CHAPTER IV. CONDITIONS WHICH FAVOUR UNION IN SOUTH AFRICA. One continuous territory-No great natural barriers-Healthy climate-Boundaries of South Africa defined-Republics populated from Cape Colony-European population uniformly dispersed-Assimilating power of Africander population-Similar distribution of English and Dutch languages throughout South Africa—Similar institutions -Same common law-Racial distinctions quickly disappear -Local patriotism supplants national antipathies-Distance from Europe favours freedom from European complications -Monroe Doctrine for South Africa. WE have pointed out the reasons why this question of a federal union is a pressing one. We have seen that the newly-won freedom of the states in America led to anarchy until the machinery of union was devised. We have seen a similar freedom leading to similar results in South Africa. We have seen the dangers of delay and the invaluable lesson taught us by the great statesmen of America who took the proper steps to avert disaster. We will now proceed to consider whether and in what degree such a closer union is favoured by the circumstances of South Africa. We may remark that South Africa is one con tinuous territory; there are no natural or impassable barriers between the various states and colonies. It is blessed with a variety of soils and productions, and, as a whole, it possesses as fine a climate as any in the world, a climate in which those of European origin are able to live and rear children, and not only able to maintain their physique, but to increase it, as is proved by the more than average height and physical development in those who have resided longest within its boundaries. It is true that it has no navigable rivers and lakes, but the advantage of railways for all practical purposes supplies the place of those natural waterways which in some countries so favourably. affected their early development before the invention of steam. When we speak of South Africa, we speak of the country bounded by the sea on all sides except the north, where the boundaries may roughly be said to be the Cunene towards the west and the Zambesi towards the east. We have already pointed out incidentally how the populations of all the colonies and states have proceeded from a common origin in the Cape Colony. We have, therefore, a homogeneous element of population in all the states owing to this cause, while we have further the fact that a European population of most recent introduction has also spread itself over the several states in very similar proportions, and that a very rapid assimilation. proceeds to identify these new streams of population wherever they are enabled to meet and, without interference from outside, learn to appreciate their mutual good qualities. The powerful absorbing and assimilating qualities of the Africander population is very remarkable when the absolute paucity of numbers is taken into account, and it may fitly be compared with the similar power shown by the relatively small number of America-born Americans, in absorbing and assimilating the gigantic streams of Europeans which have never ceased to pour into that continent during recent times. Each state has also its native population, but this is hardly to be looked at in the light of a connecting characteristic, as there is but little cohesion among this section of the people. The languages of Dutch and English are distributed in a very similar manner in each colony or state, the towns being largely English-speaking, while the country populations all speak or understand Dutch. The institutions of the colonies and states are very similar; each has its house of representatives and its governor or president at the head of its executive, while the system of laws is almost identical, the common law in all states or colonies being the old Roman-Dutch, with such additions as the legislature of each state has created by its statute law. There are no racial differences or distinctions, wherever a knowledge of and sympathy with the older populations has had time to infuse the newer elements of the populations. All are ready to sink their differences of origin in their common efforts to advance the interests of the country in which they have made their homes and that of their children. As Mr. Molteno, when supporting responsible government in 1871, said in reply to Mr. Eustace: "No feeling," said Mr. Molteno, "exists between Africanders and Englishmen as was represented by the last speaker (Mr. Eustace). As one knowing the country I can emphatically contradict that statement. (Cheers.) There are now not English, Dutch, French, or Germans, but colonists, desirous to do their best for their common country." Removed from Europe by the ocean and by the deserts and swamps of Central Africa, South Africa need have feared no complications arising from the older and traditional enmities of the great European powers; but, unfortunately, South Africa had no common mouth-piece and no common voice to speak with authority at a critical time, and two European powers gained a footing and an increase of territory which has prevented the realization of the Monroe Doctrine of South Africa for the South Africans becoming a fact, and which may yet embroil her in the quarrels of Europe. We will, however, return to this subject, and then point out the lesson of their loss and what hopes history holds out to us of the recovery of these lands for South Africa. 1 This is based on President Monroe's Message to Congress in December, 1823:— "We owe it, therefore, to candour and to the amicable relations between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies and dependencies of any European power we have not interfered, and shall not interfere." CHAPTER V. ADVANTAGES CONFERRED BY UNION. Preservation from evils of dissension-Arguments of Federalist applicable—Dangers from hostile duties and commercial rivalry-Territorial disputes-Loss of northern territories to South African system-Union would provide remedy— Northern territories compared with western territory of America-Surrender of claims of individual states to union-Precedent for South Africa-Necessity of dealing with the question—Success of American plan-Chartered Company's rule only temporary-Union would remove danger of hostile commercial action-Jealousies of South African states-Cost of collection of customs reduced by union-Abolition of internal customs' boundaries— Stimulus to commerce by internal free trade-Free interchange of products-Prosperity of each adds to prosperity of all-South Africa would present to world united front in matters of commerce. HAVING seen, then, that nature has fitted South Africa to become one great and united whole, has favoured her in climate, has endowed her with vast mineral wealth, thus giving her the resources necessary for the establishment and maintenance of a powerful and united Government, we will proceed to examine what advantages are likely to accrue from a union of all her states and colonies. And first among the advantages of such a union |