The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-02-02

rights. This II ore % the results Of Mr.
CharnberIain's campaign in defense % the
T-znsvzxI
Behind the Chartered Company were the
rn1liionaires and EpecusatorS OF tire Kzfsir
circus They were the friends and cham
pions Of Cecil Rhodes. Trey had an enor-
nous financial stake II the gold fields Of
the Rand They were anxious 70 bring
about a consolidation Of the mining inter-
sssg and to release their enterprises from
the necessity o. paving heavy tribute To
the bzIrxher government OF the IAnzvaai.
They were ready 20 welcome successful
revolution III johannesburg. BY which the
political and administrative control OF the
richest gold fields in the world would pass
into their hands Mr. Chamberlain knew
what was the feeling among spectators
and investors IN South African stocks lie
antxgonized 1t when he decided upon his
policy, and persevered In carrying IL out
A Triumphant Result.
when these and similar considerations
are borne in mind. the most unreasonable
enemy OF Mr. Chamberlain can hardly deny
that be has acted IN this crisis with sin
guI1r courage. firmnegs and sobriety OF
Judgment He has resisted every tempta-
ton and adhered steadily 10 the course
which ne had marked out as the only one
that was hedged about by good faith and
national honor. Already his prestige at
vSgor and GOODNESS in a grave emergency.
HIS enemies for once are either silent or
are sounding his praises in high key. Men
are everywhere saying: MIR. Chamber
lain may never be prime minister, but he
deserves 20 be. for in a momentous crisis.
when IL was Of the utmost Importance that
the right thing should be done without
instant Of delay or wavering. ne has shown
the highest qualities of leadership and
craftsmanship"
OF course the end has not yet come. In
deed, Mr.. Chamberlaln's work can hardly
be said 20 have begun. so much remains
unfinished a hundred complex and har-
assing questions remain 10 be settled. DR..
Jameson and hts fellow prisoners are still
detained. as / am writing these words, and
apparently as hostages until tho indemnity
and other demands are adjusted. although
their release cannot long be deferred
Mr. Rhodes and other leaders OF johann
nesburg are under arrest. and with the
Boer hatred Of the brother. Cecil Rhodes,
It viii be difficult TO preven; reprisais
against them. Or. Jameson viii have TO
be punished. and. with the feeling OF hero
worship I'm South Africa and with the tech
nicalit.es of the law In favor OF an offender
who was neither guilty or treason nor en-
ployed In the queens service. this viii not
be easy task. An indemnity VIII nave 10
be arranged. and the thrifty Beers are
making exorbstant claims for compensa-
ton. The convention Of 1854 may require
revision The Chartered Company VIII
have 10 be subjected TO investigation, It's
charter anulled and It's vast domain handed
over to the direct control OF coleman oih-
ciais Most ariuous task OF all these her
culean labors is the paclfication and recon
citation of the two races In South Africa,
between whom an old-time blood fend has
been lighted up.
Mr. Chamberlain Is not 20 be envied. his
future tasks are of appalling difficulty. All
England Is ringing with hts praises. his
prestige as a statesman with the power OF
discerning the forces of public opinion and
the instinct for doing the r.ght
and necessary thing IN great
crisis has immeasurably increased
But colonial administration is at best a lot
terry He has won the first prize. He may
now be doomed TO draw a series OF biahks.
No minister of the crown was ever con-
fronted with a more hazardous and appa-
rently hopeless and inextricable situation.
No minister of the crown ever faced cfi-
SIS with more courage. intelligence ana se-
MUS for affairs. This ought, at least, 10
he said of him, whatever difficulties ana
dlsappointments the future may yet have In
reserve. He has played the part OF great
minister in a manner worthy OF the pest
traditions OF English history.