We are glad to note that the Cape elections have
re- sulted in the return of the Progressives with a clear majority of 5, which would correspond to a majority of 35 in the House of Commons. It is considered possible that the solitary Independent Member may vote with them, and at least one of the new Bond Members is prepared to support the Progressive scheme of redistribution. As the party has also a majority in the Council, there is every hope that a statesmanlike Redistribution Bill may soon be law. How necessary such a measure has become is shown by the fact that Cape Town only returns one Member for every three thousand four hundred voters, while the country con- stituency of Victoria East has a Member for every three hundred and ninety voters. After redistribution there is every chance that the predominance of the loyal and pro- gressive element in the Cape may be established beyond reach of doubt, and established because it is the majority. The constitution of the new Cabinet is not yet published, many of the former Ministers having lost their seats ; but with most of the Bond leaders temporarily out of the House, Cape Colony may hope for a quieter life than has recently been her fate. The result of the election justifies those who, like ourselves, strongly protested against the proposal to suspend the Cape Constitution as dangerous and unnecessary.
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