New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-24

The result OF the Transvaal elections accords
with general anticipation, and perhaps indeed
with the intention of the British government
That government did not, OF course exert any
influence over the campaign or the polling but
in its formulation of the Transvaal constitu-
ton, and especially in Its distribution Of mem
bers Of the legislature and prescription of the
terms of the franchise, ii made 1t practically
certain that the Beers would secure a major
ity and be enabled TO organize the government
Of the colony. 1t may be that to do so was
the part of political discretion To some It
may seem rash experiment to give the con
troll Of British colony TO those who recently
were at war with Great Britain. There have
even been complaints perhaps more excited
than impassoned, that it is a repetition Of the
surrender at Majuba But such views do not
generally prevail There is a great difference
between Kruger, who is dead and Botha, who
is living
If, as is confidently believed by many. the
Beers have entirely abandoned their dreams OF
independence and are now loyal citizens of the
British Empire, the experiment should have n
profitable result. Nothing could in those cir
cumstances, should say more confirm them
in their loyalty and contentment than TO he
ntrusted with the control of the colony. 1t
should demonstrate to them the sincerity of the
British promises regarding them and should
make them realize that In giving I'D the Vier-
kleur for the Union Jack they have lost little
and have gained much. The case is NOT nm
like that Of Canada when Lord Durham per
formed his great work there. Some predicted
disaster, but their predictions were not fulfilled
1t may be that the result in South Africa will
be as satisfactory as in North America
1t Is interesting to observe that the three
men most conspicuous in the new TrarsvaaI
Ministry are the three most conspicuous sur-
viYors Of the old Boer oligarchy, while there
are associated with them several others who
have been identified with the mining interests
of the Rand. This circumstance suggests that
there has been some breaking down of oldtfme
lines and some union of Beers and Britons-a
contamination devoutly to be wished Tho Foot
probably Is that many of the British colonIsts
dissatisfied with some of the restrictions NJ
the present constitution, have Joined forces
with the Beers, as the surest means Of secur.
ing the revision and amendment which thew
desire. That even the mining capitalists OF To.
hannesburg should do this is not strange. since
| the Boer leaders are now entirely friendly n
the mining industry. Speaking on this subject
recently, General Botha, who now becomes
| Prime Minister, said:
During the war had the mines in the hollow,
OF my hands, and could have reduced them IA
I ashes. but. although was somewhat influence
by great number Of people I refused r. ~
I TINS, ana went so far TO send an armed
force TO protect them. when the mining canitsI-
lists and ! were bitter enemies. Is 1t likely 70
| day that would bring that mining Industry -
| ashes? No. want the mines and INV NJ ~
| Will give them every facility. =
Such a spirit on the part Of the Roer lead
ers, If maintained and put into practical effect
should amply vindicate the wisdom of the Brit
| ish government in making the present experi
ment It will do SO In the fullest possible
measure y Is results 70 the Fealizaton af ths