New-York tribune., 1902-10-27
CHAMBERLAIN'S NEW MOVE
COLONIAL SECRETARY To VISIT DIS
TURBED COLONIES IN SOUTH AFRICA.
ENGLAND WAKING UP TO THE SERIOUS
CONDITION OF AFFAIRS AT THE CAPE.


Especial 20 The New-YorS Tribune by French Cable)
Copyright 1902 BY The Tribune Association
London. oct. -, / a m.-The gravity Of the
situation in South Africa is al last recognized
by the government. Very gloomy accounts OF
the state Of affairs in Cape Colony, the Orange
Colony and the Transvaal have been received
here from time 10 time through private channels.
hut there has been a tendency 10 discredit them.
The announcement Of Mr.. Chamberlain's decis-
ion TO proceed to South Africa in order 10 ex-
anime on the spot the problems presented by the
termination Of the war and the settlement OF
affaius in the new British colonies consequently
caused the utmost surprise I'm political circles.
II Is tolerably certain that II the situation had
not been one of peril the Colonial Secretary
would have left the whole matter absofdtely h.
the hands Of Lord Miner. The feeling between
the British and Dutch people IN Cape Colony
just now is said TO be more bitter than IL was
in the days before the war. The Transvaal and
Free State colors are worn freely in the Dutch
towns Of the Cape. and sedition is openly
preached. The loyalists are naturally alarmed
at this state OF things. and Sir Gordon Sprigs
is unable 10 stem the agitation in favor OF the
suspension Of the constitution But in all prob
ability the situation in The Transvaal is causing
the government even greater anxiety and the
Colonial Office announcement must be read IN
connection with statement made by the Chan
cellor Of the Exchequer in the House Of Com
mons last week that there is no intention 10 in
troduce the TransvaaI Loan bill during the pres
ent session Of Parliament. Evidently Mr.. Cham
berlain has intention of making the Trans
vaal pay more than the colony can bear. The
Rand magnates have been astonished at the
proposed imposition OF a tax Of 10 per cent on
the gold mines and they have hinted that they
will not use their resources for developing fresh
properties unless they receive better treatment
the hands Of the imperial government At
present there is an entire absence Of enterprise
in the Transvaal and the government is warned
against the policy of killing the goose that laid
the golden eggs.
Ever since Mr.. Chamberlain became Colonial
Secretary he has been bold enough TO disregard
precedent and he has brought about many vel
come innovations in the department Of which he
is the chief. One notable instance. which has A
slight resemblance TO a master stroke of policy
now. initiated by him. was his visit last autumn
to Malta 10 inquire into the petition Of the
Maltese against compulsory adoption Of the
English language When he returned 10 London
he consulted with his colleagues. and soon after
ward came intimation that the Objectionable
edct had been withdrawn. II is probable that il
| Is this experience which has prompted the Co
| lonial Secretary TO study for himself the pres
ent position of affairs. not only at the Cape but
| in England TWO new colonies, so as 10 De able
/ 10 initiate and carry out imperial policy
which will be best suited TO the requirements
| of the whole OF British South Africa.
This mornings newspapers without exception
warmly congratulate Secretary Chamberlain
/ upon his decision TO proceed to South Africa.
| The Daily Mail" says his example will in fut-
ure be followed by all English ministers who
| understand the art of governing.
Yesterdays thanksgiving service at ST. Paul's
! Cathedral was in plain contrast with that which
the King attended in semi-state and with far
mere brilliant encourage upon the conclusion
Of peace. 1t had a less jubilant note and it was
not 50 grandly staged.
II is expected that Mr. Balfour will shortly
wake a statement in the House of Commons
| NTH reference TO the participation of the Brit
,sb Government in the st. Louis Exhibition.
| ,,ca special grant will have to be made,
! .bua strong commission will have TO be APP
,,o,nted. as in the case OF the Paris Exhibition
=, addition 10 the official cooperation. leading
..s,striaI concerns Of this country will be asked
| =. avbibit and there is doubt that the re-
80, will he pressed with all the energy pos
| -, |. N F.