading article in tho Illustrated London Nows of 2nd April, 1881, we read "Tho subordination of tho power to do a thing to tho claims of justico in referonce lo Uio doing of it, is rare in the

policy of nations. It requires immense moial courage on tho part of the Statesman who deliberately chooses to bo guided by tho codo of right and wrong, rather than by tho dictates of power nnd pride. Perhaps, wo shall hereafter hear as much about tho Transvaal Peace, as we have already hoard, or expected to hear, of tho Transvaal War. Apart from tho special interests involved, which will doubtless bo discussed on their own merits, one cannot but observe Hint the negotiations in South Eastern Africa during the last fortnight indicate a change in the drift of British Colonial Policy, which is of far moro importance than the immediate results that may grow out of it. Wo bolievo that tho people of England are ready for that chauge; that during the late goneral election they declared, and meant to declare, their desiro for that chango; and wo hold that tho vote recently given iv tho. House of Commons in rospecfc to our retirement from Kandahar, coupled with tho events which in South Eastern Africa have Culminated in peaco with the Boers, has proved no moro than tho concurrence of Her Majesty's Administration with the dispassionate verdict of the British people. It is a great ndvanco upon the previous state of tilings. To a certain extent — to, a wido extent, wo may say — it shows a real improvement in tho political ethics of tho Empire. ... It gives ns a loading position in the management of human affairs. It constitutes an examplo which tho world may one day be proud to follow. We have dono what wo thought just, simply becauso wo thought it just; our glory is not to have conquered the Boors by forco of arms, but to havo conquered ourselves by forco of conscience." No doubt this sentiment was very ennobling, but it has not been followed by tho good results anticipated by those who acted upon it in all good faith, and the following extract from tho samo article is in strango contradiction to what lias sinco happened : — "Mr Glad--stone's Government have taken extraordinary pains to adapt their action to tho circumstances of tho case. They have retained for tho British Crown tho suzerainty of tho Transvaal, while tho Boors are promised complete self-government in relation to their domestic concorns.

.... Tliero will bo Frco Trade, Thero will bo no indisposition on tho part of tho Boers to confederation with South African provinces for mutual defence. In short, all that wo professed to liavo in view in tho annexation of the Transvaal we shall now gain by the Treaty, the details and terms of which will bo settled by the threo Commisionors appointed by tho Crown; viz., Sir Hercules Robinson, Sir Evelyn Wood, and the Chief Justice of Capo Colony. In the negotiations which have led to peaco wo have retained everything we could desire, except — what? Our, national honor, say somo; our Imperial prido, say others. We will nofc undertake to assimilate these phrases, nor to ascertain how far an identity between them may be established. It suffices that we haio put an end to the conflict, and thus spaicd the further effusion of blood, on grounds of what we deem to be justice, and with a single view to acknowledge tho claims of justice." Tho experionco of reoent yoars shows that in making peace with tho Transvaal Boers in 1881 Britain made a uugo mistake, for which she is now paying dearly. The Boeis never meant to abide by the terms of that treaty, and have ever since been preparing to repudiate their suzerainty obligations and to impress upon Britain their hostility to her prrseneo in South Africa, whore the Afrikander population has for nearly twenty years been preparing to throw off the Brilibh yoke, and to rule tho country themselves as a Boer Republic. Had peace not been made when it was after the Majuba Hill disaster, and a proper forco sent at that time to subjugate the Boers, the result would have been tbo speedy submission of tho latter, and tho establishment of British supremacy in South Africa on a fiim and lasting basis. The golden op-

portuiiity was thrown away, and wo are paying dearly to-day for the blunder, which, it is to bo hoped, will not be repeated. The Afrikanders must be subjugated onco and for all, or British rule in South Africa will, sooner or later, be impossible-, -And Britain's vaunted su-

pieinaoy a thing of the past.

On our first page will be found Volunteer Service Notes (by "Sergeaui Knowall. 11 )

Mr Brooklieid, dentist, has closed his rooms until January Bth.

