For a few giddy days, the terrified White authorities suspended the "pass" laws to placate angry African people. Some observers felt that a revolution would succeed. But by force of arms the pass laws were reintroduced; African workers were persuaded to return to work.

There followed a period of rethinking among the Whites. Some supporters of apartheid called for a "new deal" and a drastic revision of discriminatory legislation. Verwoerd's position as leader of the Nationalist Party was said to be weakening.

But three bullets from a pistol aimed by a wealthy White framer-businessman ended all that. David Pratt's attempt on Verwoerd's life consolidated Nationalist Afrikanerdom because Verwoerd became a martyr, prepared to sacrifice his life in his crusade for apartheid and White rule.

Sharpeville marks the turning point in South Africa's history. It shows that the extremist Pan Africanist Congress has successfully challenged the position of moderate Chief Albert Luthuli as leader of the Black political forces.

Luthuli, who is aging, may get the Nobel Peace prize in recognition of his patient non-violent leadership against apartheid. But, in the republican days that lie ahead, his appeals for calm and reason are likely to be ignored by the majority of Africans.

Verwoerd must struggle on, now that he is committed to carry apartheid to its conclusion. He must try to keep the two great. White sections--Afrikaners and Englishmen--together. He must try to get South Africa readmitted to the Commonwealth as a racist republic. He must meet the challenge of economic, and perhaps, a physical intervention from the Black states of Africa.

Even with the help of Sabre jets, armored cars, and sten guns, the White Government cannot keep the Black majority down forever.

It has found that no matter how many non-White leaders are imprisoned and banished, new leaders appear, and there are usually men and women who are more extreme, violent, and unyielding in their demands for equal political and economic rights for their people.

It is merely a question of time now before the pot, which has been blackened with much burning, will boil over