Mr. Schreiner has resigned, and Sir Alfred Milner has sent
for Sir Gordon Sprigg, who is endeavouring to form a new Ministry, but it is at present uncertain whether Mr. Schreiner will join him, or whether if he fails Mr. Rose-Tunes will be asked to form a Government. Our own hope is that both Mr. Schreiner and Mr. Rose-Tunes will be found in the new Cabinet. We have never felt any very great confidence in Mr. Schreiner's strength of character, noting his refusal to take off the gloves in dealing with Mr. Rhodes though admitting that he was grossly deceived by Mr. Rhodes, but such " slimness " is, of course, not an unpardon- able offence in a politician, and during the last nine months Mr. Schreiner has played a difficult game with great skill, and has also, as we believe, shown real Imperial patriotism. It should be mentioned that what broke up the recent Ministry was Mr. Schreiner's proposal to issue a spesial Com- mission to try the rebels, and to disfranchise those found guilty of treason. The Bond politicians would infinitely rather see a few prominent rebels hung, drawn, and quartered than a rebel district disfranchised.
