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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed (2nd
+ed.), by C. H. Thomas
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed (2nd ed.)
+       The Conspiracy of the 19th Century Unmasked
+
+Author: C. H. Thomas
+
+Release Date: February 18, 2005 [EBook #15106]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIGIN OF THE ANGLO-BOER WAR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Garrett Alley, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE ANGLO-BOER WAR REVEALED
+
+The Conspiracy of the 19th Century Unmasked
+
+By C.H. THOMAS
+
+of Belfast Transvaal formerly Orange Free State Burgher
+
+
+SECOND EDITION
+
+LONDON: HODDER AND STOUGHTON
+
+27 PATERNOSTER ROW MCM
+
+_Butler & Tanner The Selwood Printing Works Frome and London_
+
+
+
+
+NOTICE
+
+
+The present book had been intended for publication in South Africa
+before the end of 1899, with the object of laying bare the wicked and
+delusive aims of the Afrikaner Bond combination, to which the Anglo-Boer
+war alone is attributable, and to counteract its disastrous influences
+so far as then still possible. But until quite lately circumstances had
+conspired so as to prevent the writer from leaving the Transvaal, and
+when he at last obtained the required passport to Lourenço Marques he
+was there denied a permit to visit a colonial port. He therefore sailed
+for London in order to publish this book without more loss of time.
+Though too late to serve as a deterrent, the contents may be effective
+towards showing up the really guilty parties--the instigators and
+seducers of the deluded Boer nation, and so pave and widen the avenue of
+peace and of conciliation between Boer and Briton who were duped and
+victimized alike.
+
+The exposure of the actual culprits and originators should also operate
+favourably, and in mitigation in behalf of the much less guilty Boers,
+so as to dispose the victors to the exercise of magnanimous
+consideration. In exposing the villainy of the Dutch coterie in Holland,
+the writer is far from impugning the honourable character of that
+nation, the better part of whom, when once undeceived, will be the first
+to reprobate and disown those arch-plotters who sacrificed the peace of
+South Africa for personal and national advantage.
+
+Some other information regarding the Boers and South Africa will be
+found interspersed in this study, which will be found of use to the
+uninitiated and to intending emigrants to that sub-continent. As the
+reader proceeds with the examination of this book it will suggest
+comparisons and even analogies which may commend themselves as
+singularly apposite and instructive in relation with the study of the
+presently budding Eastern question.
+
+C.H. THOMAS
+
+
+NOTE TO SECOND EDITION
+
+     The issue of a Second Edition has afforded an opportunity to
+     correct a few linguistic blemishes, but the work has only been
+     very slightly revised.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+                                                                   PAGE
+NOTICE                                                                V
+
+INTRODUCTION                                                          1
+
+CURSORY HISTORY OF THE BOER NATION                                    6
+
+PROSPERITY OF BOERS AND POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND UP TO 1881  16
+
+TRANSVAAL HISTORY--SUZERAINTY                                        21
+
+TREATMENT OF UITLANDERS, FRANCHISE, VENALITY, BRIBERY                25
+
+MONSTER PETITION, JAMESON INCURSION, ARMAMENTS                       37
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN CONFERENCE, BOER ULTIMATUM                              43
+
+BOER LANGUAGE                                                        52
+
+THE DUTCH COTERIE, ITS SEAT IN HOLLAND                               57
+
+AFRIKANER BOND--OUTLINES AND PROGRAMME                               62
+
+PACIFIC POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN                                      70
+
+PRESS PROPAGANDA--SECRET SERVICE--TRADE RIVALRIES                    72
+
+DISLOYALTY OF COLONIAL BOERS                                         82
+
+PORTUGUESE TERRITORY--TRANSVAAL LOW VELDT--MALARIA--HORSE SICKNESS   89
+
+CLIMATE AND TOPOGRAPHY                                               95
+
+BOER PREPAREDNESS FOR WAR                                           108
+
+ALLIANCE OF ORANGE FREE STATE WITH TRANSVAAL--SUZERAINTY
+    SQUABBLE--TRANSVAAL ARMAMENTS PRIOR TO JAMESON RAID             115
+
+THE TRANSVAAL DYNAMITE AND EXPLOSIVES MONOPOLY                      122
+
+BOER FIGHTING STRENGTH                                              124
+
+BOER CONSERVATISM, EDUCATION, DUNDEE DOSSIER, ANTI-ENGLISH
+    PAMPHLET ENTITLED "A HUNDRED YEARS' INJUSTICE"                  126
+
+AN OLD FREE STATER'S ADMONITION                                     137
+
+MODUS VIVENDI SUGGESTED BY OLD FREE STATER                          143
+
+MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY TO AVERT WAR                               150
+
+AFRIKANER BOND GUILT IN GRADATIONS                                  155
+
+RÉSUMÉ                                                              161
+
+BOERS' NATIVE POLICY                                                167
+
+ENGLAND'S NATIVE AND COLONIAL POLICY                                172
+
+OCCULT OPERATIONS AND AGENCIES                                      178
+
+RELIGION                                                            184
+
+PHYSIQUE AND HABITS                                                 193
+
+PRESIDENT KRÜGER                                                    207
+
+PEACE ADJUSTMENTS                                                   212
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+Apart from the progress of the present Anglo-Boer war a world-wide
+interest has been excited also upon the question of its actual origin.
+Much disparity of opinion prevails yet as to how it was provoked and
+upon which side the guilt of it all lay.
+
+English statesmen of noblest character and best discriminating gifts are
+seen professing opposite convictions; one party earnestly asserting the
+complete blamelessness of their Government, whilst the other, with
+equally sincere assurance, denounces the responsible Ministry for having
+provoked a most unjust war against a totally inoffensive people, whose
+only fault consisted in asserting its love of freedom, and for thus
+plunging the entire British nation into blackest guilt deserving
+universal reprobation, a blot and stigma upon Her Majesty's reign.
+
+In following the course of the arguments which have led to those
+opposing verdicts, one is impressed with the paucity and the clashing
+character of the information adduced. The marked reticence on the part
+of the British Cabinet in regard to its diplomatic proceedings tends
+further to mystify the inquirer, and leaves the bulk of the British
+nation in a painful state of suspense without conclusive data for
+judging whether the war is really justifiable or not.
+
+Nor do the various pamphlets and Press articles furnish sufficient light
+for exploring the maze and producing an approximate unanimity of
+conviction.
+
+It is hoped that the succeeding pages will be found to supplement the
+material so essential for diagnosing those grave questions with some
+degree of certainty, and to locate the guilt more precisely.
+
+Since my youth I have passed nearly forty years in uninterrupted and
+intimate intercourse with all classes of Boers, resulting in a sincere
+attachment to that people, with no small appreciation of its many good
+traits and character. Besides making myself familiar with the earlier
+portion of that nation's history, I have had leisure and opportunities
+to closely follow up its later interesting phases up to the present
+moment. These presented a more perplexing aspect during the last decade,
+adding a zest to my endeavours for unravelling them, and happening to
+be a good deal in the know I felt that I might not remain quiet.
+
+Being anything but anti-Boer, nor an Englishman, but a foreigner, born
+of continental parents and brought up in Europe, these facts should
+exempt me from a supposition of bias in exonerating England. It is with
+real grief that I must record my convictions against the Boer nation as
+solely and entirely guilty, but with this qualification, that its
+responsibility is much attenuated by the fact, as I will endeavour to
+show, that the bulk of that people has been unconsciously decoyed as
+tools of a gigantic intrigue, a conspiracy which was originated some
+thirty years ago by an infamous Hollander coterie, and operated since by
+its product and engine, the now well-known "Afrikaner Bond Association,"
+with its significant motto of "Afrika voor Afrikaners"[1]--its object
+being no less than the eviction of all that is English from South
+Africa, and to substitute a federation of all South African States into
+one free and independent Republic, the affiliation to be with Holland
+instead, and Dutch the common and official language, other nations, in
+return for afforded aid, to participate in the trade and other
+advantages wrested from England.
+
+I only regret that my ability falls so much short for the task of
+demonstrating all this in an approved style--for doing justice to the
+subject. Its investigation embraces a wider range of details to serve as
+evidence than may, upon first thought, be held as relevant; but I
+believe that a willing study will show their connection as serviceable
+for arriving at an independent and unhesitating verdict.
+
+A very strong and convincing case is indeed needed for remodelling
+opinions where there is preconceived Boer partisanship, and where party
+spirit or else foreign jealousy have already warped judgment and
+established bias.
+
+It would be no small relief to every honest-minded person, especially in
+England, to be clear upon the subject that England is free of
+guilt--equally so to the soldier who is called upon to fight her
+battles. But other objects of no less importance are in view, viz., to
+open the eyes of the misguided Boer people to the wicked artifices by
+which it has been seduced from friendly relations with England into an
+unjustifiable war, to deter the still wavering portion from joining the
+ranks of sedition, and, lastly, the grounds for palliation being
+recognised, to pave the way to an early termination of the war by
+adjustments which could restore mutual goodwill and respect between the
+contending parties, and so bring about a speedy return of South African
+prosperity and progress.
+
+The writer is fully prepared to give data and names of the incidents
+adduced in this paper in support of their authenticity.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: Africa for white African citizens.]
+
+
+
+
+CURSORY HISTORY OF THE BOER NATION
+
+The two principal elements of the Boer nation were the settlers of the
+Dutch trading company at the Cape of Good Hope, sturdy farmers and
+tradesmen belonging to the proletarian class of Holland, and a
+subsequent contingent of French Huguenot refugees and their families who
+joined as colonists soon after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. I
+mention below the names still existing which form a large proportion of
+the present Boer nation of Huguenot descent:--
+
+Billion     Blignaut  Bisseux   Delporte
+Du prez     Du Toit   De la Bey Durand
+Davel       De Langue Duvenage  Fourie
+Fouché      Grove     Hugo      Jourdan
+Lombard     Le Roux   Roux      Lagrange
+Labuscaque  Maré      Marais    Malan
+Malraison   Maynard   Malherbe  De Meillon
+De Marillac Matthée   Naudé     Nortier
+Rousseau    Taillard  Theron    Terblanche
+De Villiers Fortier   Lindeque  Vervier
+Vercueil    Basson    Pinard    Duvenage
+Celliers    de Clercq Leclercq  Devinare
+
+Men of the best French stock, noted for honour, energy and
+perseverance, rather than recant their Protestant faith, abandoned
+seigneurial homes, high positions and lucrative callings to carve out
+fresh careers, and even to become humble farmers wherever they found
+asylums and tolerance, men who became very valuable accessions to the
+nations who received them and a correspondingly significant loss to
+France. To those two main elements were added sparse accessions from
+other nations at later intervals, and also a strain of aboriginal blood,
+of which a more or less faint tinge is still discernible in some
+families, an admixture which many deplore and others consider as most
+serviceable, supplying a subtle piquancy for perfecting the general
+stock.
+
+The early Cape Governors aimed at the prompt assimilation of those
+French people with their own colonists--to make Dutchmen of them. Among
+other drastic enactments to enforce that object, no other language but
+Dutch was permitted to be used in public of pain of corporal punishment.
+Not a few noble Frenchmen were subjected to that indignity for
+inadvertent breaches of that draconian law, but, as conscientious
+observers of biblical commands which enjoin subjection to all
+governmental rule, they willingly submitted and obeyed. Intermarriages
+with their Dutch fellow-colonists further promoted assimilation into one
+cohesive community. At the same time the Huguenot faith was transmitted
+to their descendants, and had a marked influence in sustaining common
+religious fervour and consistency. They did not look for a reward or
+compensation for the sacrifices endured, for the sake of faith, by those
+refugees, though a gracious providence, as the sequel showed, held in
+store a most ample restitution--magnificent heirlooms for their later
+descendants, heirlooms which are now unhappily staked in this present
+war.
+
+In 1814 a payment of six millions sterling received by the Prince of
+Orange closed the transfer of the Dutch Cape settlement to Great
+Britain. Immigration of English settlers followed and the area of the
+colony soon largely extended. As under the Dutch _régime_, the practice
+of slavery had continued until its abolition in 1833 by the ransom
+payable by the English Government to the owners of slaves. The Boer
+colonists deeply resented that act, and especially the next to
+impracticable condition which provided that payments could only be
+received in England instead of on the spot. Many were cheated of all
+their emancipation money by their appointed proxies or agents, or else
+had to submit to exorbitant charges and commissions; a great number
+voluntarily renounced all in disgust.
+
+By that time the existence had become known of promising tracts of
+country lying north of the Orange River beyond the confines of the
+British colonies, and a large number of Boers combined with the
+intention of establishing an independent community northwards free from
+British restraint.
+
+The British authorities appeared at that time not to fully realize that
+that movement was rife with future dangers and complications to their
+own colonial interests, that it meant the creation of a nucleus of a
+people openly averse to the English, and who would independently carry
+out practices in near proximity, especially in dealing with aborigines,
+which would seriously compromise them and become a standing menace
+against peaceful expansion and civilization.
+
+It was, on the other hand, anticipated that the movement could only end
+in disaster, the people being too few to make a successful stand against
+the numerous hostile Kaffir tribes. The Government, therefore, refrained
+from preventive measures, and confined its efforts to discouraging the
+emigration and to reconcile the malcontents. Those efforts, however,
+proved fruitless; the people held to their project with resolute
+fearlessness and self-confidence, and were even content to sacrifice
+their farms and homesteads, their sale being in some cases forbidden by
+special enactment.
+
+The terms of "Boer" and "Boer nation" do not convey or mean anything
+disparaging, rather the contrary. Boer simply means farmer, as a rule
+the proprietor of a farm of about 3,000 to 10,000 acres, who combines
+stock-breeding with a variety of other farming enterprises as well,
+according to the soil and locality. As a national designation, the term
+"Boer" conveys the distinction from the recently arrived Dutchman, who
+is called "Hollander." Hollanders, again, delight of late to claim the
+Boer nation as their kith and kin, but prefer to ignore the existence of
+the French Huguenot factor.
