The Indianapolis journal., 1899-10-20

Mr. Rhodes on any subject connected with
South African policy. He had seen that
gentleman with reference TO the Cape-to-
Cairo Railway project, and with reference
to Rhodesia, but the conversations had
never touched on the subjects now under
discussion, and he would remind the house
that Mr.. Rhodes. although millionaire,
had gone to face danger at Kimberley.
ICheers.]
Passing TO the general question of the
governments South African policy, Mr..
Chamberlain said that in the light of recent
events and OF the utterances of President
Kruger, he had come to the conclusion that
war had always been inevitable, although
it was only of late that he had himself
most reluctantly reached this view. He had
hoped for peace and striven to maintain
Il, and up to a recent date he had believed
that peace was possible. He had always
been determined TO secure justice for the
Britishers in South Africa and to maintain
the paramountcy Of Great Britain but with
these things assured, he desired peace.
Whenever there had been a doubt as to
President Kruger's motives the government
had always given him the benefit of the
doubt.
Turning to the principles involved in the
war, the colonial secretary went on to say:
'If we maintain our existence as great
power in South Africa We are bound to
show that we are willing and able to pro-
tect British subjects wherever they have
suffered injustice and oppression. Great
Britain must remain the paramount power
in South Africa do not mean paramount
in the German and Portuguese possessions,
htrt IN, tun Qriti oh
colonies. Everyone on both sides of the
house is determined to maintain these great
principles The peace of South Africa de-
pends upon Great Britain accepting respon-
sibility in the Transvaal. The Boer oil
garchy has placed British subjects in
position of nferiority. and what would have
been the British position II they had SUBJ
mitted to that inferiority.'
RACIAL ANIMOSITY.
Mr.. Chamberlain then proceeded to dis
cuss the question of racial animosity, de-
nying that this feeling, which, he said, was
based in South Africa on contempt. would
be increased by hostiities. He declared
that racial animosity had not been created
by anything the present government had
done, but that 1t existed before her
Majesty's present advisers assumed respon-
sibility.
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman inter-
posed with the remark: What / wish to
point out is that the feeling of animosity
Dutch and English are slaughtefing each
other" Opposition cheers.l
Mr.. Chamberlain retorted: 81 say again
that the racial animosity which has been
the curse of South Africa is based on con-
OF fc ha hnf
rather have a mans hate than his contempt.
mostly, nor will there ever be peace in South
Africa until both races have learned to re-
spect each other.
Referring to the relations of the Beers
with the natives. Mr.. Chamberlain said:
There is one subject not dealt with In the
blue books. mean the disgraceful Boer
treatment of the natives, unworthy civil
lized power. In 1886 actually sent a mes
sage to Sir Hercules Robinson, for the
Transvaal, respecting the treatment Of the
natives. Then came the Jameson raid, and
our South African officials decided they
could not with propriety present the mes
sage. The Beers, In their own words.
trecked because they wanted to 'wallop the
niggers.'"
John Dillon cried: THAT is not true.''
This was followed by loud demands for
order, and the speaker called upon Mr.. Dill
Ion to withdraw the remark. The latter re-
sponded II have not impeached the ve-
racity of the colonial secretary"
The Speaker-I hope such expressions will
not occur again.
Proceeding to discuss the question of su-
premacy, Mr.. Chamberlain said: 1.-The
whole object Of the Beers has been to oust
the Queen from her position as suzerain
Now they have thrown off the mask and
declared themselves sovereign, independ-
ent state. Her Majestys government has
had suspicion amounting to the knowledge
that the mission of DR.. Leyds has been one
continual series of negotiations with for
eign powers against the British. LOUD
cheers.1
THE Transvaal and the Free State have
an ideal that is dangerous to Great Brit.
ain, and by the continuous accretions OF
arms the Transvaal had become by far the
most powerful military state in Africa
There was danger, and We have escaped
one of the greatest dangers we were ever
subjected to in South Africa. The whole
point of difference between the opposition
and the government is as to the details OF
the negotiations"
NOT EXCESSIVE, BUT TOO MODERATE
Justifying his conduct of affairs Mr.
Chamberlain denied that the question OF
suzerainty had needlessly irritated the
Transvaal government or seriously affected
the negotiations. AS for the franchise OF
the outlanders he declared the government
had never shifted their ground, and that
every point advanced at the Bloemfonteir
conference by Sir Alfred Milner had re.
mained on the paper until the ultimatum
Mr.. Chamberlain added: Il am much more
afraid of the charge Of being too moderate
than of the charge Of being excessive. The
governments reply to the Transvaal ac
cepted the five-year franchise proposal, ex.
cept in respect of the pledge that Great
Britain would not reinterfere in the Trans
walls internal affairs; but they hoped tha
If the five-year franchise measure were car.
ried into effect there would be no occasion
for interference. / believe that influential
advisers-I do not mean foreign powers
must have intervened and induced the
Transvaal government to withdraw their
offer.
las for the last proposals formulated by
the British government 1 may say that tn,
desire of the right honorable member fol
West Monmouthshire, Sir William Vernon
Harcourt. that they be published will never
be gratifed. That ultimatum is buried and
is not likely to be resurrected. daughter
II challenge any one TO see q sign of prov.
ocation, blood outlines or desire of war In
the negotiations. The government increased
49, ro~ At