On Monday was published the decision of the Colonial Secretary
as regards the demand for the suspension of the Cape Constitution. We are glad to say that Mr. Chamber- lain refuses to do any such thing, and in a most powerful and lucid despatch shows the unwisdom of the proposal. The petitioners for suspension, he points out, are less than a third of the House of Assembly, and less than a half of the Legisla- tive Council, and in the majority are the present Ministers of the Crown, "who are entirely opposed to suspension," and who have assured his Majesty's Government "that they are confident that their policy will command a, majority when Parliament meets." He adds that no doubt legislation by way of Act of Indemnity, and probably special laws for securing the pacification of the country, will be required, but the Imperial Parliament cannot intervene unless the Cape Legislature, which the Home Government do not contemplate, refuse to do their duty in passing the necessary legislation. That, in our opinion, is exactly the right way to treat the question. If the Cape Legislature shows itself unwilling or unable to do what is necessary for the safety and pacification of South Africa, then of course the Imperial Parliament must intervene, but not till then. We are glad to note that the despatch draws attention to the unsatisfactory basis on which the Parliamentary representation of the Colony rests, and trusts that it may be possible to rectify it.
Previous page
