The debate itself was too amicable to prove exciting. Indeed,
it was conducted on lines of criticism that proved how entirely the House was in accord with the policy of the Government. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman's fear that it was an integral part of that policy to swamp the repatriated Boers by a system of political colonisation was clearly answered by Mr. Chamberlain's. explanation that it was only intended to supplement the Boer population to the benefit of thee-popu- lation. Sir Henry objected to soldier settlers with imported wires, and looked to "neighbourhood, commercial and in- dustrial relations, marriage and family relationships, and community of interests" to end racial difficulties and racial jealousies. Sir William Harcourt adverted at some length to the financial prospects of the Transvaal. The expecta- tion of large resources seemed to him problematical. He still thought that the cost of the Colonies in peace would be at least as great as the acquisition of them in war. All he found was a promise of unlimited expenditure, for which no resources appeared forthcoming. Sir Gilbert Parker, on the question of soldier settlements in South Africa, appositely pointed out how the Highlanders had been incorporated in Canadian life. We are glad to notice from Mr. Chamberlain's reply that the Government are seriously considering the cost of living in the Transvaal for civil and military officials. The matter, as was pointed out in our columns last week, is a very serious one indeed, and should be dealt with at once.
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