Wo direct attention to an advertisement appearing in another column, entitled "Health," from tho Hub.

Wo havo received from Mr fcftt'lcjohn a sample of an eM(tti'sit;o hand mirror, which lie intends giving away to his customers during Christinas week.

Captain Edwin wires from Wellington at 12.48 to-day: — Northerly gale, and changing by the east, with rain-glass fall and poor tides; strong ebb tides in the Straits.

The monthly meeting of the council of tho Wanganui Chamber of Commerce will bo held on Monday at 4 p.m. Members of tho Chamber aro cordially invited to attend.

A general meeting of the Rugby Union will be held this evening at Messrs Jnckson and Co. '3 lOoms, at 8 p.m. The annual report and balance sheet will be voad and tl\o cnj>a will be presented.

Thoso retpiirinGf something really nice in boys' suits will do well to inspect Mr J. J. Buckrell's new stock just purchased trom the Kaiapoi and Wellington mills. There aro several new shapes, and the patterns aro thoroughly up-to-date.

Messrs; A. C.llogg and Co. desire to notify that they havo received a very fine consignment of new season's fruits, also canned fruits, prime hams, and a very choice assortment of tnble dcliciicies. Inspection is invited at tho promises, corner Bell aud Ingestro Streets.

Mr Morton Jones, as returning officer for tho Licensing District of Wanganui, publishes in ahothor portion of this issuo tho declaration pf the licensing poll, and it will bo found jAiat the figures are particularly interesting as showing the numbers who voted.

Wo havo reeoivod from Mr W. S. JDuatin a samplo box of Batger's machinecut peel, which should fiud a rendy sale at tliiß festive season. There is no waslo, and it does away with the inconvonionco and labour of preparation for puddings, cakes, etc.

At a mooting of the Friendly Societies' Picnic Comimtteo held last evening, evorything in connection with tho arrangements was reported to be working satisfactory, and tho tender of Mr W. S. Dustin was accepted to supply refreshments, so that the public may depend upon everything being up-to-date .

Messrs Cummins and Co., the wellknown grocors, notify in our advertising columns that thoy ore selling seasonable Christmas fruits at bed rock prices. They draw special attention to machine-wash-ed and cleaned currants, seeded raisins, slnoded pool as being calculated to save valuable time at this busy season.

Special importations for tho Christmas season is the attractivo hend-line to Messrs R. H. White nnd Co.'s business announcement in another issue, and on porusal it will bo noticed that the firm aro fully stocked with everything of tho hest line and cheapest in connection witli tho soaeon's trade

In drawing attention to. his Christmas notices in another' column, Mr Crcmor wishes to particularly mention that having no oxfcru place this year ho has concontrated nil nis foroes at the old-estab-lished Avonuo premises, where customers will find tho largest, best assorted, and cheapest stock of toys, dolls, and fancy goods in tho North fsland. Tho shilling tablo shows exceptionally good valuo. Wo aro requested by one of tho judges at the Floral Fete on Thursday last to make the following correction: — In the Cachuca Dauoo by Miss Brewer's pupils, tho first prizo (a tio) wna given to Miss Henriotta, and jiot Miss Clara Clapham. Misg Kathleen Austin, being equally good, tied with Miss 11. Clapham. Tho mistake wns made in the Christian name of Jho young lady named only.

A civil action, p. Ross v. J. McGregor, arising out of iv horse transaction, was hoard -tvt tins Magistrate's Court yesterday -flrforYioqiy, Mr Gordon appealing -for tho ptaifttiff, nnd Mr Lloyd for the defendant. After hearing the ovidonce, Mr 0. C. Kettle, S.M., gave judgmont for plaintiff for .£5, judgmont not to be enforced providing tho horsd in dispute is rotumed to defendant.

