New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-29

as the liquidators Of Boer obligations and are
convinced that they cannot escape the penalties
In a quiet way some Of them are calculating how
provisional settlement can be made through
the taxation Of their properties and earnings.
The problem it is worked out on states in
wolves a saving of f150OOOO in the Transvaal
expenditures. which WIFI leave margin for the
payment of interest on a loan of 100000 for
general indemnity A great fnancier like Lord
Cromer could do much better than this If he
We're allowed a free hand
South Africans assert that while the Wit
watersrand has been supplying about 30 per
cent OF the revenues OF the Transvaal Govern
ment II is capable Of immense industrial de-
velopment under equitable and rational condi-
tons OF government. It has been exposed TO
the dynamite monopoly to gross inequalities Of
taxation. to exorbitant schedule Of freights
on the Netherlands Company's railway lines, to
high cost Of labor and to many other drawbacks.
Wages have been high both for whites and KAT
frs and this has been the result Of a revenue
tariff which increased enormously the expense OF
living. With the expense Of labor the exactions
Of dynamite and railway monopolies and the
heavy import duties upon machinery, it has not
been practicable for the companies to under
take the reduction Of low grade conglomerate.
II the cost OF labor be lowered, by
vision Of the customs schedules and If the ex-
glomerate can be cut down from % shillings to
16 shillings. this saving OF shillings will enable
them to enlarge their operations. to take in all
grades and TO render gold mining more proita-
bic than it has ever been. Everything has been
done under Dutch administration to hamper and
restrain the Industrial progress of the Rand.
Let the conditions be transformed and johann
nesburg viii be doubled and trebled in
population, and there will be a tremendous ex-
pansion Of mining operations In this way
great source Of wealth will be created and,
der system OF taxation based upon the fran
chises and profits of each company adequate
ways and means can be found for liquidating
al the indemnities and bills of damages
which may be assessed IN consequence of the
war
South Africans also assert that British ad-
ministrstion viii greatly facilitate the introduce
ton and regulation Of native labOrers. Mine
owners have complained that they we're COM
PEELED through the scarcity of black labor to pay
exorbitant wages without being able to depend
upon the supply. The Kaffirs were not ade
quately protected by the Beers and conse-
quently they not willing TO work for long
periods, but only for a few weeks at q time.
While the TransvaaI laws prohibited the sale Of
liquors blacks there an Illicit trade
which enabled them TO get much strong drink
as they wanted. There was prosecution Of
Illicit traders a third OF the negroes in the
Raid nabitualIy drunk, and 1t was i'm
possible TO secure steady control Of a working
force OF miners. Under British administration
the liquor laws will be enforced, Kaffirs will be
encouraged TO leave their kraaIs and settle
permanently in the Rand and with adequate
supply Of labor there VIII be reduction OF
wages. which wifi enable ali the companies to
increase their earnings and set the low grade
mines in operation. All these questions will be
taken up by a wise financial administration, with
the cooperation OF the mining companies. The
Rand viii be justified II demanding q series Of
practical reforms if the burden Of paying the
war indemnities and other charges be saddled
upon 1t. and so inexhaustible are Its resources
Of wealth that it only requires a just and eff
cient administration in order to meet strenuous
taxation. I n r