3 FEBRUARY 1900, Page 3

The recent South African Blue-book contains a statement as to

the Molten interview which we trust will put an end for ever to that controversy. As, however, we have dealt strongly with the matter, we will give, not our own verdict in the case, but that of the Westnizaster Gazette,—a newspaper which cannot be accused of anti-Dutch sentiments. Sir Alfred Milner's despatch, says the Westminster Gazette, "shows both that the interview ought never to have been reported, and that as reported it did grave injustice to Sir Alfred Milner. Mr. Molteno came to see Sir Alfred as the representative of fifty-seven Cape Members. Sir Alfred took the opportunity of having with him a talk which he meant to be private. With regard to the statement that the High Commissioner said that he was determined to break the dominion of Afrikanderdom' he says : The use of these words I absolutely deny ; and I deeply regret that they should have been attributed to me.' This we regard as absolutely disposing of the controversy as to whether these particular words were used."