Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-06-28
sOUTHAFRIcA'S FUTURE
A Discussion on the Treatment
of the Beers.
CANADIAN VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT

what Some Newspapers, Represent
ing Both Political Parties. Deem
the Best Course For England to
Follow - Toronto Globe Advocates
the Creation of Federation Re
sembIinE Tint of Canada.
1t is unlikely that any British states
man will refuse TO consider seriously
the opinions expressed in the great
self governing colonies concerning the
policy that ought TO be pursued toward
the conquered republics in South Afri-
ca, says the New York Sun. The colo
nistS have taken part in the work OF
subjugation, and they have Il moral
right To demand that such measures
shall be adopted by the imperial gov
eminent as shall conciliate the van
Quished and not leave them in n per-
manent state OF disaffection which may
require second exhibition of colonial
military force. The laborer is worthy
of his hire, but all the pay for which
the colonists ask is that they may be
consulted as to the treatment of the
1ransvaal and the Orange Free State.
Some ideas on the subject have been
already put forth in Canadian newspa-
They will be found conspicuous for
good sense and the spirit of equity. We
read, for example, in the Montreal Dai-
ly Star, which is a Conservative organ:
The date upon which the Beers viii
get the ballot again and be permitted
to choose their own government will
depend entirely upon themselves. So
soon as they show signs of recognizing
the Inevitable they will begin to win
recognition at the polls" OF course
effective precautions against the out
break OF another war when perhaps
the mother country might be embroiled
with foreign powers. are pronounced
Indispensable. These being secured,
however, lit will be the British policy
to win Boer confidence by as kindly
treatment as may be possible
The Star recognizes that no demo
cratic system can prevent the Dutch
population on both sides of the Orange
river from eXerting Il great influence
on legislation. The experience of Cape
Colony shows how easily it may be
come dominant. In any case, it must
certainly play 4 great role in the fu-
ture of the district" And again: The
Dutch are on the soil, and IL will re
quire a vast deal of English immigra
ton to bring the English population
within competitive distance of the
Dutch in the rural districts"
We turn to Il Liberal organ, The
Globe of Toronto, which on two occa-
sions-namely, on May 81 and on June
has discussed the future of South
Africa Under the former date this
journal pointed out that "the real glory
of Britain lies not in her invincible
ships and in her heroic battalions, but
in the comfort and freedom of the
masses of her people" 1t went on to
say that 1T cannot be but well for the
world that these blessings should
henceforth be the inal1enable right OF
every citizen that lives today and
every child that may be born hence
forth on the soil of South Africa"
There is n wise generosity in the coun-
sci which The Globe addressed to the
imperial government: Now let the
mission of the British people be to bind
up the wounds this war has made, to
heal the broken hearted and TO prove
in South Africa, as the British empire
has proved over and over again in
every quarter of the world, that free
dom for every citizen. respect for every
mans race and creed, equal civil and
political rights, are the inevitable and
absolute guarantees of the British
flag"
Returning to the topic on June l, The
Globe invited it's readers to observe
that the problem of the future of South
Africa is simplified by the fact that,
throughout the whole of that region,
there is now but one military power,
and that means can be taken TO pre-
vent the formation of another. Thus
diSaffection Is shOrn Of much of its
danger, and. for that reason if for no
other, there will probably be n DISPOSE
ton to deal leniently with the Cape
Colonists who have rendered them
selves amenable to punishment. as well
as with the inhabitants of the South
African Republic and the Orange Free
State" The Globe is not blind to the
probability that some demands for
greater severity will be made by those
who have remained loyal to Great
Britain and in some cases suffered for
their loyalty, especially in Natal. But
1t insists that British statesmen should
look far ahead and far afield, and not
be influenced by feelings of resent
ment even against those whom they
may regard as deserving OF punish
ment."
According TO The Globe, the ultimate
object of British policy should be the
creation OF 4 federation in South Afri-
ca resembling that OF the Dominion Of
Canada or OF the Australian common
wealth. There should be an exhibition
of forhearance as well as strength.
Strength combined with fOrbearance
win give the various communities OF
South Africa splendid opportunities for
advancement in civilization. for social
reform and for improving the general
condition of their population" The
Globe concludes with an expression OF
the hope that the fruits of this war
in South Africa, now happily almost