ABSTRACT
The Transvaal, in the year 1906, was a Crown Colony. Each colony is represented in England by an Agent, whose duties are to instruct the Secretary of State for the Colonies in all matters affecting Colonial interests. Lord Elgin therefore assured Sir Richard that if an identical measure was passed by the Transvaal Legislature after the grant of responsible government, it would receive the royal assent. The steamer took about a fortnight to reach Cape Town from Madeira, and had quite a good time during those days building many castles in the air. The Imperial Government is directly responsible for the legislation of Crown Colonies, and there is no place in its constitution for discrimination on the ground of race or colour. Lord Elgin by his assurance only encouraged the Transvaal Government all the more in their anti-Asiatic campaign. The British Empire cannot really escape responsibility even for the legislation of a Dominion enjoying responsible government.
