Mr. Chamberlain made a striking speech on South Africa before
the London Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. He maintained that our policy in that vast system of Colonies had hitherto been one of shirking responsibility, and that if we in- tended to continue it, we ought to retire, retaining only Simon's Bay. The Dutch, who are only 180,000, would then be unable to manage the 3,000,000 natives, and would hold out their hands to Prince Bismarck, who would gladly accept their offers. Mr. Chamberlain entirely disapproved of that consummation; he would resolutely hold all territories already acquired, and extend our protectorate to all friendly and willing tribes up to the Zambesi. To do this thoroughly, it would be necessary to separate the office of High Commis- sioner from that of the Governor of the Cape Colony, the latter being apt to fall into Colonial rather than Imperial hands. This is the policy we have always recommended, only we would call the High Commissioner a Viceroy, and delegate to him the whole controlling power of the Imperial Government. The South African Dominion wants unity, and a moderating central authority on the spot.
Previous page
