Mr. Asquith ended by expressing the hope that when the
tide turned we should remember that our object was not racial ascendency, but an equitable ntodus vivendi between the two peoples. We do not ourselves think that there is the least fear of this being forgotten by the Government, but the principle is so sound that it cannot be repeated too often. The Boers will be placed within the Empire, but once there they must ultimately be as free as any white men within the Empire. Mr. Asquith's views upon "Home-rule all round" have made us hitherto somewhat in- clined to distrust his statesmanship, but this speech shows that he possesses the qualities which above all others a country desires in its rulers,—steadfastness combined with liberality and moderation of view, and a nature imbued with the determination to make any sacrifice to preserve the honour of the nation. We do not mean, of oonrse, to suggest that Mr. Asquith is singular in his patriotism. The rest of his colleagues are, we are certain, just as patriotic. He does, however, show a special strength and grasp of the situation which marks him out as a man apt for great affairs and fit to rule.
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