+
+The great "trek," with families and movables, as the emigration movement
+is called, occurred in 1836; some families started even before, and
+other contingents followed shortly afterwards. After many vicissitudes
+and nearly twenty years of wanderings, and a nomadic life attended with
+untold hardships and dangers, intermittent conflicts with native tribes,
+and at times also contests with British forces, they were eventually
+permitted, under treaty with England, to settle down and to constitute
+the independent Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics. That was in
+1854 and 1852 respectively.
+
+But, until then, progress in the British colonies and peaceful relations
+with the several Kaffir nations had at times been sadly impeded by the
+aggressive native policy pursued by the Boers after the pattern adopted
+from the previous Dutch _régime_, which admitted of slavery, whilst
+English law had abolished and forbade that practice as contrary to a
+soundly moral method of civilizing natives and inimical to prosperous
+and peaceable colonial progress. Broils and wars between Boers and
+Kaffirs had been almost incessant, and intervals of peace only proved
+their mutually latent hostility. Besides being occasionally engaged in
+unavoidable wars with neighbouring tribes themselves, it became
+frequently incumbent upon the British military authorities to intervene
+in conflicts induced by the Boers, alternately protecting them against
+natives and natives against the Boers, and all that at the unnecessary
+expenditure of much blood and treasure.
+
+The Boer occupation of Natal was found to be wholly prejudicial to
+British interests on aforesaid accounts, and was, besides, contrary to
+the express declaration of the Boer emigrants at the time of their
+exodus from the Cape Colony, which was that their new settlements should
+be located north of the Orange River. Stepping in to the eastward and
+claiming part of the littoral constituted a rivalry in conflict with
+that understanding, and England therefore considered it within her
+rights to expel the Boers from Natal, and to proceed with the
+colonization there with British settlers instead. That temporary
+occupation of Natal had been fraught to the Boers with most stirring
+episodes--some of the most melancholy description, and others
+representing records of really unsurpassed heroism, which can but arouse
+deepest emotions and admiration in any reader of their history. There
+was the treacherous massacre of Retief and Potgeiter and his party by
+the Zulu king Dingaan at his military kraal, followed by other wholesale
+massacres of men, women, and children at Weenen and other Boer camps in
+Natal. Then came the punitive expedition of 450 Boers, armed with
+flint-locks only, who utterly defeated Dingaan's most redoubtable impi
+of 10,000 warriors, and resulted in the complete overthrow of that Zulu
+monarch.
+
+When that punitive Boer commando was about to start upon its mission it
+was solemnly vowed to observe a day of national thanksgiving each year
+if Divine aid were vouchsafed to accomplish the object. That brilliant
+victory had occurred on the 16th December, 1838, and the day has ever
+since been religiously observed as had been vowed. The celebrations in
+the Transvaal take place at Paarden-kraal, near Johannesburg, and some
+other accessible and central camping grounds, where the burghers with
+their families congregate in thousands--a sort of feast of tabernacles,
+lasting three days, undeterred by the most boisterous weather. The
+declaration of independence fell on that same date at Paarden-kraal in
+1879, and it was also in December of the succeeding year that the Boers
+proved victorious over the British troops in Natal, after which the
+Transvaal had its independence generously restored by the Gladstone
+Ministry (subject to treaty 1881).
+
+On those anniversaries stirring speeches would be made by the elder
+leading men, rehearsing the events of the nation's history so as to
+grave them upon the minds of the younger, and to revive the thankful
+memories of the elder people. It is only in human nature that
+unsympathetic feelings against the English would intrude upon the
+thanksgivings on those occasions, especially as it continues yet to be
+averred that the British authorities had incited the Zulu king Dingaan
+to those massacres. Nevertheless, except in instances of implacable
+natures, the predominant sentiments at those gatherings were those of
+gratitude to the Almighty and good-will towards all men. After the peace
+of 1881, it used to be publicly recognised that the English were
+entitled thenceforth to a first place in the nation's friendship, and
+that the retrocession put a term to all recriminations applying to
+previous dates.
+
+The sequel has shown that soon afterwards another spirit was allowed to
+intrude to displace those good and just sentiments, and that without any
+reason or provocation and despite a persistently loyal and sincere
+attitude of friendship and confidence observed towards the Boers by the,
+British Government and the English people in South Africa. As instances
+may be cited: (1) England's conceding spirit in assenting to a
+modification of the convention of 1881 and agreeing to that of 1884; (2)
+genial treatment of the colonial Boers on perfect equality with English
+colonists, sharing in the privileges of self-government, the Dutch
+language also raised to equal rights with English; (3) most harmonious
+relations with the Orange Free State; (4) reduction of transit duties
+for goods to the Republics to 5 per cent, and later to 3 per cent.; (5)
+unrestricted privilege for the importations of arms and ammunition to
+both Republics. In lieu of friendly reciprocity the return began to be
+rancorous mistrust and revival of hatred.
+
+In the course of our study to account for this sad and unwarrantable
+change on the part of the Boers we will be following the trail of the
+serpent and track it right up to its Hollander lair and to its at first
+unsuspected product, the Afrikaner Bond.
+
+
+
+
+PROSPERITY OF BOERS AND POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND UP TO 1881
+
+
+A period of about twenty-five years following the establishment of the
+Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics was marked with much progress
+and prosperity in the Cape Colonies and Natal, both Republics also
+having cause to rejoice over similar advancement.
+
+The evil influence which aimed at rending good relations between Boer
+and English became more apparent after 1881. During the preceding era
+the two races actually had been in a fair way towards friendly
+assimilation. Mutual appreciation was further stimulated by the
+reciprocal benefits arising from trade and economic relations.
+Intermarriages became more frequent under such friendly intercourse, a
+respectable Englishman being truly prized in those days as a Boer's
+son-in-law. The English language also largely advanced in favour and
+prestige not only among the Cape Colonial and Natal Boers, but also in
+both Republics, and anti-English sentiments were fast being supplanted
+by amity and goodwill.
+
+The principal event in the Orange Free State during that period was a
+three years' exhaustive war with the Basuto nation, which ended in the
+latter's defeat in 1867. Their chief Moshesh then appealed for British
+intervention. The Basutos thus came under England's protection, and a
+peace resulted which has ever since continued, through British prestige
+and authority as well as good government. The Orange Free State gained a
+large tract of the territory conquered by that State, but had to
+renounce the rest.
+
+Then, in about 1870, came the discovery of the diamond-fields, situated
+on the then still ill-defined western limits of the State. According to
+a boundary line claimed by Great Britain, those diamond-fields fell
+outside Free State territory. That State received £90,000 compensation
+for improvements and expenses incurred during its short occupation of
+that disputed strip of diamondiferous ground. The diamond-fields at
+Jagersfontein and Koffyfontein were subsequently discovered and lie deep
+within the confines of the State. President Brand had proved his
+sagacity and discretion in concluding the negotiations with England
+upon the question of the peace with the Basutos and then again in
+submitting to the boundary delimitations, it being contended even yet
+that the Orange Free State had the weightier arguments in its favour in
+both instances.
+
+The people of that Republic proved however to be the ultimate gainers in
+those adjustments; they did not miss the more solid advantages attending
+the discovery of the diamond-fields. Believed of the grave
+responsibility involved in governing a turbulent population of foreign
+diggers, the geographical position of the Kimberley fields secured to
+the Free State farmers an almost entire monopoly in the supply of
+products; trade also flourished apace, all tending to enrich the
+inhabitants and the State revenue as well.
+
+But the Orange Free State derived a permanent advantage, quite unique
+and more than compensating the apparent set-back suffered by the loss of
+the diamond-field territory and by British intervention in the Basuto
+war matter, in that the method of those procedures saddled England with
+the responsibility of guaranteeing the internal safety of the State from
+those hitherto unprotected borders "altogether at her own cost." The
+Keate award completed the British cordon around the Free State,
+excepting only in regard to the Transvaal frontier. No need thenceforth
+for costly military provisions for the protection of the State--it was,
+as it were, walled and fenced in at British expense, and the State
+revenue was thus for ever relieved of a very heavy item of expenditure,
+which could be devoted to the increase of the national wealth instead--a
+peaceful security accompanied with an intrinsic gain constituting a
+veritable and permanent heirloom for the people of that State.
+
+It is notable that the position of the Orange Free State, without any
+other access to the sea-board than from colonial ports, made its status
+and welfare entirely dependent upon the friendly and loyal good faith of
+England. Up to the present unhappy war that State enjoyed unaltered the
+best relations without being ever subjected to even a trace of chicanery
+from the part of Great Britain.
+
+By what illusion, it may well be asked, could that hitherto friendly
+people have been deluded to risk all in a disloyal breach with England
+by joining the Transvaal in a "Bond" issue against her best friend?
+Towards the Transvaal also had England proved her earnest desire to
+maintain an intercourse on the basis of sincere amity, desirous only of
+reciprocity, which indeed could be expected in willing return, seeing
+that England took upon her own shoulders to provide for the protection
+and welfare of the entire area of South Africa by sea and land, whilst
+both Republics freely participated in all the great benefits so derived.
+These considerations should substantially disprove the wicked aspersion
+lately made that British policy aimed at the subversion of republican
+autonomy in those two States. All that Great Britain needed and
+confidently expected in return for her goodwill was friendly adhesion,
+and a willing recognition of her paramountcy in matters affecting the
+common weal of South Africa as a whole, and also such reciprocity and
+mutual concern in the welfare of all as consistently comport with common
+interests. How fell and malignant the "influence" which operated a
+treacherous ingratitude and hostility instead!
+
+
+
+
+TRANSVAAL HISTORY--SUZERAINTY
+
+
+The references made to the history of the Transvaal so far reach up to
+the rehabilitation of its independence and the convention of 1881. Some
+of the conditions of that treaty, especially the subordinate position
+imposed by the suzerainty clause, were found to be repugnant to the
+burghers. Delegates were therefore commissioned to proceed to England in
+order to get the treaty so altered as to place the State into the status
+provided by the Sand River convention, which conceded absolute
+independence. Mr. Jorrison, a violent anti-English Hollander, was the
+chief adviser of the members of that delegation.
+
+To that the English Ministry could not assent, but sought to meet the
+wishes of the people by agreeing to certain modifications of the
+convention of 1881. This was effected with the treaty of 1884. The
+delegates had specially urged the renunciation of the suzerainty claim,
+but that claim appears not to have been abandoned, to judge from the
+absence of such mention in the novated treaty. Had its renunciation been
+agreed to, as has been since averred, it is quite certain that the
+delegates would not have been content without the mention in most
+distinct terms of that, to them, so important point. It may therefore be
+assumed as a fact that the negotiations did not result in an active
+suspension of the relations as set forth in the convention of 1881, and
+that the Transvaal continued in a status of subordinacy to England, but
+only with a wider range in regard to conditions of autonomy. To most lay
+minds it therefore appears perfectly clear that the Transvaal delegates
+had well understood and accepted, and so had also their Government, that
+the convention of 1884 was _de facto_ a renewal of that of 1881, with
+the only difference that it provided an enlarged exercise of autonomy,
+but without in the least abrogating the principles of respective
+relations, which were left intact, or at least latent.
+
+It has been averred and a strong point made in the theory of repudiating
+suzerainty or over-lordship that Lord Kimberley had given the assurance
+that the right of Transvaal autonomy and independence was meant to equal
+that of the Orange Free State. This need not be contested, as that
+Minister obviously relied upon a similar observance of staunch adhesion
+towards England which that State had shown during a period of thirty
+years previous; the fact that the Transvaal was quite differently
+situated as to adjoining territory imposed the necessity, if only as a
+matter of form, to preserve the written conditions of Transvaal
+vassalage.
+
+Lord Kimberley, in 1889, intimated the readiness of his Government to
+afford advisory and other co-operation with the Transvaal Government in
+order to cope with the new element of foreign immigration, resulting
+from the discovery of the rich gold-fields, and to provide appropriate
+relations with a new floating population, without materially altering
+the status of Transvaal authority, or the methods of government then in
+practice.
+
+The Transvaal Government, however, preferred to ignore that loyal offer,
+and to be guided by Bond principles instead. That circumstance affords
+another proof that England did not then see the necessity, as has
+subsequently been the case, of strengthening her position against Bond
+aggression by imposing a demand of general franchise for Uitlanders.
+
+One aspect of the prolonged controversy _re_ suzerainty forced upon
+England would be to denote a lack of honour, which is not of unfrequent
+occurrence when one party to a contract seeks by cavil and legal quibble
+to evade compliance with some of its conditions, simply because the
+written terms appear to afford scope for doing so. But the principal
+reason of the Transvaal contention proceeded from the project of gaining
+over some strong foreign ally who would see an obstacle, if not
+scruples, in joining common cause whilst England's claim of
+over-lordship remained unshaken. But for that consideration the
+Transvaal Government inwardly viewed the whole of the treaties as waste
+paper, since it was not only intended to violate them all, but also to
+bring about, at an opportune moment, a hostile severance from England.
