On Monday Mr. Chamberlain received a deputation of the loyal
Dutch, and proved not less judicious or less firm in dealing with their grievances and claims. He pointed out how the Government had in certain respects already discriminated in their favour, and appealed to them to wait till the operation of the compensation system was complete before entertaining fears as to its justice. As for social ostracism, it was im- possible to remove it by legislation, but they did not mend matters by minimising the statements of the Bond leaders, which in the case of Mr. de Waal and Mr. Hofmeyr were so explicit and categorical that they could not be improved on. It was bad policy not to accept assurances which were fully satisfactory, and it was impossible to expect proof of loyalty before Mr. Hofmeyr's appeal had circulated through- out the country and permeated the minds of the people. Mr. Chamberlain resolutely declined the request for an investiga- tion into the complaints as to the treatment of loyalists. It was unconstitutional for the Imperial Government to make an official inquiry into the social condition of a self-governing Colony, and further, such a request could not be granted to one party without granting the same privilege to the other.
