On Wednesday the second reading of the Treason Bill in
the Cape Parliament was carried by a majority of 10 in a crowded house, which may be regarded in all probability as decisive for the ultimate success of Mr. Rose-Innes's measure. We are glad to observe that only two of Mr. Schreiner's party refrained from voting for the Government, which speaks much for the influence of Mr. Schreiner's wise and patriotic conduct. The Bill provides for the usual indemnity for acts lone in good faith under martial law, for a certain degree of compensation to loyalists, and for the punishment of rebels. It is not the martial law or compensation clauses which apparently excite most opposition, nor even the proposed special Tribunal of three Judges to try to punish the leading rebels, but the erection of quasi-judicial Tribunals with power to disfranchise the disloyal rank-and-file for five years. The Bond party, who can face with equanimity the punishment of notorious offenders, and even the existence of martial law, shrink from a measure which will deprive a large part of their clientele of their votes. But if we may judge from a speech of Mr. Wessels, reported in the Times of Wednesday, the rebels themselves regard their coming dis- franchisement as an easy escape.
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