+In the meantime, the academic squabble was to serve as a decoy to hide
+Transvaal identification with any such sinister objects, and to divert
+attention and suspicion.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSVAAL HISTORY--TREATMENT OF UITLANDERS--FRANCHISE
+
+
+To resume the cursory history of the Transvaal. Mr. Burger, during his
+Presidency in the early seventies, went to Europe with the mission of
+attracting capital to the development and exploitation of gold, etc.,
+then already authentically discovered; also, to provide for the building
+of a railway connecting with Delagoa Bay. The Transvaal Boers were at
+that time exceedingly poor, and without a sufficient revenue for
+properly maintaining the administration. Beyond creating a lively
+interest, his success was confined to an agreement with a company in
+Holland for building a section of that railroad, which, however, fell
+through, because the Transvaal proved ultimately unable to furnish its
+quota of the necessary funds. The present President fared better. A
+Dutch company styled "The Nederlandsch Zuid Afrikaansche Spoorweg
+Maatschappy," abbreviated "Z.A.S.M.," undertook the work and completed
+it in 1887, from the Portuguese border to Pretoria. The line from
+Pretoria to the Natal border was soon after built, as also several
+extensions around the Wit-waters Rand, and that from Pretoria to
+Pietersburg. The section connecting Delagoa Bay as far as the Transvaal
+border had previously been completed by McMurdo, and is the subject of
+the present Berne arbitration.[2]
+
+The contract conferred to the Dutch Company a monopoly, and most
+advantageous financial terms as well. By that time great strides had
+been made in the development of the Transvaal gold-fields, especially at
+the Wit-waters Rand (Johannesburg); and immigration on a large scale
+from all parts of the world had set in, and was constantly increasing
+with vast amounts of investments in mercantile and other enterprises, as
+well as in mining industries. At first, equitable laws governed burghers
+and Uitlanders alike, administered by an independent judiciary. All
+desirable security was afforded for person and property, with confidence
+in the safety of investments, and great general prosperity kept pace
+with ever-increasing activities and enterprise.
+
+It was a great satisfaction to Uitlanders that the peace of 1881, and
+the reinstatement of Transvaal independence, had restored harmony
+between Boer and English, and that a policy was being followed to
+preclude friction between the respective Governments. Those facts
+largely stimulated investments and enhanced confidence. By 1887 the
+alien population had already exceeded 100,000, and the capital
+investments £200,000,000 sterling, and the desire so ardently
+entertained by the people of the land, for twenty years back, was
+gratified at last. The burghers shared in the prosperity to a very large
+degree, and in lieu of former poverty, competence and wealth became the
+rule, and many of them became exceedingly rich. It was not unusual to
+hear Boers expressing undisguised gratitude, not merely for the natural
+gold deposits, but specially also that people had come to prospect and
+to invest capital, without which the wealth of the land would have
+remained unexploited and lain fallow. Harmony and cordiality were the
+proper outcome between foreigners and Boers. The influx of capital and
+of immigrants continued to increase, but not so the happy conditions.
+These were gradually getting marred by a spirit of variance, no one
+seemed to know how. The study of this paper will reveal it. The variance
+between Boers and Uitlanders began to be specially discernible from 1887
+and had been increasing like a blight ever since. This was noticeably
+coincident with the numerous arrivals of educated Hollanders employed
+for the railways and the Government administration.
+
+In the earlier period of the Transvaal Republic, one year's residence
+was first held sufficient for acquiring full franchise or burgher rights
+and voting qualifications. The condition was successively raised to two,
+three, and five years; but in 1890 laws were passed which required
+fourteen years' probation, with conditions which virtually brought the
+term to twenty-one years, and even then left the acquisition of full
+franchise to the caprice of field-cornets and higher officials.
+Englishmen and their descendants were at one time totally and for ever
+excluded and disqualified just merely because of their nationality
+whilst Hollanders were admitted in very large numbers without having to
+pass any probation at all or only comparatively short terms. The English
+language became a target for hostility and as good as proscribed;
+impracticable and ludicrous attempts even were made to exclude its use
+in Johannesburg, where hardly any Uitlander understood Dutch, whilst
+every Boer official was well versed in English: market and auction sales
+were to be conducted only in Dutch; bills of fare at hotels and
+restaurants were also to be in full-fledged Dutch only--and all this, it
+must be remembered, some years before the Jameson incursion took place.
+
+The judiciary, which, according to the "Grondwet" (Constitution), was
+the highest legal authority, was by one stroke of enactment rendered
+subservient and subordinate to the First Volksraad. The then Chief
+Justice (Kotzee) was ignominiously deposed for honourably contending
+against the grave departure from right and justice in subverting the
+sacred prerogative due to the highest tribunal, which Boer and Uitlander
+alike relied upon for independent justice.
+
+A new system of education was next introduced which admitted only High
+Dutch as the medium of instruction in public schools. As only Hollander
+children could benefit by such tuition, and whereas those of other
+immigrants could not understand that language, the effect was that
+parents of English and other nationalities had to combine in
+establishing private schools or else to employ private teachers at their
+own expense--whilst paying, in the way of taxation, for Hollander public
+schools as well. That oppressive system was subsequently somewhat
+modified in a manner which admitted the English language as a medium for
+a portion of the school hours, the proportion so accorded being larger
+in Johannesburg and other such wholly English-speaking centres than in
+other parts of the State; but the amelioration did not take place until
+after much irritation and expense had been occasioned, nor did it meet
+the case of hardship more than half-way. I may here place the remark
+that the public educational department is conducted without stint of
+expenditure in providing from Holland the amplest and best school
+equipments and highly salaried Dutch professors and teachers.
+
+Irritating class legislation began to be systematically resorted to, to
+the prejudice of Uitlanders (the majority of whom, it will be borne in
+mind, were English), which painfully pointed to a fixed determination on
+the part of the Boers to lord it over them as a totally inferior class,
+allowing them no representation, and to treat them, in fact, just as a
+conquered people placed under tribute and proper only to be dominated
+and exploited.
+
+Boers could walk or ride about armed to the teeth, whilst Uitlanders
+were forbidden to possess arms under penalty of confiscation and other
+punishments (except sporting-guns under special permit). The like
+irritations became rampant by 1890 already.
+
+The alien population were at first too much occupied with their
+prosperous vocations to combine in the way of protesting against such
+prevailing usage. The Press was, however, eventually employed, and the
+Government was approached with respectful petitions praying for redress
+of the most glaring causes of discontent; but those were invariably
+either disdainfully rejected or ignored, or, if some matter was
+relieved, other more exasperating enactments were defiantly substituted.
+They were cynically told that they had come to their (the Boer's)
+country unasked, and were at liberty, and in fact invited, to leave it
+if the laws did not please them. This was said, well knowing that to
+leave would involve too great sacrifices of homes and investments. The
+Uitlanders could not, however, be brought to the belief that the
+Government of a conscientious people could persist in dealing with them
+as if a previous design had existed--first to inveigle them and their
+capital into their midst, with the object of goading and despoiling them
+afterwards. The course of petitioning and respectful remonstrances was
+therefore persevered in, but all to no purpose. Indignation and
+resentment were the natural result of those failures. There appeared no
+alternative but to submit or else to abandon all and leave the country.
+
+It is true that numerous Uitlanders acquired competences, and some were
+amassing fortunes, but such prizes were comparatively few. The majority
+just managed, with varying success, to reap a reasonable return for
+their outlays and energies, or only to live more or less comfortably.
+The fashion of luxurious and unthrifty living, so prevalent among the
+"_nouveaux riches_" and the section who vied with them, impressed the
+Boers with the notion that all were getting rich, and that soon there
+would be nothing left for them in the race. In their Hollander Press
+they were reminded that the gold, in reality belonging to them, was
+rapidly being exhausted, and the wealth appropriated by aliens, whose
+hewers of wood and drawers of water they would finally become. All this
+galled them to the heart, and the Government readily lent itself to
+proceedings intended to balance conditions in favour of their burghers,
+as the process was described. I will adduce a few instances. As is well
+known, it is only burghers and some privileged Hollanders who are
+employed in Government service, from President down to policeman. There
+are very few exceptions to this rule, which also applies to the
+nominations of jurymen, who are well paid too. The salaries of all,
+especially in the higher grades, had been largely augmented; the
+President receiving £8,000 per year, and so on downwards.
+
+For Government supplies and public works the tenders of burghers only,
+and perhaps of some privileged persons, are accepted. In many instances
+the tenderers are without any pretence of ability for the performance of
+the contract, but are nevertheless accepted, performing only a _sub rosa
+rôle_. One such instance occurred some years ago when a burgher who did
+not possess £100--a simple farmer and a kind of "slim"
+speculator--received by Volksraad vote the contract for building a
+certain railway.[3] The price included a very large margin to be
+distributed in places of interest--as douceurs of £1,000 to £5,000 each,
+and £10,000 for the _pro forma_ contractor and his Volksraad
+confederates; all those sums were paid out by the firm for whom the
+contract was actually taken up.
+
+Similarly in contracts for road making, repairing, and making streets,
+etc., etc. On one occasion a rather highly placed official obtained a
+contract for repairing certain streets in Pretoria for £60,000. The work
+being worth £20,000 at most, the difference went to be shared by the
+several official participants.
+
+One of the first instances of glaring peculation occurred about fifteen
+years ago in relation with the Selati railway contract obtained by Baron
+Oppenheim.[4] The procedure was publicly stigmatized as bribery. It had
+transpired that nearly all the Volksraad's members had received gifts in
+cash and values ranging each from £50 to £1,000 prior to voting the
+contract, but what was paid after voting did not become public at the
+time of exposure.
+
+The acceptance of those gifts was ultimately admitted, in the face of
+evidence adduced in a certain law case; denial became, in fact,
+impossible. The plea of exoneration was that those gifts had been freely
+accepted without pledging the vote. The President publicly exculpated
+the honourable members, expressing his conviction that none of them
+could have meant to prejudice the State in their votes for the contract;
+and as there had been no pledge on their part, the donor had actually
+incurred the risk of missing his object. From that time the practice of
+obtaining and selling concessions or of sinecures and other lucrative
+advantages grew quite into a trade; and receiving douceurs became a
+hankering passion from highest to lowest, but happily with not a few
+exceptions where the official's honour was above being priced.
+
+There was nothing shocking in all this venality to the bulk of the
+Johannesburg speculator class and others of that category. The rest
+assessed official morality at a depreciated value, but hoped the
+blemishes might be purged out with other and graver causes for
+discontent, if Uitlanders, were only granted some effective
+representation in public matters. That appeared to be the only
+constitutional remedy. But this continued to be resentfully refused,
+even in matters which partook of purely domestic interest, such as
+education, municipal privileges, etc. The latter were opposed upon the
+specious argument that such extended rights would constitute an
+_imperium in imperio,_ and thus a condition incompatible with the safety
+and the conservation of complete control.
+
+In the usual intercourse with burghers and officials a great deal of
+exasperating and even humiliating experiences had often to be endured,
+Uitlanders being treated as an inferior class, with scarcely veiled and
+often with arrogant assumption of superiority.
+
+I witnessed a field cornet enjoying free and courteous hospitality at a
+Uitlander's house, while being entertained by his host and others in the
+vernacular Dutch, peremptorily object to the conversation in English in
+which the lady of the house happened to be engaged with another guest at
+the further end of the table. His remark was to the effect "that he
+could not tolerate English being spoken within his hearing"; this was in
+about 1888.
+
+No wonder that under such conditions and ungenial usage Englishmen and
+other Uitlanders were put in a resentful mood, and many of them
+bethought themselves of methods other than constitutional to improve
+their position.
+
+Identification was resorted to with the Imperial League, a political
+organization called into being in the Cape Colony to stem Boer
+assertiveness there and to restrain Bond aspirations. It was also
+seriously mooted to obtain the good offices of Great Britain as an
+influence for intervention and remonstrance.
+
+It was not that the Transvaal Government was unaware of its duty and
+responsibility to remove causes which produced discontent and resentment
+among by far the larger section of the people under its rule. It seemed
+rather that the Uitlanders were provoked with systematic intention.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 2: The Berne award has, as is well known, since been given.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The Ermelo-Machadodorp branch.]
+
+[Footnote 4: These very details were since made public in the Belgian
+Law courts in the recent _cause célèbre_ of "The Government of the South
+African Republic _versus_ Baron Oppenheim."]
+
+
+
+
+MONSTER PETITION--JAMESON INCURSION--ARMAMENTS
+
+It was at this stage in May, 1894, that a monster petition with some
+25,000 signatures was presented to the Volksraad, setting forth the
+entire position, and praying for a commission to be appointed to examine
+the merits of the Uitlander complaints, and to frame a programme of
+reforms, the interests of the mining community needing such in a most
+urgent degree, not only for the sake of its own prosperity, but for the
+welfare of the entire State. A commission was indeed appointed, who
+reported in favour of the petitioners, and suggested a series of
+reforms; but the final Volksraad vote resulted in an angry rejection of
+the petition and denunciation of its organizers.
+
+As on the occasion of previous memorials, some few abuses were
+redressed, but those benefits were made worse than nugatory by
+enactments in other directions of a still more galling nature. The
+petitioners found themselves snubbed and in the position of humiliating
+defeat.
+
+
+Treatment of Coloured British Subjects
+
+A glaring instance of oppression practised by the Transvaal Government
+was its cruel treatment of coloured British subjects who had been
+admitted into the State. Among these figured some thousands of educated
+Asiatic traders, including numerous cultured Indian and Parsee merchants
+with large stakes in the State and well-appointed residences, people
+whose very religion exacted the most scrupulous cleanliness and who had
+all proved themselves obedient and law-abiding. These were classed under
+one rubric with the vastly inferior coolie labourer, with Kaffirs and
+Hottentots, and actually compelled to abandon their stores and
+residences to reside in one common ghetto upon the outskirts of the
+towns, a measure which entailed great losses apart from the gratuitous
+humiliation--to many it involved ruin and in fact meant their expulsion.
