The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-07-01
Cape Colonyls sIgnItIeant HInt.

The sentiments Of the English resi-
dents of Cape Colony were expressed
Wednesday at meeting held at Cape
Town, relative to the dispute between
England and the South African repub-
lie. The spirit exhibited seems to have
inspired the English government to
further press upon President Kruger
Its demand for indemnity to the Out
lnnders in the Transvaal. The Cape
colonists virtually gave warning that,
II the position taken by the represent
alive Of the British government in his
conference with President Kruger is
not sustained, they may secede from the
empire.
This increases somewhat the serious
ness of the situation, for 1t is clear
that the English colonIsts are suspI-
cious, or at least have grave appre-
tensions regarding protection by the
home government. This apprehension
is based, doubtless, on the fact that
they have previously witnessed a fall
ure by the government at London to
amelIorate the condition of the Out
landers. They have not forgotten the
failure of the Jameson expedition. Com
mentlng on this latter phase of the sit
uatlon, the Washington Star refers to
the feeling of the inhabitants Of Cape
Colony. and says:
They realize, perhaps. more keenly
than do others who are farther from
the scene, that the British prestige Is
seriously threatened in this contrOver-
sy, and that upon the action OF the gov
Ornment depends much OF the future
prosperity OF the British colonists in the
southern portion Of the continent. The
Jameson raid was planned at Cape
Town and 1t Is believed that 1t eS-
pressed the sentiments of virtually the
entire colony. The threats OF secession
may now be Idle, yet they indicate an
Intensity OF feeling which doubtless the
ministry has appreciated.
Mr.. Chamberlaln's recent Birming-
ham speech was OF the sort to please
the Cape Colonists. 1t was heartily
cheered at the meetings at Cape Town,
Cape Colony Is a fiourishinS and I'M
portant outpost. 1t commands large
portion Of the trade Of South Africa,
while its position at the apex Of n pyra-
mid of rich mineral lands doubles its
ordinary worth to the home govern
ment, without regard to its great STRAIT
egic Importance. It is peopled by pion-
GERS who display the sturdy character
lstlcs OF their race to high degree,
progressive, fearless and in a large
measure Independent. Yet they are
loyal.
These loyal subjects are consistently
so, for their suggestion OF possible Sc
cesslon does not carry a threat Of
treason. 1t only means that such
course might be resorted to in case
OF extreme necessity, and in no other
event, for there is reservation in the
expression they gave voice to. They
would not sever the bonds at any haz-
ard without Just cause. Cecil Rhodes
is pointed out rs an Ideal OF the coll
ony," having shown most daring enter
prise and craftsmanship In his success.
1t is undoubtedly true, as the Star says,
that "the British empire has been built
up by such men, and their works and
their policies cannot now be ignored
by the home government without an
abandonment OF traditional courses"
In view Of all these circumstances, the
meetings at Cape Town will have very
significant bearing on the Transvaal
question. and may have influence in
changing the gravity Of the situation
to an improved aspect. Undoubtedly
1t Indicates in a way what the final
policy of the British government will
be in settlement with President Kru-
ger. The situation is growing decidedly
interesting.