Thursday's papers publish a letter from Lord Rosebery dealing with
the crisis. He had been silent because he was loth to re-enter the field of politics. The Boer ultimatum, _ however, creates a situation beyond party polemics. There may be much to criticise or to condemn in the action of the Government, "bat that is all over for the present." It is needless to discuss the best way of "rescuing our fellow- countrymen in the Transvaal from intolerable conditions of subjection and injustice, and of securing equal rights for the white races in South Africa," for the ultimatum is in itself a declaration of war. "In the face of this attack the nation will, I doubt not, close its ranks and relegate party controversy to a more convenient season. There is one more word to be said. Without attempting to judge the policy which concluded peace after the reverse of Majuba Hill, I am bound to state my profound conviction that there is no con- ceivable Government in this country which could repeat it" That, and especially the last clause, is well and wisely said. We add that another Liberal leader, Mr. Asquith, speaking at Dundee on Wednesday and at Newburgh on Thursday, showed no less statesmanship, public spirit, and courage in dealing with the situation.
