The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1910-09-22
General BOtha.

The decision Of General LOUIS BOTHA
to retain the Premiership of the South
African Union seems to have been re-
ceived with satisfaction by the leading
members 81 the opposing political party
He has been recognized IA the ablest oi
the constructive and progressive Ma
tiOnallsts. who represented To a great
extent the BOer interests; and as regards
policy for the material development
Of the country he differs only in minor
details from Dr. JAMESON, the leader of
the Unionist or British party He may
find himself. however. handicapped by
lack Of Parliamentary support. for the
Unionists in the recent election showed
unexpected strength. combination
with the successful Labor candidates is
depended upon Ia give a good working
ma iority.
The later stages of the campaign were
marked with much personal recrimina-
ton and racial bitterness. The result
IN most of the contested districts was
close, although so little interest was
shown in some parts Of the country
that thirty-seven seats Of the Assem-
bly, were uncontested. General BOTHA.
who stood for election in Transvaal.
was himself defeated by Sir PERCY
FITZPATRICK. DR.. JAMEsoN's election
was practically unContested in the
Eastern Province Of Cape Colony, hut
he had a difficult fight TO win in Cape
L.. Il
mated on account Of the absence Of the
regular candidate. Four members Of
General BoTHA's Ministry were sent
from uncontcsted districts. but three
other members Of the Cabinet. reports
Indicate. were defeated. Mr.. HERTzoG.
who had proved himself offensive to
British interests by his championship OF
the measure for biling,lal instruction
in the schools. was one Of the members
OF the Cabinet elected As General
BoTHA il believed to be not in entire
sympathy with Mr. HERTZoG's educa-
tional plans il il uncertain II the latter
will BE- retained in his Cabinet post.
The frequent charges that the success
Of tho Unionists meant the domination
Of the mining mAgnAtes proved inefec-
tive campaign argument, for il turned
out that what was called the capitalist
class was as well represented in one
party as in the other In spite OF this
fact II was evident that the Rand was
the stronghold OF Unionism and is likely
so TO remain.
The result would indicate that a con-
siderable proportion Of the Boer voters
supported the Unionist candidates. In
this case much Of the old enmity be-
tween Boer and British must have died
out The average Boer farmer had a
great reverence for constituted govern
ment and an implicit obedience To the
di,tation Of party caucus. The memo
ries NJ the war. that was responsible for
nearly all 81 the leaders Of BOer opinion.
seem to be growing fainter. The influ-
ence Of education too is spreading out
over the back veldt. On these changed
conditions are founded the hopes Of di-
vision Of South African politics on lines
less coincident with racial divisions.
No important national question was
involved. Even the division between
the coast and the inland. which il has
been predicted would be- the first nat
ural cleavage. was scarcely discussed.
The question Of the sale Of wine. OF which
the Cape Colony is making an excellent
quality. in the other provinces Of the
Union. the introduction Of coolie labor
and the enfranchisement Of the negroes
were made little OF in the campaign.
These issues. which must be met II the
Union In to be- established upon a COM
mon basis. are likely TO come up soon
for settlement and to try TO the extreme
the resources and intelligence OF the
new Government and Parliament Cen
eral BoTHA, Boer Prime Minister sus-
tanned by British votes. may after all
prove the power needed in country in
which two races are endeavoring TO
form one nation.