24 JANUARY 1903, Page 2

Except that we do not like this talk of the

mine-owners settling their own taxation, and being dealt with by Mr. Cham- berlain as if they were a State and not merely a collection of individuals, the settlement seems to us a fair and reasonable one, and reflects great credit on Mr. Chamberlain's tact and good sense. He no doubt hoped for a much bigger contribu- tion, but, like a wise man, determined when he was on the spot to keep quite clear of anything that could be called a tribute. Mr. Chamberlain, we must; add, also showed his wisdom in entirely refusing to sanction the importation of Chinese labour. That is a nightmare happily laid. South Africa must be kept as a white man's country. That is the deter- mination of the whole Em pire.