A valuable statement on the question of the ultimate settlement
in South Africa has been made by Mr. J. Rose- Innes, Q.C., late leader of the Cape Opposition. Premising that the settlement must guarantee a permanent condition of peace, Mr. Rose-Innes declared that the conclusion was forced on him that the independence of the two Republics was impossible. Under any autonomy not a sham the Republics would become a menace to the peace of South Africa in the near future ; paper guarantees were ineffectual, and it would be perfectly hopeless to prevent the accumulation of arms by independent States. As to the future, Mr. Rose-Inner held that the only thing that could allay embittered racial feeling would be an absolutely fair and even-banded administration with the prospect from the first of complete self-government on Colonial lines when the country had settled down and was ready for it. "The appointment of officials who will fear neither capitalists nor Boers must have a marked effect, especially if they are in sympathy with the people." Finally, Mr. Rose-Inner concluded by saying that England could ignore the taunts that she had all along coveted the country, because they were false. None the less, it was absolutely necessary that she should take the country if it were her object to secure abiding peace for Africa. We invite attention to Mr. Rose-Innes's views, not merely because they coincide with those expressed in these columns, but because they pro- ceed from one of the very few South African politicians who have always commanded the confidence and respect of both parties.
