The herald., 1896-02-09
South Africa's Napoleon Has
Not Collapsed
CHAMBERLAIN'S MESSAGE
Meets With Hearty Approval From
Press and Public
The London Economist Questions the Efficacy
of the Recent Bond Issue and Recom-
mends Currency Reforms
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
LONDON, Feb. s. copyrighted, 1896, by
Associated Press.)-A dull and dreary
week has been ended with surprise for
the political world, in the announcement
IN 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 of 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..
Chamberlain's message to Gov. Robinson
of Cape Colony, almost monopolizes the
attention of the politicians. Having con-
ferred with the directors of the chartered
company, Rhodes will soon return to Bull
uwayo where he will reside in the fine
house he has caused to be erected in the
neighborhood of poor King Lobengula's
former capital except during the session
of the Parliment of Cape Colony.
Mr.. Rhodes, however, will await the
arrival in England of DR.. Jameson, as he
is desirous of comforting with the famous
leader of the raid into the Transvaal be-
fore returning to South Africa. The ex-
premier may also make an address to the
chartered company at a meeting of its
shareholders soon to occur. and he may
take this occasion to explain in detail his
position toward the company.
The friends of Mr. Rhodes naturally
claim that the latter's return to South
Africa indicated that the secretary of state
for the colonies is satisfied with his eX-
planation, and the idea. if it was ever
really entertained, that The charter of the
South African company would be revoked,
may be dismissed.
However, it is generally believed that
ssme show of severity must be made and
that the chartered company can not be
permitted to escape scathless. Therefore
it's charter may be considerably modified
and It's administrative powers may be
withdrawn, though it's commercial privi-
leges are not likely to be touched.
The first step CT disciplining the char
tered company has been taken in with
drawing from its control TIE Territories of
Montsie and Ikanning, which have been
placed under the direct administration of
the British high commissioner. These dis
tricts were the starting points OF DR.. Jane
sons 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 opponents of the
company the dream of Incorporating the
rich gold fields of the Rand into the terri.
tory of the chartered comp my must be
definitely abandoned. ana consequently
they expect Mr.. Rhodes to sotte down at
Buluwayo and devote his energies to the
work of exploiting the resources of Rhode
sia. But there are people who know Mr..
Rhodes intimately, and they smile at such
anticipations, quietly remarking: swat
and see; Rhodes will never rest until his
dream is accomplished.''
Mr.. Chamberlain's message to Gov. Rob-
inson, published in the official gazette yes
teruay afternoon, has created an excellent
impression on all sides. 1t ia looked upon
~ being firm and unequivocal in its terms.