Tho prizes won at tin* Upokongaro School were presented tcj the successful pupils in the Schoolroom yesterday by Mrs T. Rowe. The following is the prizelist. Standard IV. — Inspector's Marks —Willie Inkpen, 1; Bernard Smith, 2; Hector Brooks, 3. Standard lll.—lnspector's Marks — Douglaa 1. Standard II. — Inspector's! Marks — Bobbio Caldwell, 1; Bella Wilks, 2; Willie Allcock, 3. Standard 1. — Inspector's Marks — Northcotl Rowe, 1 ; Hugh Caldwoll, 2; Jessie Philpot, 3.* Preparatory Classes. — All the pupils got a prize. The attendanco prizes wero won by Alfred Allcock and JcMJftJhilpot. Tho public aro reminded of the fine river trips on Boxing Day and Now Year's Day by Messrs Hatrick and Co.'s popular steamers. These excursions have now beoomo an annual fixture, and aro looked forward to vnth pleasure by largo numbers, as being the very best way of spending the holidays* Considering tho distance, 20 miles up to the picnic grounds, and 4ho saono distance back for tho price of 2s, it is by fur the cheapest holiday oxcursion-in the colony. For particulars of the Pipiriki special excursion and shorter trips soe advertisement in tho shipping column. Dr D'Orme's Phrenological Combination Company announce tneir grand myrioramic display at their exhibition, and consulting rooifis, Ridgway Street, 'near tho Rutland Hotel, for a short season only. This pictorial display, which is evidently one of high artistic merit, judging from tho favourable notices it has received, comprises magnificent views, superb dissolving effects, beautiful mechanical panoramas, ate, and no doubt will he largely patronised during its season in this town. Tho consulting rooms are in charge of tho Company's examiner, Professor J. Wlioolor^who will be pleased to givo advice on all matters appertaining to the sciences of phrenology and physiognomy. A lad named James Heron Hodge, 12 years of ago, son of Mr Andrew Hodge, engine-driver, fciet with, his death by drowning in tho river ' yesterday afternoon. The deceased, with two companionß, wna playing in a canoe moored to a treo near the Railway Bridge' on tho Eastown side of £he rivor. The canoe drifted a"\vay, owing to tho ropo snapping, nnd one of the tfocupante (Eadic) immediately jumped out and swam for the shore, ' which ho reached safely. Summerhayes ( another lad) stuok to the canoe, and advised Hodge to do likewise. The latter, however, probably becoming alarmed, jumped overboard, and immediately sank, being unable to swim. Constable Cooper, of Aratnoho, was at onco communicated with, and a dragging party was formed, the body of the unfortunate lad being recovered, about an hour and a half after tho acciflent. An inquest is being held at Aramoho this afternoon. The following special prizes were awarded at tho St. John's Infants' School : — Standard I. — Inspector's Marks— lvy Carrel (this little girl obtained ail the marks possible, and besides obtained a special prize for amiability by tho vote of her schoolmates), Gladys Johns, Bernard Dust, Robert Coster. Attendance — Ivy Cannon, Elsie Hcaley, Mabel Clements, Edward King, Harry Holland, Robert Gerrie, Gilbert Dußt, Archie Sliarpe, William Davidson. Good Conduct — Nora Gleeson and Ruby Glecson. Special Prize for Spelling — Pohn Goss. Primer 111. — Attendance and Good Work — Ethel Harrison, Mabel Adamson, Archie Robb. Attendance — Olive Garner, Frank Goss, Ernest Mailman. Good Conduct — Garda Tarrant. Special Prize for General Intelligence — Francis Soler. Primers 11. and I. — Attendance — Emily Lawson, Ruby Carrel, Leonard Laird, Sidney Taylor, Alex. Graham. Good Conduct — Bella Hall, Esther Ross, George Richards,, Frank Tarrant. Good Work— Charles Dudding. Progress— Beatrice Dust, Rita Gleeson Clifford Johns, Malcolm M'Doiipall. Special Prize, for Arithmetic— Williani Weatherall.