+
+It will be remembered that some years before already the English
+Government had felt it incumbent to advocate the cause of coloured
+British subjects and to remonstrate against their ill-usage. The matter
+was ultimately submitted to arbitration at Bloemfontein, under the
+umpireship of Sir Henry de Villiers, whose award, contrary to
+expectation, was adverse to the coloured people. Here was indeed a
+unique occasion for the Transvaal Government to exercise geniality upon
+a point sorely felt by the British Government; but the very contrary
+course was adopted under the ægis of that notorious award, and upon the
+untenable plea that sanitation and regard to public health necessitated
+that measure of segregation.
+
+Despite the fact that no royalty was yet exacted upon the gold output,
+probably to please French, American, and German investors, there seemed
+to exist a veiled hostility against the representatives of mining
+capitalists, as if the Government regretted to have allowed the
+exploitation of the mines to fall into private hands and would welcome
+an opportunity to take them under State control altogether.
+
+The Uitlander Press vented public sentiment and denounced the Government
+attitude in unmistakable terms; there were besides some angry public
+demonstrations. It was an alarming time of impending crisis, rife with
+signs of open revolt; the Government looking calmly on awaiting
+developments. It was then that the President's since famous saying was
+pronounced, viz., "that the tortoise must first be allowed to put out
+its head before it could be struck off, and that he was ready for any
+emergency."
+
+The situation had a truly anomalous aspect. More discoveries of gold and
+even of diamonds followed apace, and the scope for mining, commercial
+and industrial enterprises expanded to an incalculable magnitude. All
+that was needed was a stable and good Government to encourage the
+needful investments. A most tantalizing picture indeed, based upon
+undeniably well-grounded facts.
+
+As it was, the situation was one of alarm for capital already
+invested--a stake then of over 300 millions sterling in a country where
+more than half of the population were in almost open revolt against a
+Government commanding very large repressive forces, and resolved to
+maintain its stand.
+
+British intervention appeared to be the only means of salvation to
+restore security, and to give a fillip to the brilliant prospects of the
+country, for the good of the burgher estate as well as for the sake of
+Uitlanders.
+
+As the Government continued deaf and obdurate to representations, other
+means were sought for. No wonder the Uitlanders longed for a change,
+not by any means with the object of altering the style of Republican
+status, but to get the Augean stable of misgovernment cleansed, to
+escape oppressive and rapacious Boer domination.
+
+The farcical failure of Dr. Jameson was the outcome of those endeavours.
+The unspeakable cowardice of his Johannesburg confederates was the chief
+feature of that puny attempt. Laurels, like those gained by Lord
+Peterborough, Warren Hastings, or Lord Clive, were not decreed to that
+ill-advised emulator.
+
+Nothing could have been more propitious than that very Jameson incursion
+to fan race hatred and to advance the projects of the Afrikaner
+Bond--"Afrika voor de Afrikaners," for, whilst no one acquainted with
+the facts can for a moment doubt the guilt of the Transvaal Government
+for having systematically provoked that attempt at revolution, "Bond"
+propaganda and paid journalism had a rare chance to set up the theory
+that annexation on behalf of Great Britain had been foully planned--the
+Prince of Wales even being an abettor of the attempted _coup d'état_
+purely to gratify the lust of greed for the gold and diamonds of the
+poor innocent Boers. No terms were too vituperative to denounce the
+enormity. Millions of honest persons all over the world were
+deluded--there was a bitter cry of almost universal indignation. The
+Boer Government posed as innocent; the designs of the Afrikaner Bond
+were not even suspected--its ranks, in sympathy with those delusions
+sped on filling up faster than ever, and the father of lies was scoring
+another very sensible triumph.
+
+In lieu of reforms, Bond projects and armaments were secretly pursued
+with redoubled vigour towards the climax which should install
+Afrikanerdom supreme in South Africa, financially as well as
+politically.
+
+
+
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN FRANCHISE CONFERENCE--BOER ULTIMATUM
+
+Capitalists had already begun to feel nervous about the final security
+of their investments; operations and credit became restricted, fresh
+projects were abandoned and a persistent withdrawal of capital set in.
+Trade and prosperity were progressively waning, accompanied with still
+more ominous portents for the Uitlanders' future. It all meant a very
+extensive weeding out of investments under enormous losses, except such
+as stood in relation with dividend-paying mines. England, though
+apparently apathetic and inactive, was not inattentive to the situation.
+Whoever had a stake, whether in South Africa or abroad, looked to Great
+Britain as the Power upon whom the duty devolved to provide a peaceable
+remedy. The suzerainty controversy was then followed by other questions
+of diplomatic difference, among which that of the franchise reform.
+Upon this matter English intervention took an insistent form. It clearly
+turned all upon that--and once it were satisfactorily arranged, the
+amicable solution of other questions might in turn be expected to
+follow. As to suzerainty, that claim appeared relegated to remain in
+abeyance. A conference was convened at Bloemfontein early in June, 1899,
+for the discussion of those topics between the Colonial Governor, Sir
+Alfred Milner, and the Presidents of the two Republics. The outcome was
+a final demand for the right of representation of the Uitlander
+interests in the legislative bodies of the Transvaal, amounting to
+one-fifth of the total aggregate of members, the voting qualifications
+to consist in the usual reasonable conditions and a residence in the
+State of five years, operating retrospectively.
+
+We may here consider whether such a demand contained any real feature of
+unfairness to warrant refusal.
+
+Three-fifths of the entire white Transvaal population were Uitlanders,
+the majority of them English. They own four-fifths of the total wealth
+invested in the State. About half of them have been domiciled, with
+house and other fixed property, for periods of from five to ten years
+and more.
+
+The preponderance is not only in numbers and wealth, but also in
+intelligence and in contributing at least four-fifths of the total State
+revenues.
+
+Is it right or prudent to exclude such interests and such a majority
+from legislative representation?
+
+Could a minority of one-fifth, that is to say, twelve Uitlander members
+against forty-eight Boer members, be said to constitute a menace to the
+status or to the conservative interests of State?
+
+Do Uitlanders not deserve equal recognition with the burghers in respect
+to intrinsic interest in the land, seeing that the former supplied all
+the skill and the capital to explore and exploit the mine wealth, all at
+their risk, and without which it would all have remained hidden and the
+country continued fallow and poor?
+
+Though one-fifth would be so small a minority, it would at least have
+afforded the constitutional method of declaring the wishes of
+Uitlanders, and have done away with the disquieting and less effective
+practices of Press agitations, public demonstrations, and petitions. The
+measure could also have been expected to open up the way towards
+reconciling relations between the English and Boer races, beginning in
+the Transvaal, where it was hoped that the burghers would be gained over
+as friends, and so to stand aloof from the Afrikaner Bond. These were
+the supreme objects for peaceful progress and not for annexation. Solemn
+assurances from highest quarters were repeatedly given that no designs
+existed against the integrity of the Republic, that nothing unfriendly
+lurked behind the franchise demand, but that necessity dictated it for
+general good and the preservation of peace. Nor were other diplomatic
+means left unemployed to ensure the acceptance of the franchise reform.
+In addition to firmness of attitude and a display of actual force, most
+of the other Powers, including the United States of America, were
+induced to add their weight of persuasion in urging upon the Transvaal
+the adoption of the measures demanded by England for correcting the
+existing trouble. It may be urged that the display of force in sending
+the first batches of troops would have afforded grounds for
+exasperation, and be construed by the Transvaal as a menace and actual
+hostility, tending to precipitate a conflict which it was so earnestly
+intended to avoid. To this may be replied that the 20,000 men sent in
+August were readily viewed as placing the hitherto undermanned Colonial
+garrisons upon an appropriate peace effective only; but not so with
+respect to the army corps of 50,000 men despatched in September--this
+was felt as an intended restraint against "Bond" projects, to enforce
+the observance of any agreement which the Transvaal might for the nonce
+assent to, and above all it was tending, unless at once opposed by the
+Bond, to weaken its ranks by producing hesitation and ultimate defection
+from that body; the die was thus to be cast, duplicity appeared to be
+played out--the ultimatum of 9th October was the outcome; and England,
+though unprepared, could not possibly accept it otherwise than as a
+wilful challenge to war.
+
+As the pursuit of our study will show, the success of Mr. Chamberlain's
+diplomacy to avert war depended upon the very slender prospects that the
+Transvaal Government might have been induced to waver, and finally to
+break with the Afrikaner Bond--a forlorn hope indeed, considering the
+perfection which that formidable organization had reached. Its cherished
+objects were not meant to be abandoned. The advice of "Bond" leaders
+prevailed. War was declared and the Rubicon crossed in enthusiastic
+expectations of soon realizing the long-deferred Bond motto: "The
+expulsion of the hateful English."
+
+It is true the Transvaal had made a show of acquiescence to British and
+foreign pressure. This first took the shape of an offer of a seven
+years' franchise, and then one of five years, exceeding even Mr.
+Milner's demands as to the number of Uitlander representation. That of
+seven years was so fenced in with nugatory trammels and conditions that
+it had for those reasons to be rejected; whilst that at five years was
+coupled with the equally unacceptable conditions that the claim of
+suzerainty should be renounced, and that in all other respects the
+Transvaal should be recognised as absolutely independent in terms of the
+Sand River Convention of 1852.
+
+Those offers could hardly have been made in sincerity, but rather as a
+temporary device and to meet the susceptibilities of the advising
+Powers, for all the time preparations for war were never relaxed for a
+moment, but were pushed on with extreme vigour. On the other hand, the
+British programme seeking to ensure peace by the franchise expedient had
+been strictly followed without deviation. When the Transvaal Government
+professed irritation over the disposition of some British troops too
+near the Transvaal border, they were promptly removed to more remote and
+less strategic positions, rather than incur the risk of rupture. During
+the month preceding the outbreak of the war, some large continental
+consignments of war munitions were, as usual, permitted to reach the
+Republics unhindered through several Colonial ports, portions being
+actually smuggled over the Colonial railways as merchandise addressed to
+a well-known Pretoria firm, but on arrival were secretly delivered,
+under cover of night, at the various forts and arsenals. These
+proceedings were carried out with the connivance of the Colonial Bond
+authorities, and though known to the British Governor, it was all winked
+at rather than hazard the momentous objects of peace by the introduction
+of another knotty subject. To sum up the situation, it was a diplomatic
+contest on the part of Great Britain aiming at peace and to safeguard
+her possessions and prestige, while the Afrikaner Bond, on the other
+part, continued active in the work of sedition and preparing for a war
+of usurpation. Every one must admit that the demand of the British
+Ministry for an immediate and adequate representation proceeded from the
+necessity and the desire to overcome the South African crisis in a just
+and pacific way. The measure was counted upon to effect conciliation
+between the Uitlander and burgher elements, and as a further result was
+earnestly hoped to bring about the secession of the Transvaal from the
+Afrikaner Bond, and so reduce that dangerous confederacy to a somewhat
+negligible impotence. To discover other objects of a sinister sort
+lurking behind needs a more than inventive genius. A united Afrikaner
+Bond, persistent to carry out its fell project, definitely meant war
+sooner or later. Its first step in launching out to it was that
+notorious ultimatum, which was tantamount to snatching back the feigned
+offers of the seven and five years' franchise. According to original
+programme, the very next step to accomplish the _coup d'état_ was the
+immediate seizure of all Colonial ports, and to complete a general and
+irrevocable Boer rising all over the Colonies.
+
+All the while the old device had been put into practice of hiding Bond
+guilt by accusing England of designs against the integrity of the Boer
+Republics. But directly after, in the exultation of victorious
+invasions, the mask was shamelessly dropped, and Boerdom stands out
+defiantly and nakedly self-confessed, aiming at conquest and supremacy
+over all South Africa. Will the ensuing century have in store an
+instance to match that record plot of artifice and dissimulation, and
+see half the world duped into partisanship with it--by journalistic
+craft?
+
+It may well be imagined that Mr. Chamberlain and his noble colleagues
+had anything but beds of roses whilst pursuing the diplomacy adopted to
+checkmate the Bond. They had to gain national support without divulging
+their own proceeding, and were at the same time reduced to a situation
+which imposed a spartan fortitude in concealing and repressing
+involuntary perturbation in the presence of an impending national
+crisis, and also the stoical endurance of bitter recriminations on the
+part of an opposition comprising a large and honourable but poorly
+informed section of the English nation.
+
+
+
+
+BOER LANGUAGE
+
+
+We come now to the topic of language, which will be found relevant,
+showing Hollander and Bond influence in using that also as a hostile
+weapon. What the Boers still speak is a vernacular or dialect so far
+removed from High Dutch as to be unintelligible to the uninitiated
+Hollander. It took its form from the dialects brought to the Cape of
+Good Hope by unlettered Dutch colonists and a large admixture of locally
+produced idioms, with a slight trace of the structure of the French
+language in expressing negations. In the two Republics High Dutch rules
+for official purposes, but in common intercourse the vernacular Dutch is
+still about the same as it had been a hundred years ago. For an
+English-Dutch interpreter the thorough knowledge of the vernacular is
+essential. Preachers and teachers have to adapt their speech by
+combining High Dutch with the dialect, the one or the other
+predominating according to the capacity of the hearers. Hollanders
+follow the same method when learning the vernacular Dutch.
+
+In towns and villages, not only in the Colonies, but also in both
+Republics, English is almost exclusively used. The Boers, and especially
+the younger generation, have a much greater aptitude and penchant for
+learning English than for High Dutch; and generally it has been held
+more important by the parents that their children should become
+proficient in English, that language being more easily acquired and of
+vastly greater use than Dutch. The latter, it was truly averred, would
+be learnt as they grew up quite sufficiently for all purposes.
