NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THERE is little fresh news from South Africa, though there has been a good deal of " heady " talk both here and in the Transvaal about preparations for war and plans of campaign. Meantime (though naturally and rightly little is said about it in public) it seems probable that the Cape Ministry, and Mr. Hofmeyr as head of the Afrikander Bond, are putting as much pressure as possible on Mr. Kruger, and their efforts are said to have already induced him to yield in regard to an increased representation for the Rand. That is a concession of value, but it cannot possibly be con- sidered as a substitute for a just extension of the franchise. which is the only thing which can produce a permanent cure of the unrest in the Republic. In spite of somewhat vehement assertions to the contrary in a section of the Opposition Press, the action of the Cabinet has been wise, prudent, and un- provocative, and we notice with special satisfaction Mr. Ritchie's speech of Wednesday. Nothing could have been better than its temper. The Transvaal Government are preparing an answer to Mr. Chamberlain's last despatch, and until that reply has been received no fresh action will, of course, be taken. The talk about great military move- ments is clearly exaggerated, but no doubt the War Office is studying the military situation most carefully, so as to be ready for instant action if called on. Not to do so would be a piece of criminal folly.
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