The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-04-23
ROOT OF AFRICA,S EVIL.

1
the danger which threatens the whites
in Buluwayo is attracting so much at
tention just now that it seems to be the
most important matter in which South
Africa is concerned. II is as though an
outbreak Of Indians in this country
should be looked upon by Europeans
as the most important thing to be con-
sidered in connection with the future
of the United States.
The extension Of the sphere Of Brit
ish influence up to the Zambesi river
land within the scope of British pro-
lection, as 1t is called, although those
countries are supposed TO be directly
under control of the South Africa COM
pany, which is built upon the lines of
the old East India company. Since
the MatabeleS were conquered by the
forces of the South Africa company
many whites have settled in that cOun-
try, and are now engaged in mining
and other industrial pursuits. They
occupy a position somewhat similar to
that of the early settlers of our western
states and territories. Just now their
safety is menaced by the Matabeles
uprising, but it is improbable that they
will be driven out Sooner or later the
Matabeles will again be brought under
subsection, however, many whites may
be killed during the present war. So
that this uprising may be treated as an
affair Of but temporary though for the
time very lively interest.
The real question of importance In
South Africa is the relation of the
Beers to the British and this applies
not alone to the Dutch descendants who
inhabit the Transvaal and the Orange
Free State but also to that very large
percentage Of the population of Cape
Colony, which Is of Dutch blood. The
Dutch inhabitants Of Cape Colony do
not fear British power as a menace to
their political rights, for they already
are British subjects and have no
thought Of revolt; at least for the pres
in the Orange Free State, and especial
ly those in the Transvaal. The latter
are wise in looking with suspicion upon
the movement of the British govern
ment and the actions of the South At
RIGA company, for their recent exper-
fence in connection with the Jameson
raid has taught them that their lib
critics and their country would be taken
from them if the Britons had the
power.
The Beers are preparing for war and
it is we'll that they are doing so, al
though it is probable that wise counsel
will restrain the ambitious hand of the
South Africa company and prevent an
other invasion of Transvaal rights. 1t
is not strange that Englishnen at home
are blind to the real situation in South
Africa, for they generally are blind to
what occurs at a distance from Eng
land. But it is a mystery that the
South Africa company was led into the
fatal blunder of allowing jameson TO
invade the TransyaaL Men living In
South Africa, one would think, would \
have prevented that mistake, for every
Intelligent Englishman residing in that
country knows that the most serious
menace TO the peace and welfare of its
inhabitants is the conflict of interest
between the British and the people Of
Dutch descent
1t should be borne in mind that in
Cape Colony, and to a less degree in the
Others, the Dutch form large part Of
the population. In the Cape they con-
sutute the larger part and their in
fuence in all public matters is very
strong. Not only is their Influence
strong at present, but IL is growing. |
Notwithstanding this, however, there |
are many Englishmen who talk about |
pushing the Beers TO the wall, allow /
ing them this or that section OF the 1
country, and in general treating them 4
as though they were to have In the fu-
ture little voice ia the affairs OF the /
country. II is but natural that is this /
finds expression IL initiates
the Beers snd checks that assimilation /
OF the two European races which Is
not merely desirable. but of the highest
importance in its relation TO the future l
Much Of the trouble under which
South Africa has labored has come /
from the meddling interference OF the
home government Englishmen in 4
have not been able 20 appre-
ciate the wisdom OF the advice given
by Sir Hercules Robinson that the Inc
perial government should stop at the
coast and that the inhabitants OF the
country should beaIIowed 10 govern IL
This Idea has taken deep root IN South
Africa and il is erystallized in the ex-
preston: The imperial government
IN the eoast-snd the country for the
people that live in H." which l. CON-
non on the lips Of South Africans -
: brief and clear statement OF their
policy.
There VIII be no successful govern
nent Of that country until this policy l.
lgniy established and South Africa be