+
+The feeling thus existed some twenty years ago that English would become
+general, and ultimately oust both Dutch and the vernacular. Numerous
+Boer patriots then devised the remedy of preserving the vernacular by
+raising it to the standard of a written and printed language for
+official as well as common use. The Rev. du Toit, later appointed
+Minister (or Superintendent) of Education in the Transvaal, worked
+tenaciously towards making that movement a national success. He had the
+co-operation of many other educated patriots likewise. The _Paarl
+Patriot_, a journal published in the vernacular, is one of the
+surviving efforts. Vocabularies, school books, etc., etc., were printed
+in that dialect, and the translation of the Bible had also been brought
+to an advanced stage, when the project had to be abandoned, principally
+through Hollander influence, aided by some of the Republican leaders and
+Bond men. Dr. Mansfeld, the present Superintendent of Education in the
+Transvaal, was subsequently appointed--a very able Hollander, but also a
+very strong advocate in the general Hollander Bond movement for
+proscribing the use of the English language, and making High Dutch the
+compulsory medium of instruction. Since then, and during the past ten
+years, considerable progress has been made by the average Boer children,
+and even the grown-up people, in approaching a better knowledge of High
+Dutch. Before 1880 hardly any Boer cared to read a newspaper except,
+perhaps, the _Paarl Patriot_, the vernacular journal referred to. High
+Dutch and English papers were equally beyond his ready knowledge, but
+since then the interest in politics gave an impulse to a reading
+tendency, and at this moment the majority of the Boers manage to read
+and understand fairly well what is presented in simply written High
+Dutch by the local Press. They also are fond of simply written books of
+travels, and especially of narratives of a religious trend. With the
+Bible they are most familiar from childhood, but literature in High
+Dutch is beyond them as yet. Greater pains have of late years been taken
+to qualify Boer sons for the administrative service of the Republics,
+where imperfect knowledge of High Dutch is an obvious bar to
+advancement, and Hollanders would otherwise continue to monopolize the
+better positions.
+
+Taking the fairly educated Free State and Transvaal youth, the average
+proficiency in English compared to that in High Dutch is as two to one,
+whilst many possess even a literary mastery in English whilst quite poor
+in the other language.
+
+In the Cape Colony the above comparison among the Boer section is still
+more in favour of English.
+
+It may be judged what an important _rôle_ the educated Hollander group
+can take in those Republics, and are yet aiming at in the Colonies.
+
+It is also worthy of reflection why and how the Dutch language has been
+raised to equality with English in the Cape Colony, seeing English was
+more generally understood by the Boers there than High Dutch, and none
+of the Boer legislators or members of Parliament even now know more
+than the Dutch vernacular, the High Dutch language having actually yet
+to be learnt by the Boer population--an important step thus gained by
+Afrikanerdom under the indulgent ægis of self-government, the thin end
+of another wedge to nurse sedition and treason introduced by that odious
+Bond under pretence and veil of Boer patriotism and loyalty.
+
+As one of the world's languages, Dutch figures under a very sorry _rôle_
+indeed. It had been ignored everywhere outside of Holland and her
+distant Colonies. The consequence to Hollanders is that they are of
+necessity subjected to the ordeal of learning several other continental
+languages for commercial intercourse, and in order to keep at all
+abreast with the progress of science, literature, and culture. Dutch is
+in the moribund stage; its salvation from imminent extinction consists
+in the expansion of its sphere. Boer successes in South Africa would
+just accomplish that.
+
+
+
+
+THE DUTCH COTERIE: ITS SEAT IN HOLLAND
+
+
+As has been shown, the conditions of the two Boer Republics, with High
+Dutch as the official language, lent themselves to favour the
+immigration into those States of educated Dutchmen (Hollanders, as they
+are styled, to distinguish them from the old-established Boer Dutchmen).
+These were indeed indispensable, as none of the Boers possessed the
+competence in High Dutch requisite for the conduct of the more important
+portion of the clerical work in the administration. The professional
+branches were recruited from Holland likewise, in natural sequence. They
+were men of high attainments and possessed of energy and astuteness and
+of various qualifications--doctors, lawyers, editors, clergymen,
+teachers. Those who did not receive Government appointments quickly
+found lucrative positions in their vocations. The scope increased as
+time went by and as those States developed with the growth of the
+populations and the establishment of numerous towns and villages,
+especially after the discovery of the diamond-fields in 1870. Every year
+brought fresh contingents from Holland, including also the commercial
+class, artisans, and even servants of both sexes, and agriculturists.
+Preserving a constant intercourse with their native country, those
+Hollanders also maintained cohesion and clanship among themselves in
+their newly-adopted homes. Nor did Holland fail to realize the great
+advantages accruing to that country and its people from the new South
+African outlets--regular preserves with almost unlimited scope for
+further extension and for increasing permanent, profitable connections.
+A formidable barrier presented itself in the gradually ascendant
+tendencies of the English language and English trade, with corresponding
+neglect of the Dutch factors. Regretful forebodings aroused energetic
+efforts to check rival interests. The prize was too valuable, and
+increasing each year in importance. A dyke needed to be erected to stem
+the English encroachments and to preserve and consolidate the Hollander
+position of vantage. The ablest men in Holland and South Africa
+exercised themselves with that task with an ardour impelled by jealous
+hatred against the English and intensified by successive revelations of
+more startling discoveries of gold and other mineral wealth in the
+Transvaal. It was then, about thirty years ago, that a well-informed,
+influential and unscrupulous coterie in Holland devised the fell
+projects which developed into that potential association since known as
+the Afrikaner Bond.
+
+The building of the Transvaal railway lines brought other large
+accessions of educated Hollanders, and as they were completed some
+thousands more were added to serve as permanent staff. Dutch influence
+was thus attaining strength to assert and consolidate its interests with
+an expanding impulse. The monopolized railway company promoted
+immigration from Holland by largely increasing the salaries to such of
+the staff who were married. The Transvaal Government, under the advice
+of their educational chief, Dr. Mansfeld, provided similar premiums to
+secure married teachers from Holland and by raising the salaries of
+married Hollander officials already placed. The Hollander population
+attracted to the Transvaal since 1850, and which did not number above
+500 in 1870, had increased by 1898 to fully 12,000, representing, as
+ranged with the Boers, by far the largest factor of educated
+intelligence, attached to and dependent upon the Government and its
+staunch allies. The men received full burghership as a rule soon after
+arrival, exempt from the formalities and probation prescribed by law.
+
+Holland being the locality of the inception, I may say the ingestion, of
+the Afrikaner Bond, one's thoughts are apt to retrace, by way of
+contrast, that little nation's creditable past. The view presents those
+dykes, monuments of labour's heroism; then that glorious resistance
+against the mighty persecutor of religion, those unsurpassed
+performances in the arena of culture, arts, and sciences, and that long
+epoch of success in exploits of colonization, finance, and commerce.
+
+    "But view them closer, craft and fraud appear;
+    Even liberty itself is bartered here."--_Goldsmith_.[5]
+
+One notes the placid landscapes intersected by those still but
+deep-flowing rivers and canals, scenes so conducive to mental
+exercise--the Dutch patriot mourning over the transition of former
+national prestige to present condition of decadence presaging complete
+national submersion, but at the same time courageously employing his
+fertile brain in devising far-reaching projects of remedy over distant
+perspectives so as to stem that tide of decadence and declension and to
+erect a firm barrier against that menace--to gain (by inspiration from
+the titular genius of commerce and craft so conspicuous in that famed
+art representation[6] exhibited in his Bourse) a dazzling prize for his
+nation by one fell swoop and, so to say, with folded arms, just by
+pitting against the English his almost forgotten and long-neglected
+clan, the Boer nation, inciting them to usurp Great Britain in South
+Africa, Holland sharing the spoils. See here the master mind exulting in
+the conception, gestation, and birth of the Afrikaner Bond conspiracy;
+note the Hollander patriot's glitter of satisfaction at the vista of
+realizing the restoration of Holland to a position excelling its former
+glory, of a moribund language revived to significance, and of witnessing
+besides a sweet vendetta operated upon England, the old enemy and
+despoiler of his nation, to compass the humiliation and disintegration
+of the British Empire. Patience, dear reader; preserve judicial
+composure. Evidence is following on the heels of the charge.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 5: This is of course not directed against the nation as a
+whole. See also notice, page vi.]
+
+[Footnote 6: Oil painting in the Amsterdam Exchange building
+representing Mercurius.]
+
+
+
+
+AFRIKANER BOND--OUTLINES AND PROGRAMME
+
+
+The late Mr. Jan Brand, that noble President who was succeeded by Reitz
+and now by Steyn in the presidency of the Orange Free State, appeared to
+have had early intimations, or at least presages, as to the true nature
+of the Afrikaner Bond, for during the early eighties that association
+had yet posed as a harmless body, intended to preserve old Boer
+traditions upon perfectly constitutional lines. President Brand and some
+others then already suspected more, as the following incident will show.
+In 1883 President Brand officially opened the new wagon-road bridge over
+the Caledon River at Commissie drift, near Smithfield, Orange Free
+State. Towards the conclusion of the ceremony, one of the other
+speakers, Mr. Advocate Peeters, member of the Volksraad for Smithfield
+district, in the course of his speech formally suggested that President
+Brand should accept the leadership of the Orange Free State section of
+the Afrikaner Bond. The President, addressing the burghers and all
+present, replied in about the following terms: The proposal just then
+made by Advocate Peeters had pained and offended him; the festive event
+would be marred by that incident were it not that it afforded him the
+opportunity, which he otherwise would have missed, of telling them all
+what he thought of the Afrikaner Bond--that it was an evil thing; he
+could not find terms strong enough to warn the people against its subtle
+seductions. The Afrikaner Bond professed its objects to be peace and
+harmony, but it really contained the pernicious seeds of division and
+strife, to set up enmity between English Afrikaners and Boer Afrikaners.
+He pointed out the sincerity of friendly relations on the part of
+England towards both the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Republics.
+The peace which restored to the Transvaal its independence a few years
+before was one big proof; his Government had many proofs of England's
+good will, too. It suited both parties to maintain harmony--it behoved
+every Afrikaner to be one-minded in friendly reciprocation. Through a
+gracious Providence both Republics were prosperous and enjoyed
+independence. All over the world the prosperity of States depended upon
+good relations with their neighbours--this was especially so as regards
+the Orange Free State. They knew what kind of bond the Bible enjoined.
+It was the bond of peace and concord; and he concluded by declaring his
+well-grounded fears that the Afrikaner Bond was a device of the devil
+directed against the well-being of the entire Afrikaner nation. Instead
+of being encouraged, it should, like the "Boete Bosch"[7] (_Xanthium
+spinosum_, burr weed), be extirpated from the soil of South Africa.
+
+
+MEMORANDA OF BOND PROGRAMME, EMANATING FROM HOLLAND (TRANSLATION FROM
+GLEANINGS).
+
+The Afrikaner Bond has as final object what is summed up in its motto of
+"Afrika voor de Afrikaners."[8] The whole of South Africa belongs by
+just right to the Afrikaner nation. It is the privilege and duty of
+every Afrikaner to contribute all in his power towards the expulsion of
+the English usurper. The States of South Africa to be federated in one
+independent Republic.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond prepares for this consummation.
+
+Argument in justification:--
+
+(_a_) The transfer of the Cape Colony to the British Government took
+place by circumstances of _force majeure_ and without the consent of the
+Dutch nation, who renounce all claim in favour of the Afrikaner or Boer
+nation.
+
+(_b_) Natal is territory which accrued to a contingent of the Boer
+nation by purchase from the Zulu King, who received the consideration
+agreed for.
+
+(_c_) The British authorities expelled the rightful owners from Natal by
+force of arms without just cause.
+
+The task of the Afrikaner Bond consists in:--
+
+(_a_) Procuring the staunch adhesion and co-operation of every Afrikaner
+and other real friend of the cause.
+
+(_b_) To obtain the sympathy, the moral and effective aid of one or more
+of the world's Powers.
+
+The means to accomplish those tasks are:--
+
+Personal persuasion, Press propaganda, legislation and diplomacy.
+
+The direction of the application of those means is entrusted to a select
+body of members eligible for their loyalty to the cause and their
+abilities and position. That body will conduct such measures as need the
+observance of special secrecy. Upon the rest of the members will
+devolve activities of a general character under the direction of the
+selected chiefs.
+
+One of the indispensable requisites is the proper organization of an
+effective fund, which is to be regularly sustained. Bond members will
+aid each other in all relations of public life in preference to
+non-members.
+
+In the efforts of gaining adherents to the cause it is of importance to
+distinguish three categories of persons--
+
+(1) The class of Afrikaners who are to some extent deteriorated by
+assimilative influences with the English race, whose restoration to
+patriotism will need great efforts, discretion, and patience.
+
+(2)The apparently unthinking and apathetic class, who prefer to relegate
+all initiative to leaders whom they will loyally follow. This class is
+the most numerous by far.
+
+(3) The warmly patriotic class, including men gifted with intelligence,
+energy, and speech, qualified as leaders and apt to exercise influence
+over the rest.
+
+Among those three classes many exist whose views and religious scruples
+need to be corrected. Scripture abounds in proofs and salient analogies
+applying to the situation and justifying our cause. In this, as well as
+in other directions, the members who work in circulating written
+propaganda will supply the correct and conclusive arguments accessible
+to all.
+
+Upon the basis of our just rights, the British Government, if not the
+entire nation, is the usurping enemy of the Boer nation.
+
+In dealing with an enemy it is justifiable to employ, besides force,
+also means of a less open character, such as diplomacy and stratagem.
+
+The greatest danger to Afrikanerdom is the English policy of Anglicizing
+the Boer nation--to submerge it by the process of assimilation.
+
+A distinct attitude of holding aloof from English influences is the only
+remedy against that peril and for thwarting that insidious policy.
+
+It is only such an attitude that will preserve the nation in its simple
+faith and habits of morality, and provide safety against the dangers of
+contamination and pernicious examples, with all their fateful
+consequences to body and soul.
+
+Let the Dutch language have the place of honour in schools and homes.
