The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-08
cH.mBERLA1N,s ADRoIT SPEECH.

CH4MBERLAIN'S ADROIT SPEECH.
The speech which Mr. Chamberlain,
Secretary of State for the Colonies, deliv-
cred in the House of Commons on Mon
day was a very adroit one, and had the
effect of bringing about better feeling
toward the government. Before its de-
livery Mr.. Chamberlain was about one of
the most unpopular men in England Now
there is a great deal of talk that he stands
an excellent chance of being prime min
lister. If the British armies should win
some notable victories in the next two
weeks he would be in high favor again,
In the eoure of his speech Mr. Cham
berlain said many thing that We're cal
culated 10 make the people think better
of the government. He was extremely
careful TO say nothing that would increase
the hostility Of the opposition, and to make
it clear that this was not time for parti-
san wrangling Instead Of elimination
and recrimination there should be join
ing of hands, and an earnest effort made
10 bring the war to such a close as would
reflect credit upon the country. Parties
could settle their differences after the
empire had conquered its foes.
He admitted that the situation was criti-
cal, but said il was not as dangerous as
those who always look on the gloomy side
of a picture would have the country be
neve. There never was a moment when
there was a doubt in his mind that the
British cause in South Africa would be
triumphantly sustained
1,
war were not the differences between the
British and the Beers which were given
prominece Immediately prior to the begin
ming of hostilities. They were of long
standing In fact they ante-dated Ma
juba hill They grew out of the differ
ences in education and training between
the two races. the British and the Beers
For years the Beers had been determined
to be supreme in South Africa. One Brit
ish government after another, although
recognizing this determination, had en-
deavored to preserve peace by making
concessions to the Beers The conces-
slons had but strengthened the Beers in
their purpose to ultimately drive the Brit
ish out of the country. Peace could be
preserved only by one party or the other
giving way.
When the present government came into
power it saw that the time had come for
a settlement of the differences between
the two peoples. For a long time it was
hoped that a settlement could be reached
by peaceful methods. The reason the
British were so lily prepared for war
when hostilities began, was that ii was
hoped until the very last that an ad-
justment could he reached by diplomacy,
and war be avoided.
Mr.. Chamberlain admitted that mistakes
had been made, but thought that all
things considered the government had
done very well. He declared that the
British people, while grieved at the losses
which the British armies in South Africa
had sustained. were proud of the valor
which the British soldiers had displayed.
1t is doubtful il there is another man
in public life in Great Britain who could
have made such a successful defense of
the government. All that is lacking to
make the favorable impression lasting is
victories by the British forces in South
Africa. But even if victories should not
willing on account of that speech, to give
the government a hearty support. IF,
as Mr.. Chamberlain puts il, the British
had either to give up their supremacy in
South Africa or fight, the chances are that
the influence of those who condemn the
government for the war will steadily de-
crease.
But is IL not a question whether Mr.
Chamberlain stated the case fairly? Have
not the British rather than the Beers
been the aggressors all along? The Beers
seem to have wanted nothing more than
to be let alone. The British would not let
them alone. The position taken by MIR.
Chamberlain on Monday, respecting the
Beers, was radically different from one
ne took in a speech he delivered nineteen
years ago.