We feel certain that in a case like the present
the only wise Om is to choose a sound and just principle, and to maintain it fearlessly. We agree with the Westminster Gazette's very moderate and sensible article of Thursday that it probably will not make much difference on the Chinese question whether the basis is population or votes; but we are anxious, as we have said, that the decision of the Transvaal shall have a sanction which cannot be challenged. But though we protest against gerrymandering on the side of the Boers,- we have no wish to see gerrymandering on the side of the mineowners. If it can be shown that the new system has been unfairly manipulated in their behalf, by all means let it be amended. Again, we hold that great care should be taken to ensure the seorecy of the ballot, and that drastic legislation pbould be enacted to prevent bribery, intimidation, and undue influence, and to inflict heavy penalties, not only on those who yield to such influences, but on those who put them In motion. We want the opinion of the adult white workers in the Transvaal—of the men who are building the new nation-,- neither gerrymandered to snit the Boers, nor dictated by the pressure of -the mineowners. '
Previous page