+
+Let alliances of marriage with the English be stamped as unpatriotic.[9]
+
+Let every Afrikaner see that he is at all times well armed with the
+best possible weapons, and maintains the expert use of the rifle among
+young and old, so as to be ready when duty calls and the time is ripe
+for asserting the nation's rights and be rid of English thraldom.
+
+Employ teachers only who are animated with truly patriotic sentiments.
+
+Let it be well understood that English domination will also bring
+religious intolerance and servitude, for it is only a very frail link
+which separates the English State Church from actual Romanism, and its
+proselytism _en bloc_ is only a matter of short time.
+
+Equally repugnant and dangerous is England's policy towards the coloured
+races, whom she aims, for the sake of industrial profit, at elevating to
+equal rank with whites, in direct conflict with scriptural authority--a
+policy which incites coloured people to rivalry with their superiors,
+and can only end in common disaster.
+
+Whilst remaining absolutely independent, the ties of blood relationship
+and language point to Holland for a domestic base.
+
+As to commerce, Germany, America, and other industrial nations could
+more than fill the gap left by England, and such connections should be
+cultivated as a potent means towards obtaining foreign support to our
+cause and identification with it.
+
+If the mineral wealth of the Transvaal and Orange Free State becomes
+established--as appears certain from discoveries already made--England
+will not rest until those are also hers.
+
+The leopard will retain its spots. The independence of both Republics is
+at stake on that account alone, with the risk that the rightful owners
+of the land will become the hewers of wood and drawers of water for the
+usurpers.
+
+There is no alternative hope for the peace and progress of South Africa
+except by the total excision of the British ulcer.
+
+Reliable signs are not wanting to show that our nation is designed by
+Providence as the instrument for the recovery of its rights, and for the
+chastisement of proud, perfidious Albion.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 7: Literally "bush of fines" (fines imposed on landowners
+where the burr weed was not eradicated).]
+
+[Footnote 8: Africa for the African citizen or African-born whites.]
+
+[Footnote 9: It is notorious that from about 1890 such marriages were
+denounced from the Boer pulpits and on the occasions of the Independence
+day anniversaries (16th December).]
+
+
+
+
+PACIFIC POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN
+
+
+During the period of, say, twenty-five years after the inception of the
+Afrikaner Bond, and while its organization and development were secretly
+kept at full pace with occurring events, the British Government
+consistently and openly pursued the policy of bringing about the
+unification of South Africa. Mr. Froude, a speaker of rare gifts, was
+sent to lecture upon the topic: this was in about 1873. The Colonial
+Governor, Sir Bartle Frere, strenuously advocated that union. The lines
+suggested were a general federation under one protective flag,
+self-government in the Colonies, and the continuance of uncurtailed
+autonomic independence in the two Republics. The benefits which such a
+coalition promised to all concerned in South Africa are obvious. It
+would guarantee harmony between the two white races without involving
+the least sacrifice of liberty with any party--it simply meant
+coincident peace, prosperity and security, and would relieve England of
+a considerable burden of anxiety. The scheme promised to find all-round
+acceptance, but, unaccountably, except to Bond men, its greatest
+opponents were the Cape Colonial Boers. It was, however, confidently
+hoped that, with patience, opposition and indifference would be
+overcome, and in view of this no opportunity was lost to prove England's
+loyal sincerity by genial treatment, by conciliating the various
+interests, and gratifying the wishes of the Boer communities, and so to
+ensure the desideratum of complete _rapprochement_ between the white
+races.
+
+Conferences were convened with the objects of coming to agreements for
+the establishment of a general South African Customs Union, and for
+adjusting railway tariffs upon fair bases and a more reliable permanency
+of rates suggesting reciprocal terms advantageous to the Republics.
+These efforts also proved fruitless through similar opposition.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond party, as the reader will understand, had ranged
+itself against all such attempts, whilst successfully masking its own
+object all the time.
+
+Other differences, which, with a friendly and united spirit, were
+capable of easy adjustment, were welcomed by that party as grist to its
+mill in order to widen the gulf and to increase the tension.
+
+Besides the chagrin over the failure of its peace policy, the British
+Cabinet had finally to admit itself confronted with a very real and
+ominous national peril, face to face with the South African Medusa,
+Afrikanerdom, defying Great Britain in preconcerted aggression and
+revolt. That apparition was all the more startlingly disquieting because
+of the suddenness with which the magnitude of the menace and its wide
+perspectives had begun to expand into clearer view. It was interesting
+to note how the English ministry responded to the call upon its
+fortitude; the terrifying apparition did not seem to petrify that body
+of men, despite the galling handicapping consequences through the
+opposition of part of the nation, which was indeed tantamount to
+encouraging South African rebels and usurpers.
+
+
+
+
+BOND PRESS PROPAGANDA--SECRET SERVICE--TRADE RIVALRIES
+
+
+The Bond leaders in Holland and South Africa had at an early stage acted
+upon Stuart Mill's recognised saying, "that conviction in a cause is of
+more potent avail than mere interest in it." Among those leaders there
+was no lack of men of erudition and of psychological science, than whom
+no one knew better the prime importance of ensuring uniformity of
+convictions among the Boers and their partisans, and that the public
+mind needs to be framed and trained so as to view the Boer cause as just
+and that of the English as odiously wicked. They knew how indispensable
+the Press is for attaining those objects, how journalism is capable of
+plausibly representing black as white and to convince people so--that,
+in fact, it is on occasion an agency of persuasion more potent than
+armies are. Its needs are unscrupulous pens and ample payments. For
+money is the sinews of journalism as well as of war, whether the
+projectiles be charged with lyddite or with lies, whether it is bullets
+or throwing dust into people's eyes.
+
+We have seen how a few articles (for which a leading French paper
+received £100,000) were instrumental in enabling the Panama Canal Co. to
+swindle the French public of forty million pounds sterling, and more
+recently, where through Press agency it became feasible to a combination
+of Jesuitism and militarism to seduce by far the greater portion of the
+noble French nation into frenzied agitation and anti-Semitic excesses,
+and load the entire people with almost ineffaceable guilt in the matter
+of that unfortunate Dreyfus. In its Press campaign the Afrikaner Bond
+employed several leading Colonial organs--the Bloemfontein _Express_,
+the Pretoria _Volksstem_, the _Standard and Diggers' News_ of
+Johannesburg, and numerous papers of note abroad as well. These were
+coached, in the usual masterly manner, sophisticating and perverting
+truth. Whenever a lull occurred in treating one or other of the more
+salient questions, those South African papers would invariably
+contain--especially in their Dutch columns--aspersive articles, coupled
+with invective comments to prejudice the Boer mind and to reawaken
+anti-English sentiments. It is notable as a proof that the Bond party
+lacked all occasions for recriminations, so that those papers had to
+resort for material for their vituperation to distorted incidents of
+Transvaal history prior to the peace of 1881. There would, for example,
+be dished up falsely rendered and dramatically coloured and perverted
+selections, such as the treacherous massacre of Retief's party in 1838,
+averring that the Zulu king, Dingaan, had been incited thereto by the
+British authorities; tragic descriptions of events, coupled with the
+massacres by Zulu impis soon after at Weenen and Blaauwkrantz, averred
+also to have taken place at the instance of the English Government, and
+ever and anon references and full tragic descriptions of the
+Slachtersnek execution in 1816, omitting to state that the Boer culprits
+were hanged after fair and open trial and conviction by a "Boer" jury
+for high treason in conspiring with Kaffirs against the Government,
+which crime had led to bloodshed, and that their relatives had been
+ordered to witness the execution because they had been abettors and
+privy to the crime.
+
+Books teaching the history of South Africa were adapted for school use
+wherein denunciations against the English appear in almost every
+chapter. Poetry in the vernacular Dutch and pamphlets teeming with like
+burdens and calumnies also did their share in inspiring race hatred.
+
+Pro-Boer journalism in England and elsewhere abroad had assumed such
+dimensions, especially during the past decade, as to bring the Secret
+Service expenditure on that head during recent years to over £100,000
+per annum. Dr. Leyds, the Transvaal ambassador, now (December, 1899) in
+Europe, is known to some to have with him some £250,000 to defray Press
+expenditure, etc., apart from the millions to which he is authorized to
+engage his Government in diplomatic projects, such as procuring allies,
+or to create embroilments and diversions to the prejudice of England.
+
+To sum up the success achieved by anti-English propaganda, we find the
+Boer nation, from the Zambesi to the Cape, unanimous in convictions as
+to their fancied claims, their own absolute innocence, and the
+immeasurable guilt of the British Government, abetted by
+capitalism--guilt which cries to heaven for retribution; and those
+convictions take with each man the form of a resolute patriotism wherein
+mingled fanaticism and religious fervour in their cause form a
+powerfully sustaining part.
+
+Partisanship outside of Africa counts by millions of individuals and
+entire peoples; with these it is not so much conviction, but rather
+persuasion induced by political hatred and the souring effects of
+jealousy and unsuccessful rivalry. This feature is, of course, most
+accentuated in Holland, where, with the eyes set upon the loaves and
+fishes in South Africa, that nation has for some time been "publicly
+praying" for Boer victory over England. These are instances of mere
+interest in lieu of genuine convictions. In England the spectacle is
+more varied. There we see interest where there are paid agencies, and
+persuasion more or less pronounced induced by political party spirit and
+also by real convictions. It is in regard to the latter category where
+perverted journalism triumphs most and stabs deepest, where men of
+honour and patriotism have adopted views which clash against public
+interest, and convictions which torture their own minds with grief and
+shame under the supposed idea of England's unjust attitude towards the
+Boer people, assuming that a Government majority allows itself to be
+actuated by base motives.
+
+Is it not attributable in a large proportion to misguided as well as to
+venal journalism that the Boer cause has so heavily scored?
+
+Was all this not manifest in the divisions of England's counsels, in the
+hampered progress of her diplomacy, her fateful hesitancy and delay in
+providing appropriate preventive and protective measures in South
+Africa?
+
+And as regards the tenacity of those convictions, it is with them as it
+is in plant life. The longer a tree is in maturing, the harder is it to
+uproot it.
+
+The activities of Bond propaganda have been in continuance for many
+years, and the prejudices fostered so long are correspondingly
+deep-rooted.
+
+Bond patriotism was not long subjected to the strain of individual
+contributions and unpaid performances. When the Transvaal revenues
+advanced with such giant strides the Afrikaner Bond leaders in that
+State contrived arrangements by which the financial requirements were
+supplied from State receipts. Nor was the least compunction felt in
+doing so. Was the revenue of the State not chiefly derived from the
+Uitlander element--from Uitlander investments, which all throve from the
+nation's own buried gold wealth? No scruples existed to provide from
+those sources the armaments and all else needed for the common cause of
+conquest.
+
+A secret service fund of some £40,000 per year only was placed upon the
+budget list. But this amount was vastly exceeded by the growing
+requirements of the Afrikaner Bond for expenditure in South Africa
+alone. It was easily contrived to divert, _sub rosa_, large State
+receipts to supply the remaining financial needs. Among these figured,
+besides the heavy outlays in journalism abroad, gratuities, etc., a
+large bill also for secret agencies, spies, and the like.
+
+The entire expenditure was under the direction of a few only of the
+trusted leaders and audited by the chiefs, all being kept otherwise
+undivulged.
+
+The Transvaal thus became the treasury as well as the arsenal of the
+entire Afrikaner Bond.
+
+Hundreds of agents were in constant employ in the Cape Colonies and
+Natal suborning the Boer colonists; many of them occupied positions in
+various branches of the Colonial Government, and were able to supply
+information upon any subject and even to influence elections.
+
+There were numerous permanent agents drawing large emoluments in Europe
+also, and emissaries to different places abroad, some touring in
+America, England, and the Continent, as the Rev. Mr. Bosman did
+recently, and also the P.M.G., Isaac van Alphen.
+
+Much energy and money were also devoted to electioneering campaigns, as
+had notoriously been done in the Cape Colony towards bringing in a Bond
+majority. Large sums are spent in the diplomatic arena in Holland to
+propitiate foreign statesmen, soliciting sympathy, and in coquettings
+for Transvaal allies. One of these attempts that failed had been with
+Germany. It would appear that some progress had been feasible some years
+ago in temporarily luring Emperor William to favour a Holland-Transvaal
+combination, but when that sovereign had at last penetrated the infamous
+business that lay behind it all, he, as a true "_Bayard_" promptly
+washed his hands clean of it, preferring to forego obvious brilliant
+advantages for his people than to sully Germany's fair fame in a
+connection amounting to no less than abetting a foul conspiracy.
+
+The readers of the Johannesburg _Standard and Diggers' News_ will
+remember among the staple attacks upon capitalism quite a series of
+articles intended to decoy mining artisans and operatives to Boer views.
+Secret agents were also employed for that purpose, and to induce the
+belief that the Government was the enemy of capitalism, and would
+champion its victims (the mining operatives) in the State. It would
+support miners and the working class generally against attempts to
+curtail the just rights of labour, and to parade its sincerity actually
+passed a law constituting eight tours a legal day's labour. With such
+coquettings it was hoped to gain the miners' confidence and adhesion.
+Those men were, however, not to be taught by quasi-socialistic
+professions of concern, and when, some months later, the exodus prior
+to the war occurred, they nearly all left, much to the disgust and
+discomfiture of the Government, which had counted upon them to stay to
+work the mines for its own account when the moment should arrive.
+
+The appropriation of gold mines and their exploitation for Government
+benefit bring about a singular anomaly for a nation engaged in war,
+viz., that of a plethora of gold and a scarcity of paper currency, the
+Transvaal mint coining the sinews of war at the expense of its victims,
+but the plundered gold after all not equalling commercial paper values.
+
+In connection with the foregoing remarks the following may also be said.
