New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-07-06
COLONIAL PREMIERS DISAGREE
PENSION OF CAPE COLONYS
CONSTITUTION.

London. July 5.-After two meetings the CO.
lonial premers did not get, TO quote one Of
them, much forrader," nor does there seem
to be prospect of reaching any conclusions in
the immediate future. The question of imperial
defence was put up first, being the least
argumentative. but even here difficulties have
arisen. Sir Wilfrd Laurier, the Premier OF
Canada. and Sir John Gordon Sprigg. the
Prime Minister of Cape Colony. appear to differ
materially from Sir Edmund Barton. the Pre-
mier of Australia and Richard ]. Seldom. Prime
Minister of New-Zealand, as TO what the col
onies ought to do. Mr.. Seldom is being con-
stantly employed as spokesman. both in and out
of the councils and this has given rise to no
little jealousy among his brother premiers. Ca
madam circles openly express dissatisfaction,
and declare that Sir Wilfrid Laurier is not being
treated with the difference due to a man whose
imperial craftsmanship is so universally ad-
mired. The elaborate manner in which Sir Will
frids forthcoming reception in Paris has been
heralded in the English press to no. little
extent due to a desire to emphasize Canadian
disgruntlement.
In the fight against the suspension Of the
constitution of Cape Colony Sir John Gordon
Sprigg had the tacit support OF all the colonial
premiers who feared that the suspension might
create precedent most dangerous to their con-
stituencies. II is said that before the Premier
Of Cape Colony attained his purpose unusually
sharp passages occurred between himself and
Mr. Chamberlain the Colonial Secretary.
The decision Of the British Cabinet not 10
suspend Cape Colony's constitution is taken to
be a serious blow to Lord Miners prestige. The
latter openly opposed the Premier. and Sir
Johns victory is not likely TO improve relations
which were already strained. Some interesting
results may be anticipated from the visit at
the beginning of August Of Lord Alverstone. the
Chief Justice Blghau,
Of the Queens Bench Division Of the High Court
Of Justice who a member of the South
African Committee Of the House Of Commons
in 1S96-'9I. TO South Africa.
The reply Of the Colonial Secretary 10 the
petition for the suspension of the constitution
of Cape Colony was published in a parlia-
mentary paper this evening. 1t says there Is no
precedent for the suspension Of the constitution
OF a responsibility governed colony. The suspen-
sion could be effected only by an act of the i'm
perial Parliament. and the government believes
such step is not called for unless II is proved
that the constitution is a positive danger to the
colony's peace, or that great majority of the
whites desire that the authority be completely
transferred to the imperial government. Such a
desire could only be constitutionally expressed
by a resolution of the Cape Parliament IL will
be necessary to pass an act of indemnity, on &C
count of viola tons of the constitution. and IL
may also, perhaps, be needful to confer special
powers the Cape government for carrying
out the pacification Of the colony and the main
tenance of British interests The government
satisfied that the Cape Parliament would
take the necessary steps to provide for the Sc
racial and political controversy which was in
terfering with its prosperity, and which can
serve no good purpose among members of a
community having the common interests in the
peace and prosperity of South Africa.
Mr.. Chamberlain concludes with remarkng
that the government considers II unjustifable
TO assume beforehand that the colonial Parlia-
ment will refuse the necessary legislation, and
is of the opinion that the Parliament of Cape
Colony should assemble soon possible. and
that the requisite legislation should be intro
duced. especially as the imperial government
tt~ar hot tEn ar1n of
desire 20 avoid further strife and wish TO allay
the passions excited by the The govern
ment was hopeful that those who sympathized
with the rebellion would cordially cooperate in
the pacihcatiOn OF the colony.
Sir John Gorden Sprigg. the Premier of Cape
Colony, said TO day regarding the decision of
the imperial government not TO suspend the
stitution Of Cape Colony:
IF the petition had been granted il would
have caused apprehension regarding the posi-
ton of every self-governing colony. since 1t in
volved the whole question of free constitutional
government. The decision will promote peace
and reconciliation in South Africa. The suspen-
sion of the constitution would have had a re-
verse effect"