The debate was continued on Tuesday by Lord Burghelere, who
pointed out that there was no difference of principle between the Government and Lord Milner in regard to self- government in the new Colonies. Where they differed was in regard to the time at which the grant should be made. Lord Roberts supported Lord Milner, on the ground that the pro- posed changes would encourage disaffection and inflict serious disabilities on the British loyalists. Lord Portsmouth having quoted the Blue-books as showing that the coolies had been subjected to illegal punishments, Lord Milner at once admitted that he accepted full responsibility for sanctioning the infliction of corporal punishment in certain cases, a course which be subsequently considered to have been wrong, as it opened the door to abuses. The Lord Chancellor in a vigorous speech condemned Lord Milner's policy as the greatest of all the series of blunders which had marked our relations with South Africa, and repudiated his assumption that those who differed from his views were enemies of their country. He trusted that, unless absolutely convinced that the Govern- ment wished to injure their fellow-countrymen in South Africa, the Lords would think twice before encouraging in the Transvaal and South Africa the idea that they were enemies of the men of their own blood. Lord Lansdowne made a conciliatory speech, emphasising the points of agreement between the parties, and reserving judgment on the Govern- ment's proposals until he had seen them.
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