+States professing neutrality still permit themselves to trade with the
+Transvaal to a large extent. It is notorious that that State possesses
+no funds available for payments except the gold derived from the
+misappropriated mines. The output is seized in its entirety, and not
+limited to the extent accruing to British scrip holders only. The
+hustling rivalry of doing business with the Transvaal thus involves
+receiving stolen money in payment of trade accounts. We see the
+receivers eager to stand upon the same platform as the thief, thus not
+only as his political partisans, but also as his accomplices.
+
+
+
+
+DISLOYALTY OF COLONIAL BOERS
+
+
+The Boer section in the Cape Colonies represents nearly one-half of the
+white population there. Their representatives in the administration were
+ever profuse and assertive in professions of loyalty to the Queen and to
+the English Government, and any aspersions to the contrary were always
+indignantly and stoutly repelled. The Afrikaner Bond was averred to
+include nothing to clash with loyal sentiments, no severance from
+England, but, on the contrary, that its principal objects were to
+strengthen the lines of amity and joint solidarity in view of a general
+federation of South Africa upon Imperial bases. In support of such
+sentiments one of the first acts of the Bond party when recently come
+into power was a vote of £30,000 per year towards British naval outlays,
+and in grateful recognition of naval protection; it was at the same time
+mooted, in fact almost pledged, that the Transvaal would similarly offer
+£12,000 as well.
+
+The sequel has proven these to be Athenian gifts, for no sooner had the
+Republican commandoes invaded the Cape Colonies in November last than
+those identical men enthusiastically welcomed the Queen's enemies as
+their friends and deliverers from hateful English dominion. There they
+stood--self-avowed and unmasked traitors. Members of the Legislative
+Assembly met those Boer invaders with addresses and speeches, assuring
+them of their own and of every other true Afrikaner's aid and fidelity
+in their common cause. "The star of liberty," they said, "had arisen at
+last--it had been the nation's desire and prayers during the past
+fifteen years." "He could thank God with tears of joy for having granted
+those prayers." Such were the words of Mr. van der Walt, M.L.A., uttered
+at Colesberg. Mr. de Wet, M.L.A., Mr. van den Heever, M.L.A., and other
+colonial notables were spokesmen in similar terms of enthusiasm on other
+occasions as the invasion advanced. All this is sadly notorious, but
+still it seems a hard task to convince people who prefer to remain blind
+or only see a presumptuous adversary in any one who seeks to enlighten
+them upon this glaring and premeditated treachery.
+
+October and November were months of unrestrained exultation to the Boer
+party, to judge from letters and articles which appeared in the
+_Standard and Diggers' News_, Johannesburg, dated 22nd November, 1899,
+and in the Pretoria _Volksstem_, dated 20th November, 1899.[10] There
+one sees the mask off, in language of defiant insult and of scurrilous
+mendacity against all that is English, avowing that the present
+Anglo-Boer War has been the outcome of preparations during the past
+thirty years. That letter is not all suitable reading for the tender
+sex, but should serve as evidence to the still unconvinced sceptic that
+the Boers are fighting for something more than their mere independence
+and liberty, viz., for conquest and the domination of Afrikanerdom. His
+Excellency Dr. Leyds may deny all those too previous intentions with
+his placid effrontery of assumed innocent calm. He may denounce Mr.
+Chamberlain, Rhodes, Jameson, and even the Prince of Wales, and he may
+use the old device of posing as innocent by accusing others. The
+detected robber, however, does not always escape with his booty by
+running off himself, whilst shouting "Stop, thief!"
+
+Something refreshingly analogous to such attempts of screening and
+exculpation has been extemporized in Cape journals of late. There, in an
+ingeniously pretended dissertation, it is invented how ill founded the
+aspersions are against Mr. Premier Schreiner, and that the acts, upon
+which he was so wrongly suspected as an amphibious helmsman, are really
+attributable to another person--by the way, to one at a safe distance,
+viz., to Mr. F.W. Reitz, the Transvaal State Secretary; whilst this
+gentleman again, when lecturing at Johannesburg in July last, naively
+deplored the confusion of people's ideas who see anything wrong in the
+Afrikaner Bond, adding: "Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they
+do or talk about."
+
+"The peace of South Africa is only possible under Boer supremacy," is
+the Bond shibboleth. The end justifies the means, even to sedition, to a
+war of conquest and the wholesale plunder of investors.
+
+Many of the younger Boers in the Cape Colony and Natal had shown a
+singular ardour in joining the several volunteer corps. They were
+equipped with uniforms and best weapons, were drilled into efficiency,
+received pay, and all went on well until the oath of allegiance was to
+be tendered. This they refused, preferring to resign and to provide arms
+from other sources--Mauser rifles by preference. This happened some
+considerable time before the outbreak of the war.
+
+
+Boer Arguments Denying Uitlanders' Complaints
+
+Many plausible arguments are proffered to prove that Uitlanders'
+grievances and irritations are purely fictitious, but few, I venture to
+say, will bear examination. Taxation, for example, is stoutly averred to
+fall alike upon burgher and Uitlander, but a glance at the long rubric
+of articles specially taxed will show that the selection is contrived to
+hit the latter and to spare, or even to protect and benefit, the burgher
+section.
+
+The gold industry is not charged with a royalty as is customary in other
+gold-producing countries, but with 5 per cent. only upon the net
+profits; but here an intolerant and corrupt domination proves much more
+prejudicial than a heavy royalty would be.
+
+Proper representation would be the remedy and afford contentment, even
+with higher taxation, but that is refused upon Bond principles.
+
+The Anglo-Boer War is attributed to base motives on the part of the
+British Government, operating in collusion with capitalism--to England's
+passion for annexation, her rapacious greed for the Transvaal gold, her
+inordinate ambition to universal commercial supremacy, etc. What a
+confusion of assertions and of self-refuting contradictions!
+
+Would England really acquire the Transvaal gold by the annexation of
+that State, seeing that its mines are already capitalized and as good as
+expropriated in favour of the host of shareholders, some of whom are
+English, but the greater portion German, French, and of other nations?
+
+What advantage would accrue to shareholders? Would England, in case of
+forcible annexation, not be under the necessity of incurring a heavy
+charge in the increase of her South African garrisons, and so be
+justified in levying a considerable royalty upon the output, which would
+materially reduce the dividends? What advantage would arise to England
+by substituting an unproductive and costly war in South Africa for
+conditions of peace and prosperity, which alone can yield her commerce
+profit? England can only derive profit from wars waged between other
+peoples. And as to the incentive of commercial supremacy, England, while
+possessing that to a large extent already, freely and voluntarily allows
+all comers from other nationalities to share the benefits with her by
+her principle of free trade.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 10: Extract from Pretoria _Volksstem_, 20th November, 1899,
+from a long letter averred to have appeared in the London _Times_, dated
+12th October, 1899, said to have been signed by a well-known Cape Boer,
+then in England:--
+
+"We have desired delay, and we have had it, and we are now practically
+masters of South Africa from the Zambesi to the Cape. All the Afrikaners
+in the Cape Colony have been working for years past for this end.
+
+"For thirty years the Cape Dutch have been waiting their chance, and now
+their day has come; they will throw off their mask and their yoke at the
+same instant, and 200,000 Dutch heroes will trample you tinder foot. We
+can afford to tell you the truth now, and in this letter you have got
+it."]
+
+
+
+
+PORTUGUESE TERRITORY--TRANSVAAL LOW VELDT--MALARIA--HORSE SICKNESS
+
+
+Between the north-eastern borders of the Transvaal and the coast lies
+the Portuguese colony Mozambique. Its frontier railway station, Ressario
+Garcia, is near that of the Transvaal, viz., Komati poort, which is 53
+miles from Delagoa Bay. A low-lying country extends from the coast about
+100 to 200 miles inland, and is tropical. Except some elevated spots,
+the whole of it is almost uninhabitable in summer by whites on account
+of malaria. During some specially bad seasons natives even succumb to
+that malady. The only comparatively safe months are from June to
+November. Marshy localities, and wherever there is shaded rank
+vegetation in low-lying parts, are dangerous all the year round; in such
+places the water is deadly at all times unless first boiled.
+
+This malarial poison is distinct from that which produces yellow fever
+in America, and is so far unlike it as it is not contagious. The theory
+is that the poison is produced below the surface by decaying vegetable
+matter in low and dank parts during the more inactive but still warm and
+sunny winter season and during the hot months preceding the summer
+rainfall. Upon the first rains the malarial poison escapes through the
+then softened crust in the shape of vapoury miasms. This happens during
+the night, after the surface of the earth has been cooled off. Those
+miasms are dissipated or neutralised by the action of the sun. The dewy
+grass retains the poison until it is thoroughly dried to the root. All
+surface water is liable to that poisonous impregnation. Malarial
+manifestations occur all over South Africa, but in progressive degrees
+of virulence with the advance to warmer latitudes, and with the descent
+from the high table-lands to the coast levels. On the Transvaal high
+veldt, for example, a mild form is developed which, in midsummer, to a
+small extent, affects and kills sheep. It is called _blaauwtong_, and
+does not affect horses. Descending further, this danger to sheep
+increases and begins earlier. Below 5,000 feet altitude in the Transvaal
+the summer season is dangerous to sheep, and horses and mules are
+subject to horse sickness; whilst lower still the same malaria attains
+sufficient virulence to attack human beings, and becomes very deadly
+upon levels nearing the coast. Komati poort, the frontier railway
+station already mentioned, is dreaded as a still worse death-trap than
+even Delagoa Bay, where it is very unsafe, say, from December to end of
+April. The season of horse sickness terminates upon the appearance of
+the first sharp frost in May. The safeguards for human beings consist in
+avoidance at night and early morning of low-lying localities, or such
+elevated places even which are subject to be invaded by miasmatic
+emanations produced on and wafted from dangerous lower levels. Drink no
+unboiled water except that from deep wells or rain-water; maintain
+careful and moderate diet, active habits, but avoiding extreme exertions
+and excitements; a very sparing use of alcoholic drinks, preferably
+taken with the regular meals, is admissible.
+
+Donkeys, horned cattle, and goats are exempt from malarial risks.
+
+For horses and mules no certain remedy appears as yet to be known. The
+best research, on behalf of the Transvaal Government, by specially
+requisitioned French bacteriologists, assisted by that famous
+microbe-hunter, Dr. Theiler (Dr. Theiler is the Transvaal veterinary
+surgeon and chief of the Medical Laboratory, Pretoria, a noted Swiss
+savant, who, with the aid of the said French experts, discovered the
+rinderpest inoculation remedy), has failed to find the bacillus of horse
+sickness. Barely five per cent, of the horses attacked recover, and
+about ten per cent, of mules. These are then called salted, and are
+immune from horse sickness; they can after that be safely used in the
+worst localities, and are correspondingly more valuable. They are,
+however, liable periodically to light after-attacks, when it is safer to
+exempt them from work for a day, or for a few hours at least.
+
+Some proprietors of mail coaches are in the habit of administering doses
+of arsenic to their horses and mules, which are said to operate in
+lessening the death rate and to favour the salting process.
+
+As safeguards for horses and mules, the following rules have been found
+to minimise losses in dangerous tracts where the low clinging miasmatic
+vapours are so deadly during the night and earlier parts of the morning.
+(During rainfall there is hardly any danger, nor is there after a
+night's rain for the day following):--
+
+Do not traverse low suspicious tracts during the hours between 9 p.m.
+and, say, two hours after sunrise, lest poisonous vapours be
+encountered and inhaled by man or horse.
+
+Choose the most elevated spots for camping out at night. No grazing to
+be allowed from 10 p.m. to about 10 or 11 a.m., unless it is raining.
+Dewy grass is fatally poisoned; the heavy moist air close to the surface
+is also suspected. Grazing is only safe after the soil and grass are
+dried of all dewy moisture.
+
+Avoid all water of at all a stagnant nature; rather let the animals
+remain thirsty.
+
+If the animals have been fed with dry fodder during the night, let the
+first morning stage be moderate and not exhausting. With empty stomachs
+the task might be somewhat increased, but even then it should be less
+than any other succeeding stage. When the first symptoms of sickness are
+noticed they may pass over if the animal is at once freed from work and
+allowed to rest, or is at most led when marching. Among the most
+dangerous places for horse sickness and for fever to human beings are
+the luxurious dongas, ravines, and valleys which abound along the long
+stretches of mountains and broken country immediately below the high
+plateaux.
+
+The passes leading up to the high veldt are few in number, and so
+precipitous as to be almost impracticable for vehicles. Of late years
+those roads have been allowed to fall into disrepair, in order, it may
+be supposed, to check wagon traffic and to promote that by railway;
+apart from the railway, communication with Delagoa Bay would now be
+impossible. What with the fever climate in summer, and the formidable
+mountain barriers, the Transvaal high veldt is well protected from
+aggression from the direction of Delagoa Bay. A few thousand men
+distributed at the few mountain passes, blocking the tunnel at one of
+these (at Waterval Boven), and breaking up some few bridges, would
+effectually arrest the progress of any invading force.
