Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/376

 368] FOEEIGN HISTORY. [1899.

conduct of the Cape Government in allowing munitions of war imported via Port Elizabeth- by the Orange Free State to pass through the colony. Since July 101, 000 rifles with 1,293,000 cartridges, besides powder, lead and shot, had been forwarded. The official explanation made by Mr. Schreiner in the Assembly (Aug. 25) was that the act passed in 1877 was intended only to prevent importation of arms for natives, and that the permit, obtained on July 14, was given because the colony was at amity with the Orange Free State.

Sir J. Gordon Sprigg considered that the passing of the Customs Convention had in no respect altered the obligations of the Government of the Cape, but Mr. Schreiner, the Premier, thought that the Customs Union obliged each partner to for- ward goods without question. He read to the House a telegram received from President Steyn, of the Orange Free State, asking him to contradict the malicious, false, and ridiculous reports that the Free State was going to take up arms aggressively against Great Britain or any British territory, and adding that they would not " take up arms except in defence of their rights or to fulfil their obligations." Mr. Schreiner said that he should do his very best to keep his colony aloof from the struggle, if unhappily war broke out, for, said he, "we shall have to live together after the storm has burst."

Mr. Schreiner's course was held to be unpatriotic, if not actually treasonable, by many Cape residents.

The Cape Assembly passed on September 4 the Land and Income Tax Bill, but it was rejected by the Legislative Council by 12 to 10 votes.

The Government Appropriation Bill for 500,000Z. passed the Assembly, but was reduced by one half in the Legislative Council — the vote standing 13 to 9.

The Progressive members of the Cape Parliament met in September and voted unanimously for a resolution deprecating the attempts made to encourage the Transvaal Government to continue resistance to the just demands of Her Majesty's Government, and assuring the Imperial Government of their strongest support of the policy of Sir A. Milner — a policy for the permanent interests of Cape Colony and of the whole of South Africa. On the other hand the Afrikander members held a meeting and proposed to open a subscription for Transvaal widows and orphans. This was denounced by the Progres- sives as a step towards treason.

Mr. Bhodes made a present on September 15 to the Trans- vaal delegates to the Agricultural Union of a fine lion, which they first accepted, but afterwards returned.

At the close of the session of Parliament on October 12, Mr. Schreiner in moving the adjournment said that the duty of all was to save the colony as far as possible from being involved in the vortex of war, and that he would do the duty imposed on him without favour, fear, or flinching.