Page:George McCall Theal, History of South Africa from 1873 to 1884, Volume 1 (1919).djvu/129

 1878] Retirement of the Molteno Ministry. 109 policy of disarmament, which was later to have such serious consequences, mentioned the temporary suspension of immigration from Europe owing to the war, and referred to confederation in the following terms : " The attention of my ministers will be directed at an early opportunity towards approaching the neighbouring states and colonies, with a view to a joint and friendly investigation of such a basis as may provide a sound foundation for a satisfactory measure of confederation." The following bills were at once introduced: For the better preservation of peace within the colony; For the establishment of a colonial yeomanry force ; To provide for the organisation of the inhabitants of this colony for the defence thereof; For the regulation of volunteer corps ; To organise, establish, and regulate a force for the better protection of life and property in the colony, to be called the Cape Mounted Rifles. All of these were measures of great importance, and indicated that the new ministry was intent upon carrying out thoroughly its promise to the country. At the time the policy thus marked out was popular, and it had an influence upon the big debate that soon came on. This was introduced by Mr. Merriman who, after due notice, moved on the 23rd of May that " 1. In the opinion of this house the control over the colonial forces is vested in his Excellency the governor only acting under the advice of ministers ; "2. That it was not within the constitutional functions of his Excellency the governor to insist on the control and supply of the colonial forces being placed under the military authorities, except with the consent of ministers ; "3. That the action taken by his Excellency the governor in that matter has been attended with results prejudicial to the colony, and has delayed the termination of the rebellion." This was seconded by Mr. Manuel.