New-York tribune., 1896-01-21

their action The Chartered Company to-day is
exposed to the payment OF an enormous indem-
nifty and to the forfeiture of its rights. This is
one Of the results Of Mr.. Chamoerlain's cam
paign in defence Of the Transvaal
Behind the Chartered Company were the mill
ionares and speculotors Of the Kaffir Curcus
They the friends and champions Of Mr.
Cecil Rhodes They had enormous financial
stake In the gold fields Of the Rand. They were
anxious TO bring about consolidation OF min
ing interests and to release their enterprises
from the necessity of paying heavy tribute TO
the burgher government Of the Transvaal. They
were ready to welcome successful revolution
in johannesburg. by which the political and ad-
ministratve control Of the richest gold fields
In the world would pass into their hands. Mr.
Chamberlain knew what was the feeling among
specuator and investors In South African
stocks He antagonzed II when he decided upon
his policy. and persevered IN carrying it out.
A TRIUMPHANT RESULT.
When these and similar considerations are
horne In mind. the most unreasonable enemy of
Mr. Chamberlain can hardly deny that he has
acted in this crisis with singular courage. firm
ness and sobr.ety Of Judgment He has resisted
every temptation and adhered steadily to the
course which he marked out as the only one
that was hedge1 about by good faith and ma
tional honor. Already his prestige al home has
been greatly increased by his vigor and coolness
in grave emergency. His enemies for once
either silent or are sounding his praises In
q high key. Men are everywhere saying MI
Chamberlain may never be Prime Minister. but
when It was of the utmost Importance that the
right thing should he done without an instant
OF delay or wavering. he has shown the highest
qualities Of leadership and statesmanship.
OF course. the end has not yet come Indeed.
Mr.. Chamberlain's work can hardly be said to
have begun. so much remains unfinished. A nun
dred complex and harassing questions remain 10
be settled. DR.. jameson and his fellow prisoners
are still detained as am writing these WORDS
and apparently as hostages until the indemnity
and other demands adjusted. although their
ofA lnno hl 1nf0
other leaders of Johannesburg are under arrest
and with the Boer hatred OF the brother. MI
Cecil Rhodes II will be difficult 10 prevent re-
prisals against them. DIR. Jameson will have 10
he punished and with the feeling of hero-wor-
ship in South Africa and with the techncalites
OF the law in favor Of an offender who was
neither guilty of treason nor employed in the
Queens service. this will no; be an easy task
An indemnity will have to be arranged and the
thrifty Beers are making eXOrbita:t claims FOR
compensation. The convention Oh 1854 may re-
ouire revision The Chartered Company will have
Il he subjected to investigation. its charter an
nulled and it's vast domain handed over to the
direct control of colonial oficiais M0st ardHons
task OF all these herculean labors Is the pacifca-
ton and reconciliation Of the two races In Soutn
Africa between whom an old-timc blood feud mas
been lighted up VT,
Mr.. Chamberlain Is not to be envied. His
future tasks are of appalling difficulty All Eng
land Is ringing with his praises. HIS pres'lge
as a statesman with the power OF discerning tne
forces Of public opinion and the instinct for DONG
the right and necessary thing In great crsls
has immeasurably increased. But colonial ad-
ministration is at best lottery; He mas won
the first prizes He may now be doomed 10 draw
n series of blanks. No Minister OF the crown
vas ever confronted with more hazardous ana
apparently hopeless and inextricabie s,tnatlon
No Minister Of the Crown ever faced Crisis win
more courage intelligence and genius FOR ansirs.
This ought at least. TO be said OF him. Whatever
difficulties and disappointments the future ma!
yet have in reserve. He has played the part or
a great Minister IN manner worthy Of the best
traditions of English history. l. ~ r