Sir Gordon Sprigg announced in the Cape House of Assembly
on Tuesday that martial law would be imme- diately repealed. In reply to Dr. Smartt, the leader of the " Suspenaionists," he contended that the suggested Bills to control the importation of arms and ammunition, and suppress sedition and boycotting, were unnecessary in view of the exist- ence of the Peace Preservation Act. He also announced that as a result of communications from General Settle, command. ing the troops in Cape Colony, compensation claims would be settled with the least possible delay. Between June let and August 25th the military had already paid out 2551,338 in compensation claims, and it was proposed to introduce a Bill authorising the Government to raise a loan not exceeding one and a quarter millions to meet the claims. The dissentient Progressives attack Sir Gordon Sprigg for his unwarrantable optimism ; but should it prove unjustified by results, his course is clearly indicated by the terms of Mr. Chamberlain's despatch. The Cape Parliament is on its trial, and so far it has not fulfilled the pessimistic forebodings of the " Suspen- sionists." We note that the Boer generals, about whose doings far too much noise has been made, are said to meditate a prompt return to South Africa, having become convinced of the impracticability of conducting a lecturing tour on the Continent. Such a resolve, should it prove correct, does no less credit to their loyalty than to their common-sense.
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