Omaha daily bee., 1896-02-09
RETURNING TOPOWER
Success of Cecil Rhodes Surprise to Eng
lish Politicians.
CHARTERED CoMPANYS WINGS CLIPPED
Government of the Territory to Be Placed
Under Imperial Control,
Ex-PReMIER WILL TARRY IN ENGLAND
Wishes to Confer with DR.. Jam eson Before
Returning to Africa.
COMMENT ON CHAMBERLAlN'S MESSAGE
London Economist Sees Nothing Re-
mnrIsnblc or Encouraging i'm the
Large Subscriptions to the
New American Loan.
OMMENT ON CHAMBERLAlN'S MESSAGE

Copyright, 1896, by the Associated Press)
LONDON, Feb. S.--A dull business week
has ended with surprise to the political
world in the announcement by the Times that
Hon. Cecil Rhodes, the former premier Of
Cape Colony, sometimes termed the Napoleon
of South Africa, whose collapse as leader
of men and manipulation or important events
was looked upon in many quarters as assured
is to return almost Immediately to Rhodesia
to resume his work in behalf of the Char
tered company. This announcement which
is fully authenticated, with Mr. Chamber
lain's message to Governor Robinson of Cape
Colony, almost monopolizes the attention OF
the politicians. Having conferred with the
directors of the Chartered company, Mr.
Rhodes will soon return to Bulawayo where
he will reside in the fine house he has caused
to be erected in the neghborhood of King
Lobengula's former capital, except during the
sessions of the Parliament of Cape Colony.
Mr.. Rhodes, however, will await the ar
rival in England of DR.. Jameson, as he is
desirous of comforting with the famous leader
Of the raid into the Transvaal before return
ing to South Africa. The ex-premier may
also make an address to the Chartered COM
pany at meeting of its shareholders, soon
to occur, and he may take this occasion to
explain liz detail his position toward the
company. The friends of Mr.. Rhodes ma.
turaly claim that the latters return to South
Africa indicates that the secretary Of state
for the colonies is satisfied with his explana-
tion and the idea If it was ever really en-
tertained that the charter of the South At
rican company would be revoked may be
dismissed.
NOT TO ESCAPE UNSCATHED.
However, it is generally believed that some
show Of severity must be made, and that
the Chartered company cannot be permitted
to escape unscathed. Therefore, it's charter
may be considerably modified and it's ad-
ministrative powers may be withdrawn,
though its commercial privileges are not
likely to be touched. The first step in the
direction Of disciplining the Chartered COM
pany has been taken in Withdrawing from
it's contr i the territories of the Montsie and
Ikanning, which have been placed under the
direct administration of the British high
commissioner. These districts were the start
ing points of DR.. Jameson's column, and the
effect of the change is to place the British
territory adjoining the Transvaal under the
imperial control. Thus, it is asserted by the
cooperating the rich gold fields of the Rand
into the territory of the Chartered company
must be definitely abandoned, and conse-
quently they expect Mr.. Rhodes to settle
down to Buluawayo and devote his energies
to the work of exploiting the resources Of
Rhodes'a. But there are people who know
Mr.. Rhodes intimately, and they smile at
such anticpations. quietly remarking: "Wait
D1oIo-
dream is an accomplished fact"
Mr.. Chamberlain's message to Governor
Robinson, published by the Official Gazette
yesterday afternoon, has created an excel
lent impression on all Sides 1t is looked
upon as being firm and unequvocal in its
terms. 1t is said to clearly define Great
Britain's position toward the Transvaal and
is warmly applauded by the press. The most
interesting features of the document how
ever, are Mr.. Chamberlain's suggestions for
the treatment of the Rand. He proposes
that they be granted the franchise after
five years residence end that the objection
able features Of the oath of allegiance, which
would deprive the man taking the oath of
his status as British subject, be removed,
so that the Rand be accorded local autonomy,
including .control of its own taxation, sub
ject to the payment to the govern
ment of an annual sliding tribute based
on the fluctuations Of the mining in
dustry and that such legislation be
subject to the vote of the president and
executive. Mr.. Chamberlain further proposed
that the Rand be given a superior law court
and that the Randers be not entitled to
voice in the Volksraad, executive, or in the
presidents election, thus relieving the burgh-
ers of their fear that the ultlanders would
utilize the franchise to upset the form of
government.
TANTAMOUNT TO HOME RULE.
Mr.. Chamberlain's suggestions are looked
upon in some quarters as being tantamount
to suggesting that the Rand be granted home
rule and comparisons are drawn OF his at
titude facing the uitlanders and his uncom-
promising unionism when toward the question
Of granting home rule to Ireland.
The Westminster Gazette says: "The lib
erals ought to be especially gratihed at this
temperance of Mr. Chamberlain in his once
favorite part OF home ruler. His action
dlsarms liberal opposition, while 1t will not
fail to secure the support of every Irishman."
The newspapers today agree that If the
views expressed on the subject of the Trans
vaal by the inspired newspaper of the South
African republic. as wired to the Times from
Pretoria, reflect the sincere intentions of the
Boer government, satisfactory solution of
the whole question will be early accompl shed.
The Economist today comments at length
upon the new United States loan, and says:
There has been a great deal too much
fuss about the fact that 1t was subscribed
for six times over. This is spoken of as
evidence of the financial strength of the
country and the confidence of the people
In the maintenance of gold payments; but
It is neither one nor the other. The fact
Is that the main inducement to subscribe
has been the hope and expectancy Of being
able to sell at profit, the bonds for which
applications have been obtained. The eff
'ect the loan is likely to produce on the
treasury is also exaggerated. 1t is very
probable that enough gold will be aecumu-
ated to pay the first couple OF installments;
out II is more than likely that the treasury