The debate of Friday week on the future management of
South Africa, raised by Mr. Emmott, produced a speech from Mr. Chamberlain of an unexpectedly conciliatory character. We have said enough about it elsewhere, but may add here that it is evident farm burning is to be restricted within the narrowest limits, that civil government as in a Crown Colony is to be established almost at once, and that self. government, though Lord Salisbury said last week it might be delayed for generations, will be granted the moment it is safe. Mr. Chamberlain ended with a fine tribute to the bravery and general good conduct of the Boers, and so deep was the impression made that Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, though he would not accept all the details of Mr. Chamberlain's plan, advised Mr. Emmott to withdraw his amendment as the Government and the bulk of the Opposition were in substantial accord. The amendment was accordingly withdrawn,—a fact which, if they understood it, would be more fatal to the hopes of the Boers than the Kaiser's refusal to receive Mr. Kruger. Telegrams from the Cape say the impression on the Boers is bad because they think they see signs of weakness in Mr. Chamberlain's speech ; but we distrust Cape views. The loyalists there are too angry to think dispassionately.
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