South Africa
was interested in Mr. Norman Mackinon's reminiscences and observations on the distressing political situation in South Africa. How true it is that the political divines are primarily responsible for the suspicion and enmity which exist in that country of great charm and beauty. I was a resident in the Union for many years, and while domiciled at Bloemfontein I made many contributions to the Friend on this theme. The ambitious political divines have dominated the Nationalist Party for twenty-odd years, and their philosophy of sus- picion, strife and hatred has now come to maturity.
In April, 1931, I wrote: "The divines are becoming more adven- turous in the political arena, and the more engrossed they become in politics the less dignity and self-respect they appear to possess. It is obvious they do not pay much regard to the nobility of their high calling. The spirit of enmity, suspicion and selfishness that pervades the political atmosphere will create further divisions and dissensions, which are largely irrational, and is threatening and will eventually destroy this South African civilisation. They will succeed in for ever _disuniting this heterogeneous people of South Africa." As Boulange says: "Priests were appointed to lead men into truth; but in all ages they have feared lest men should find the truth and walk in it."— Yours faithfully, Wm. A. JAMES. Redcroft, Cardifi Road, Llandaff, Glam.
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