Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-08
First Steps Toward Union.

In 1907 when it was first proposed to
combine the several colonies into CEN
trail national government like that of
Canada and Australia, Lord Selbourne
drew up a memorandum, which was fol-
lowed by conference of the several
governments at Pretoria i'm May 1905.
There the Grst practical step toward
union was taken in the adoption of the
following brief and simple resolution:
In the opinion Of this conference, the
best interests and permanent prosperity
of South Africa can only be secured by
an early union under the crown of Great
Britain of the several self-governng
colonies.
This resolution was confirmed by the
unanimous vote of each of the several
parliaments and delegates were appointed
to a constitutional convention, which met
at Durham, Natal October II, 1908, with
Sir Henry de Villiers. chief justice OF
Cape Colony, as president. A fleet of
cruisers and battleshps represented the
crown and the majesty of the British en-
pire in Durham harbor during the meet
ing. On account of the heat. the con-
vention adjourned to Cape Town and
held its last sitting on February 3, 1909.
The friendly feeling between the con-
querers and the conquered was illustrated
through the sessions i'm a remarkable
manner, and~ it is said that not one dis
vention.
The constitution having been published
for the criticism and suggestions of the
public. the delegates and others took the
stump and the lecture platform to explain
its provisions and the compromises which
were necessary in order that it might re-
ceive the unanimous approval of the con-
vention. Nobody was entirely satisfied
with the measure. but after thorough
debate and explanations Of the reasons
haf nd I he
understanding that it should be revised
after an experiment of ten years, the
document was finally approved by the
people in May and June last.
Color Line an Issue.
The points which occasioned the most
dissatisfaction and disagreement were the
location of the capital and the color line
which was drawn against the natives
The constitution having been accepted
by the colonies, a delegation of nineteen
members was sent to London to lay il
before the king. and, after some slight
changes by the colonial Office, it was APP
proved by the house of lords without
amendment August t. by the house OF
commons month later and the royal as
sent TO the act was announced Septem-
Der 20 1909. There was a spirited debate
in the house of commons upon the pro-
vision which makes persons of European
descent only eligible to seats in parlia
ment, and several attempts were made to
amend it. but it was finally adopted with
out change and the date fixed by the
kings proclamation for its taking effec,
is May 81, 1910 the anniversary of the
treaty of peace with the Beers
The main body of the constitution OF
the South African federation is very SINH.
lar to those of Australia and Canada. The
executive authority is invested in the
king and may be administered by him in
person or by governor general as his
representative, who constitute the polit.
ical link between the colony and the
mother country. But he has no authority
to interfere with the internal affairs ex.
eept as an impartial councillor and the
duties of his Office consist merely in the
supervision of the welfare of the people
and the consideration of questions tina,
affect the interests of the mother coun.
try, such as the imposition of customs
duties and the public defense He must
have no party feeling and express no par.
tisan opinions. He is appointed by the
king during the kings pleasure and hi.
salary is $4,000. which shall not bf
changed during his term Of office. He
performs his duties with the advice of 2
council composed Of part of the exec
utive branch of the government chosen b,
him to hold office during his pleasure
Ministers From Parliament.
The internal affairs OF the federatio,
are to be administered by a ministr,
similar to that of Canada and Australia
who are nominaliy appointed by the gov