We have taken the strongest possible line against the interference
of the German Emperor in South African affairs, but we can see no common-sense in the suspicious jealousy just now manifested as to German emigration there. Germans are excellent emigrants in all our Colonies. In no case have they shown the smallest symptom of disloyalty, nor do we believe that anywhere they are intriguing against the British Government. In truth they greatly prefer it to their own. The strongest motive of German emigration is the desire to escape from German officialdom and German con- scription, and even if they possessed the power they would not replace themselves beneath them. The stories of armed companies sent out as emigrants are denied by the steam companies, and are excessively improbable, if only because the German Staff could not retain control of the men after they have landed. It is a great pity to create a prejudice against a moat valuable class of emigrants who bring to any Colony they enter much industry, a habit of obedience to law, and a special knowledge of many cultures, particularly that of the vine. There are forty or fifty thousand Germans in London, and we have reason to believe that at least half of them refuse to teach their children German, and see their children becoming entirely English with the utmost pleasure.
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