New-York tribune., 1902-11-03
LABOR FOR RAND MINES.
Az IMPORTANT PROBLEM FOR MIR.
CHAMBERLAIN TO SOLVE.
VOLUNTEER SYSTEM ON ITS TRIAL-To
MAKE A MARKET FOR CANA
DIAN PRODUCTS.

fspeciai 70 The New-York Tribune by French ObeD
Copyright; 1902: By The Tribune Associauon1
London Nov 3. / a. m.-One Of the many
difficult problems awaiting Mr Chamberlain's
solution during his visit TO South Africa is the
uuestion of supply of labor for the Rand mines.
In the old days all the mining laborers were
Kaffirs. but, owing to the war. this field OF en-
ployment became disorganized. Most of the
Kafirs who were driven from their work have
not returned. and it is generally admitted that
the supply Of labor at present is insufficient 10
an alarming extent. The British Government
has always charged itself with the protection
Of the native races in South Africa, and dis
astrous consequences might ensue If unfair pres
sure were put upon the Kafiirs 10 induce them
10 return 10 the Rand. THE National Review
contains article advocating the proposal that
native labor in the mines should be largely sup
plemented by the employment of white men,
hut this scheme is objected TO on the ground
that il would mean an enormous addition to the
cost Of production. Sir Harry Johnston, the
weil known administrator of British affairs in
Central and Eastern Africa, suggests that the
required supply Of native labor could be OBJ
taned from those districts north of the Zambesi
with which he is so intimately acquainted.
Euglands volunteer system is virtually its
trial Secretary Brodrick has decreed that the
volunteers must spend six days in camp at a
fixed period and this regulation has caused a
great deal OF dissatisfaction. Notices Of nu-
merous designations Of officers have been given.
and there has been a big falling off in the
oruiting returns; bur the exact state of affairs
viii not be known until official statistics are
issued.
It is understood that the visit of the Kaiser to
sandringham will be strictly private and per-
sonal. both by desire of the King and also by
that Of the guest himself Several Cabinet Min
isters have, however, been invited by the King
20 meet the German Emperor, and the informa-
ZION obtainable. both in Germany and England.
indicates that while the visit viii be private.
there is little doubt that the political relations
Of the two countries will be touched upon dur
ing the meeting of the two monarchs.
Work for the shipping combination has caused
unusual activity in the Belfast shipbuilding in
dustry. and il is stated that a thousand more
experienced hands could now find employment
AZ Harland Wolff's. The tonnage in the hands
Of the Belfast shipbuilders, repairing and under
construction, Will, by the end Of this week reach
nearly three hundred thousand. Il is chiefly for
lines connected with the combination. From
Berlin. on the other hand. come pessimistic re-
ports on the state Of the German shipbuilding
trade. Five hundred men are said 10 have been
dismissed within a few weeks from Krupp's
iermania yard and Howaldt's yard. at Kiel.
and it is anticipated that further dismssals VIII
take place shortly.
A report that Mr.. Morgan Is about TO buy up
2 share in the staffordshire coal fields has ere
ated lively interest in that district The great
est reticenoe is observed. but it is stated that
meeting OF local coal owners will be held on
Wednesday 10 consider the matter. and that
ar Morgan viii be represented.
The esta blshment of a fortnightly service OF
steamers between AVonmouth and Portland,
Ne. is heartily approved by business men in
The West Of England. It is anticipated that the
new line viii bring TO Bristol large cargoes of
Canadian produce, notably grain, bacon, cheese
snd butter all Of which will find ready mar
ket in this country. J. " f.