This plea for more white labour is most important. We
cannot believe that in the end white labour will prove dear labour in South Africa any more than in other temperate Colonies. Meantime we note that the Chinese Government has decided not to allow coolies to be re- cruited in China for labour in the mines. Unless we are prepared to encourage an illicit labour trade in Chinese coolies, this will prove, we should imagine, an insuperable obstacle to making the Transvaal a yellow man's country. We may note also that Mr. Wybergh, the Commissioner of Mines, has resigned on the ground of divergence of view between himself and the Government on matters affecting the mines. "He finds that the political influence on the Government exercised by financial interests has increased of late, and thinks that the Government, thcargh actuated by the best possible intentions, has to a great extent lost touch with the people." A further resignation of importance connected with the Chinese labour question is that of Mr. Monypenny, of the Johannesburg Star. Mr. Monypenuy has consistently opposed Chinese labour in the Star, but considering the unanimous desire of the Chamber of Mines, and the fact that the chief proprietors of the paper belong to that body, be felt that he could no longer remain editor of the Star. This self- sacrificing decision reflects great credit on a most distin- guished journalist, whose ability and independence of view have always been conspicuous.
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