It has been said that Mr. Chamberlain is too authoritative,
and too strong a man for Colonial Secretary. He would be sure, said the prophets, to get the country into difficulties with Mr. Rhodes. Well, they have had their first difference, and Mr. Rhodes, who does not lack the courage which is re- quired to give way, has shown himself quite willing and able to work with a strong Secretary of State. A Bill has been before the Cape Parliament for the annexation of British Bechuana- land. Mr. Chamberlain has insisted that the transfer to the Colony shall only be made on certain conditions, as regards the sale of liquor and the protection of the natives. On Wednesday Mr. Rhodes had to announce these restrictions in the Assembly. He accepted them with a very good grace, and pertinently remarked that the Imperial Government had spent in all £2,500,000 on the territory, and now offered it as a free gift. The Cape, then, should not be churlish over conditions. After a heated protest against the so.called inter- ference of the Secretary of State from Mr. Satter and Mr. Innes, the Bill was passed. The incident is instructive. We have often had to express our dislike of Mr. Rhodes's
doings in South Africa ; but we are glad to recognise his, wisdom and good sense in the present matter. If he can only contrive to act in harmony with Mr. Chamberlain, we may see the work of making South Africa another Canada greatly advanced.
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