18 AUGUST 1900, Page 2

The new Government at the Cape has secured a majority

of 8, a substantial majority considering the smallness of the House, and one about equivalent to a majority of 50 in our House of Commons. The Motion was a crucial one, that of Mr. Sauer. which demanded an inquiry into the administration of martial law in the Colony. In the division, which was taken on Wednes- day, Mr. Schreiner and Mr. Solomon voted for the Govern- ment, and Mr. Schreiner denounced both Mr. Saner and Mr. Merriman for making calculated appeals to the passion and prejudice of the Afrikanders. The result of this first trial of strength is regarded at the Cape as of good augury, and it is now confidently expected that the passage of the Treason Bill is assured. We think it is reasonable to expect that the Ministry will remain in office and be able to carry out the double policy of punishing deliberate insurgents and con- ciliating and reassuring the loyal Dutch. Both policies are needed to be pursued with firmness.