13 MARCH 1909, Page 2

The Cape Town correspondent of the Times states in Wednesday's

paper that the Bond Congress has compromised on Mr. Hofmeyr's federation proposals. It nominally accetits them, thus preferring the principle of federation to union for the South African Constitution; but it has resolved not to wreck the scheme, and is leaving Members of Parliament free to vote as they please. Mr. Hofmeyr's opposition to the draft Constitution had to be reckoned with, as his opinion carries great weight throughout Cape Colony, but it is now evident that he has not convinced the Bond. The form of the decision has " saded his face," but the prospects of the Constitutioa appear to be brighter than ever.