As the result of the vote of want of confidence
in the Cape Ministry carried by a majority of two votes-39 to 37—in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Sir J. Gordon Sprigg and his colleagues have resigned, and Sir Alfred Milner has accepted their resignations. According to the Times' corre- spondent, certain of the Bond Members agreed to come over to the Ministry after the want of confidence vote had been disposed of, but changed their minds on learning that if the Ministry accepted their aid Mr. Rose-Innes would leave them. Mr. Schreiner, the leader of the Opposition, is engaged in forming a new Cabinet, and it is stated that Mr. Merriman will be appointed Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. To Water Colonial Secretary, and Mr. Sauer Commissioner of Railways. The post of Attorney-General will probably be offered to Mr. Rose-Innes, whose acceptance is, however, by no means a certainty, much as it is to be desired. We notice with satis- faction that the supporters of Mr. Rhodes in the London Press accept his defeat with comparative equanimity, admit that his electioneering tactics were injudicious, and acquit the Bond in advance of any desire to accentuate racial divisions.
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