Mr. Chamberlain in his reply cordially recognised the admirable and
conciliatory tone of Mr. Hofmeyr's speech. At the same time, he frankly declared that the practice of the Bond leaders was not entirely in accordance with their principles. As regards forced native labour, which no responsible person had ever advocated, a Conference on the subject would shortly take place at Bloem- fontein. The suggested inquiry into the administration of martial law was absolutely impossible. It would open up a " lion's mouth," as in ancient Venice, into which every charge would be poured for the gratification of every private vengeance. Finally, Mr. Chamberlain alluded to his mission, undertaken at some inconvenience to himself, with no personal motive or ambition to gratify. "I am older," he continued, "than most of those present, and my term.of active service is necessarily coming to a close. I have tried to fulfil my great mission in an impartial spirit. The fact that I have said things which are displeasing to both sides is a guarantee that I have spoken frankly and without reserve. I shall go away hopeful and confident regarding the rest of South Africa, and I am sanguine even here." The tone of Mr. Chamberlain's impressive peroration has been fully justified by the comments of the Press of all shades of opinion on what was undoubtedly the most important of the many interviews he has taken part in during his visit.
