Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-14
The Future of the Boer states.

The questions as to the Boer campaign
gradually changing In nature. Whereas
few months ago the fears of the British
had even grown to the point of doubling
the ultimate victory, once so readily fore
casted. now the point most in dispute seems
to be to how many more weeks the
burgher force will hold the field against
Lord Roberts victorious army. There Is
no longer the least hesitation abroad in pro-
claiming the British conquerors. The
German press has Joined the chorus of
prophecy and the note from the continent
is almost unanimous in declaring that the
federal armies can last but short time
longer. The ultimate issue of the hour. Of
course, is to the future of the two states.
And yet this does not seem to be in grave
doubt Chamberlain's recent speeches have
amply foreshadowed the obliteration Of the
national lines and the establishment Of the
British sovereignty over both the Transvaal
and the Free State without reservation.
Just in what form the sovereignty will
assert itself is open to some consideration.
The British colonial system embraces a
wide range. There are three distinct class
es of colonial governments. These are %
crown colonies. in which the crown has en-
tire control of legislation, and the admin
istration Is conducted by officers under the
control of the home government. such
Gibraltar, Ceylon and jamaica 20 colonies
with representative institutions but not re-
sponsible government. the crown retaining
a veto on legislation and control over pub
lie officers, such as Natal. West Australia
and Barbados: 90 colonies with represent
alive institutions and responsible govern
ment, the crown retaining a veto over legis-
lation but no control over public officers,
such as Canada. Newfoundland. Cape Col
ony and Australia.
In which class the two subjugated states
will fall under the British system Is open
to question. 1t is widely felt. however, that
there will be both local legislative and ad-
ministrative responsibility and that the
British suzerainty will be made effective
chiefly through the crowns veto. This
would give to the burghers the widest pos
sible independence under British sovereign
ty and would undoubtedly allay much of
the apprehension in Europe as to the i'm
perial program of the London government.
1t is now accepted as certain that the same
treatment will be accorded to both the
states, in view of the persistent alliance
between them and President Steyn's deter
mined efforts to rally his burghers for re-
sisting Lord Roberts progress The British
commander has today control Of virtually
all of the Free State territory. His ad-
vance is within fifty miles of the Transvaal
frontier. The Free Staters have concen-
trated the small remnant of their forces In
the northeastern portion of the state, with
only an outlet into the Transvaal left open
to them. There may be little fighting in
this region, but the numbers are now so
overwhelming that the result cannot pos
sibly be in doubt. There is likely to be a
delay in the main British advance, as Lord
Roberts gathers together the lines of his
command and perhaps gives the troops
time to recuperate after the swift advance
from Bloemfontein. a distance Of over 125
miles, and covering front of nearly as
great distance