The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-03-20
THE IMPORTANT TREATY.

More and more attention is given to
the rights Of the two South African
republics, and to the conduct of Great
Britain In essaying so vigorously and
pertinaciously TO overwhelm and con-
quer them and TO wipe out their exist
ence as separate and indepent govern
ments. The information needed to a
better and more exact understanding
Of the matters In controversy Is being
collected and published that the peoples
Of the world may have a more accu-
rate knowledge and render a sane. just
and righteous judgment
We have at hand a copy of the
treaty between Great Britain and the
South African republic of February
1854. Then there Is the English state
ments of England's position-one b y
Sir william Harcourt and the other
by Mr.. Chamberlain-as given In the
house of commons. Then there is in
formation drawn from other valuable
sources. What is the upshot OF all?
plainly adverse TO Great Britain. II
the two little republics are wiped out
it will have the general condemnation
Of the civilized world. You a see by
the treaty OF 1884. which completely
superseded that of 1881, just where
England stands and what are the rights
of the African republics. Those who
have given the subject any thing of
careful examination have not doubted
that Britain was In the wrong and en-
gagged in a most unrighteous and woe
full war Of oppression and subjugation.
And yet Great Britain is absolutely
wild over the triumph OF the wrong and
reign of might " right. The Mes
senger has now and then given some
thing of the argument for the Boer
side and opinions of British writers IN
condemnation of the course of the Tory
government. Even so fair and able a
statesman and author as Hon. James
Brice has shown something of the
wrong o n by his country The mat
ter is so voluminous we cannot handle
it here with sufficient itness.
The treaty shows that no right is
given to Great Britain to interfere
with legislation in the South African
republic, or to demand, OF coerce a
franchise law. Sir W. Harcourt in the
house of said:
This amendment challenges the gov
eminent to give an account,-it chal-
lenges their policy in entering upon the
war. 1t is the object of the
amendment to extract from them some
adequate explanation Of the causes
which nave led to what Lord Salisbury
calls our state of humiliation"
And what a preposterous doctrine
this is that the greater the disasters in
which the government involves the
country the more certain they ought
to be Of impunity." Opposition cheers
and laughter.)
THE policy of 1881 and 1884 lies at the
root of the whole matter"
Il am quite sure the Colonial Secre-
tary has not forgotten that l was his
colleague at that time, because l was
his most earnest and constant support
er in the policy which was then pur-
sued" (Hear, hear.) Il hope /
may be flowed to state, in words
characterized by all the force and lu-
cidity which always distinguished the
statements of the right honorable gen.
tleman, what was the policy of 1881.
Mr.. Chamberlain" Cat that timel went
on to say, But these were not the main
eason making it, as we submit, i'm
possible to maintain the annexation of
the Transvaal.' He thought that
course vas impossible for any govern
ment caring for the honor as well as
for the interests of this country. 1t
was contrary to treaty engagements.
1t was contrary to the best traditions
of a free country. When they found
out that the wishes and the
of the Beers were entirely
stood, and that they had gained the
Transvaal under false pretenses, they
were bound in honor to withdraw from
a position which they had unwittingly
and w~rongfully taken up and he could
not understand 10Y those who talked
so glibly of he honor of the country
should fail to see. that rhe gteatest pain
and humiliation would be in maintain
ing a high handed breach of faith, and
destrop the independence of a people
whom they had solemnly engaged to
respect. Opposition cheers.) That
vas the policy Of 1881 as declared by
Mr.. Chamberlain. 1 do not know if he
has altered his opinion LIT L adhere to
mine, and / am as proud Of the policy
today as l was then" Opposition
cheers.)"