Mr. Chamberlain ended his speech by asking how the race
animosities which unfortunately existed could be allayed. It could only be by going to the root of the mischief. "The misgovernment of the Transvaal is a festering sore which poisons the whole atmosphere of South Africa." What was the duty of the Government ? Their first duty was to try to secure an amicable settlement. The Government were absolutely unanimous as to the policy to be pursued. They would neither be hurried nor held back, but having undertaken the business they would see it through. "I hope," added Mr. Chamberlain, "that the efforts of our loyal Dutch subjects in Cape Colony—of men, for instance, like Mr. Hofmeyr, who has deservedly a great influence with his fellow-countrymen—I hope that his efforts and those of the Government, and especially of the Prime Minister of Cape Colony, to bring about an amicable arrangement will be suc- cessful." That is a passage of good omen, and in our opinion the speech, as a whole, does not show that harsh and provocative spirit which has been read into it by certain critics. We hold that every effort ought to be made to induce the Transvaal to yield without war, and that great patience should be used ; but we cannot admit that the Transvaal Government have a right to say : "May we not do what we will with our own ? "
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