The invasion of the Transvaal appears, temporarily, to have paralysed
Mr. Cecil Rhodes. The suspicion that he knew of the plot, whether well or ill founded, is, of course, very strong ; and as soon as the Home Government tele- graphed its disgust Mr. Rhodes tendered his resignation. Sir Hercules Robinson, as Governor, refused to accept it, as he was compelled to go himself to Pretoria; but the indignation among the Dutch electors of Cape Colony was excessive, and on the 6th inst. Mr. Rhodes, bowing before the storm, surrendered the Premiership to Sir Gordon Sprigg, who has been his active supporter, but who knew nothing of his designs. Mr. Rhodes has not lost his hold over the British Colonists, but the prestige of unbroken success departs from him, and he will hardly again become Dictator. The Afrikanders are bitterly incensed; and it is said that the Boers of the Trans- vaal demand his banishment from Africa, a condition which her Majesty's Government, even if willing, have no power to concede.
Previous page
