NEWS OF THE vimm A VERY serious situation has arisen in
the Empire owing to the resignation of the Natal Ministry, not on local grounds, but because of the action of the Imperial Govern- ment. According to the statement made by Lord Elgin in the House of Lords on Thursday night, the facts are as follows. On Wednesday the Imperial Government were informed by telegram that twelve natives had been tried by Court-Martial, found guilty of murder, and sentenced to be shot. In reply a telegram was sent to the Governor commenting on the serious nature of the communication, and requesting him to suspend the execution of the sentence pending further informa- tion. No reply had been received to that message, continued Lord Elgin, but the news agencies had been informed that the Natal Government had resigned, but remained in office puffing further communication. Lord Elgin added that the Government had no idea of interfering with a self-governing Colony, but the execution of twelve natives was a serious matter, and he had to consider it in view of the possible demands for the assistance of British troops. It was, there- fore, his duty to ask for information as he did.
