The Cape elections are being prosecuted with a great deal
of vigonr, not to say acrimony, and sensational accusations are being sown broadcast. It is very difficult to get a clear view of the struggle, but we would most strongly caution our readers against the attempt to represent Mr. Rhodes's party as having a complete monopoly of loyalty, and Mr. Schreiner and Mr. Hofmeyr as being little better than rebels to the Imperial connection; and to speak as if the victory of the anti-Rhodes party must mean a victory for a separatist movement in South Africa. It will mean nothing of the kind. Whichever party wins, the Imperial connection is perfectly secure. The habit of denouncing any one who opposes Mr. Rhodes as necessarily and naturally disloyal is a most impudent and dangerous pretension. Thank heaven, the time has not yet come when Mr. Rhodes and Dr. Harris can say, "The Empire; it is us." What will happen at the polls we cannot venture to predict, —probably a drawn battle, with Mr. Rose-Innes holding the balance, would be best for the Cape. Of one thing we are certain. No true Imperialist should wish to see Mr. Rhodes again master at the Cape, and employing those methods of government of which we obtained a momentary view during the inquiries of the South African Committee. Neither the Empire nor the Colony has any use for statesmanship of that sort.
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