+
+
+
+
+CLIMATE AND TOPOGRAPHY
+
+
+From the tropical Zambesi regions and the torrid Kalahari plains, down
+to the 34th parallel at Cape point, a great diversity of climatic
+conditions is met with. To the north and north-east are the steaming,
+death-breeding low lands, abounding with dank virgin forests and scrubby
+stretches; and to the north-west extend the arid, sandy, and stony
+levels. There are the temperate and fruitful inland reaches along the
+southern and south-eastern littoral, and again further inward the vast
+plateaux at 2,000 to 6,500 feet elevation, which represent nearly
+one-half of the sub-continent with quite other climatic aspects. In the
+southern and western provinces of the Cape Colony the rainy season
+occurs during the winter months, probably because of the proximity to
+the trade wind influences prevailing over the South Atlantic; over the
+rest of South Africa the winters are dry and sunny, the rains falling in
+summer, most copiously in December and January, the effect being that
+there are hardly any winter rigours, and the heat of summer is
+minimised. The most agreeable climate is that on the higher plateau
+levels: never hot nor altogether cold, and yet virile and bracing;
+something like the climate on sunny days found in the higher Alpine
+regions in summer and in the mild Algerine winters. This climate is
+found from the Queenstown district at about 3,000 feet elevation,
+extending north and westwards over the Stormberg, the Orange Free State,
+and along the lordly Drakensberg range and its spurs some 200 to 300
+miles into the Transvaal, where the highest plateau levels occur between
+Ermelo and to near Lydenburg, viz., 6,500 feet. The Harrismith district
+near that mountain range is at a similar altitude with an identical
+climate.
+
+These high tracts are called _hoogeveldt_ or highlands. Their altitude
+rises steadily with the advance northwards towards warmer latitudes, and
+with the compensating effect that the climate in the Queenstown
+district, Bontebok Flats for example, at 3,000 feet elevation, is
+exactly similar to that in the eastern portions of the Orange Free State
+at 5,500 feet, right up to near Lydenburg at 6,500 feet altitude, and
+being some six degrees further north than Queenstown. The northern half
+of Natal also partakes of that character, though there, as well as over
+the rest of the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg mountains, the country
+is more broken and hilly than on the western side. The Cape Colonial
+high veldt near the Drakensberg range is intersected by high
+continuations or spurs, but north and westwards those plateaux assume
+more the real aspect of continuous high plains. There is a gradual
+descent to the west; from occasional hilly ranges those dwindle to
+kopjes, and to still less elevated "randjes" occurring in clusters more
+and more apart, until yet further westwards one gets to the merely
+undulating sterile approaches of the Karoo and the plains around and
+beyond Kimberley, which merge at last in the still lower Kalahara
+desert.
+
+Within 200 or 300 miles from the Drakensberg slopes the country is
+well-watered, and the rainfall ample and generally regular, but
+westwards this abundance progressively decreases with a more tardy and
+precarious rainy season, occasioning at times severe droughts
+accompanied with correspondingly protracted and very hot weather.
+
+Those high plains make up one vast green sward from the time of the
+spring rains in September to April. From May the absence of rain,
+together with the night frosts, shrivel up the herbage, giving the
+country a pale-brown aspect. This continues until the return of spring,
+varied with large expanses of black, caused by accidental or intentional
+grass fires, and here and there a few green spots in specially sheltered
+and moist localities.
+
+Those burnt spaces may extend for miles, and are for the time veritable
+deserts. The landscape being quite black and the atmosphere generally
+very clear, it is obvious that objects of any lighter colour would be
+conspicuous at very long distances: an ideal background for khaki
+targets.
+
+Most of the land is well suited for agriculture, but by far the largest
+proportion is as yet used only for raising sheep, horses and cattle.
+Angora goats also thrive in the hillier parts. About forty years ago the
+Karoo plains, the Orange Free State, and Transvaal were, so to say,
+monopolised by milliards of game. Standing upon an eminence or a swell
+one could see in all directions, as far as the eye could reach,
+innumerable herds of all sorts of game grazing, resting or gambolling;
+the different kinds would be ranged in separate groups and could be
+distinguished by their special colours--the black-looking wildebeest
+(gnu) next to the striped quag-gas, the white-flanked springbocks,
+blesbocks with a blaze on their foreheads, the larger elands and other
+kinds of the antelope species. Almost all those vast herds have
+disappeared since, having been killed off by natives and Boers for their
+hides and for food, or else scared away farther north, where rinderpest
+extirpated nearly all the rest in 1895-1897.
+
+In the earlier days, and even not so long ago in some parts, the
+farmers' crops required guarding during the night against the
+depredations of game. This is still so in the north-western plains of
+the Cape Colony, as already remarked. In May most of the Harrismith
+district farmers and those of the Transvaal high veldt move their sheep,
+horses and cattle to winter in Natal, Swaziland, and to the other
+extensive low lands most adjacent, to return after the spring rains in
+September or October. Sheep and horses could not with safety remain
+longer in those warm regions, as then the fatal malarial _blaauwtong_
+begins there to attack sheep, and horse sickness becomes virulent as
+well. The high veldt, as said before, is exempt from that danger.
+
+Some of the wealthier farmers can arrange it so that they and their
+families can winter at their comfortable high-veldt homes and send
+attendants with their cattle to the low veldt, while others, not so
+well favoured, must close up their houses and accompany their flocks to
+winter in the warm tracts, where they live in their wagons and tents and
+escape the outlay for winter clothing.
+
+Owing to the scarcity of wood on the high veldt, kraal fuel used
+formerly to be the staple substitute. This would be obtained by penning
+up sheep over-night. The deposits were after a month or two dug out in
+thick flags, which, after being stacked and dried over the kraal wall,
+would burn nearly as well and as brightly as wood. The discovery of coal
+beds in so many accessible places in the Cape Colony, Natal, and in the
+two Republics has since superseded that sort of fuel to a great extent.
+
+The small divergence between summer and winter temperature upon the high
+table lands will be seen from the following table taken from
+observations at 5,500 to 6,000 feet altitude in the Transvaal:--
+
+            Fahr.                Fahr.
+
+In winter--28° to 40° at night; 35° to 70° by day in the shade.
+In summer--40° to 60° at night; 50° to 90° by day in the shade.
+
+It is not often that 85° is reached, and rarely above. This applies
+equally to the more southern and thus colder latitudes of Queenstown, at
+3,000 feet elevation, and to the eastern half of the Orange Free State,
+at 4,000 to 5,000 feet, the warmth increasing, as said before,
+proportionately with the descent in altitude, and on occasions of tardy
+summer rains.
+
+The winter is the most enjoyable of the seasons, being an almost
+uninterrupted continuation of fine sunny weather. On occasions there
+would be spells of boisterous weather with a rather sudden and inclement
+decrease of temperature, brought on by cold south-east winds; if these
+are accompanied with rain in winter, which, however, rarely happens, it
+would sometimes turn to sleet or even snow, or else to hard freezing at
+night. The snow would, however, thaw with the warmth of the sun, and so
+restore the temperature as before. The bracing quality of the climate
+mostly consists just in those variations of cool nights and warm days,
+and the occasional days of comparatively cold, boisterous weather. The
+latter must indeed be provided against, for even in December--that is to
+say, in the middle of summer--it would be imprudent to travel without
+great-coats as well as waterproofs, so as to be protected against
+unexpected changes, from say, 100° in the sun, almost suddenly to 40°
+with a driving wind, accompanied perhaps with rain. Such transitions are
+trying in the open, even if one is well clad, and the blustering weather
+is sometimes so severe, if it happens in winter or early spring, as to
+approach the character of a blizzard. One such lasted about thirty hours
+in the early spring of 1881. It swept over the entire South African
+plateaux and destroyed great numbers of sheep and cattle. These fell
+exhausted in their flight before they could reach some sheltering hills
+or ravines. In situations where such protections from the cold
+south-east wind were far apart the veldt was on the following day found
+strewn with their carcases, and upon the still more extensive and
+unbroken plains antelopes even perished in enormous numbers simply from
+exhaustion in trying to escape and find shelter from the cold wind.
+
+I will just describe one of those occurrences, the severest in my
+experience and well remembered by the Free State and the Transvaal
+Boers--it was, I think, in 1881. One sunny day, early in August (spring
+time), at a place about twenty miles east of Reddersburg, in the Orange
+Free State, the wind veered to the south-east, and by afternoon had
+begun to blow fairly hard and cold, about 35° Fahrenheit--that is to
+say, about 35° below the temperature of a few hours previously. I had
+managed to get some milch cows driven near to the kraal, where there
+would have been very fair shelter for them, but luckily, as the sequel
+proved, they refused to enter, and rushed past in a scared way, just
+snatching up one mouthful of forage which had been thrown down to entice
+them to stay, and making off as hard as they could. The wind did not
+abate till the day after, when tales kept pouring in of terrible losses
+of sheep and cattle killed by the cold wind; sheep in open plains had
+suffered most, and cattle which had been kraaled were nearly all dead,
+whilst the herds of cattle and horses which had been left grazing out
+had been driven away and were also believed to have died. At the farm of
+a certain Andries Bester, near by, some seventy head of cattle in very
+good condition were found dead, piled up to the level of one of the
+kraal walls, showing the struggle which some thirty others had in
+escaping over the mound of dead cattle to the outside of the kraal.
+
+The next day all those thirty head were found grazing some fifteen miles
+westwards under the lee of hills near Reddersburg, where they had found
+safe shelter. Everybody's cattle were recovered which had not been
+kraaled, including mine. This was the case as well with cattle which had
+been tethered to their transport wagons and which succeeded in breaking
+loose, whilst the rest were found dead where they had been tied.
+
+There was no possibility of restraining cattle or horses from
+stampeding--they did it from the instinct of self-preservation, for,
+whilst running with the wind, its force of driving cold was
+proportionately lessened, and some loss of heat was made good by the
+exertion of running, which they had to keep up till in safe shelter of
+hills or ravines.
+
+Had such a cold storm overtaken an army or patrol, the situation would
+have been exactly similar, and would have been an ordeal even to
+experienced Boers or Colonial farmers, and if an enemy had been located
+near Reddersburg, all the cattle and horses would simply have fallen
+into his lap.
+
+The obvious safeguard would be a rug for each horse and mule, and for
+oxen the erection of a shelter against the wind, consisting of all
+available wagons and stores, or else, if practicable, to move at once to
+a sheltered locality and always provide a good reserve supply of forage
+or other provender. That sort of boisterous, cold weather continues
+sometimes, with more or less severity, two or three days. The want of
+food and inclemency besides would result in killing the weak cattle and
+weaken the rest so as to be incapable of work for some days after. The
+difficulty consists in that such inclement changes occur so suddenly,
+and that their severity and duration cannot be forecasted.
+
+Upon other much less severe occasions entire gangs of 20-50 Kaffirs,
+travelling from the warm north to the diamond-fields or gold-mines, and
+not sufficiently provided with blankets, would be found at their camping
+places huddled together, nearly all numbed to death. The months when
+such surprise weather is most liable to occur are from "July to
+October," before and during the earlier spring rains. It is then, and
+even up to December at times, that the Drakensberg and other mountains
+resume their snow-capped winter decorations for some days. There is a
+saying which fairly well applies to the high-veldt climate, _i.e._, that
+cold and inclement weather is not met with until well in towards summer,
+especially about the time of spring rains, and that hot weather of any
+considerable continuance mostly occurs in spring. This will be
+understood upon considering that the midsummer months, December to
+February, are cooled by very frequent and copious rains, whilst the heat
+accumulates more during the preceding sunny spring months, which are
+interrupted at rarer intervals by short showers only.
+
+Upon the whole, and despite the few eccentricities mentioned, the high
+veldt is favoured with a climate which, for genial comfort all the year
+round, exempt from prolonged winter rigours and excessive summer heat,
+is not found anywhere else in the world, or only in rare privileged
+spots. It is withal most healthy, promoting the highest possible
+physical development and even longevity.
+
+Under such favoured conditions the hand of man only is needed in
+providing good habitations, planting trees, in the culture of the soil,
+and some irrigation labour, to transform nearly every little farm within
+five to ten years from a bare pastoral monotony to a really idyllic
+spot. There are many such already in Basutoland, the Orange Free State,
+and the Transvaal, as well as in the Cape Colonies and Natal--veritable
+Eden-like places, as it were bits dropped from heaven. With a
+continuance of peace these could be multiplied to any extent each year,
+thus rendering those sparsely inhabited tracts the most beautiful areas
+in the world, with a prosperous self-sustaining population, quite apart
+from considerations of mineral wealth.
+
+The foregoing description of the high-veldt climate points to clothing
+composed of woollen fabrics as the only _rational and safe_ attire for
+men travelling or taking the field. No constitution could be expected to
+hold out against the ever-changing temperature and weather if depending
+upon being clad, for example, in a cotton suit; this would only do on
+warm days for men who are certain of being safely housed at night and
+sheltered during rainy weather. Horses and mules in the open should be
+provided with woollen rugs during winter and spring.
+
+
+
+
+BOER PREPAREDNESS FOR WAR
+
+
+The ultimatum cabled to England had no sooner expired at 5 p.m. on the
+11th October last than the same evening and on the very next and
+succeeding days appeared, published all over the Orange Free State and
+the Transvaal, "Government Gazettes extraordinary," filling scores of
+pages, comprising proclamations of martial law, and the hundred and one
+enactments and provisions regulating that new condition. Their preambles
+stated: Whereas in secret session on such and such dates (that is to
+say, months previous) the honourable First Volksraad had passed this or
+that law--or whereas the two Volksraads, assembled in secret session,
+had authorized the Government to frame such and such laws, to come into
+force immediately after publication. This shows at least a studious
+purpose months beforehand to be in complete readiness, for it obviously
+took no little time to prepare all those laws, and have them ready in
+type for despatch and publication as had been done. It accords with the
+assumption that war had been predetermined, and this is further
+confirmed by numerous statements, publicly made by Volksraad members,
+and also by President Steyn's famous and now historic message to
+President Krüger some short time before, in the laconic and oracular
+words, "We are ready."
+
+That the Afrikaner Bond had been for years past preparing for its _coup
+d'état_ is further shown by the following incidents which can be
+substantiated by the writer:--
+
+During the days of the Jameson raid a very prominent Transvaal Boer,
+holding office and who had two sons at the scene of the disturbance,
+remarked at a public place in conversation with other burghers:--
+
+"England just wants to annex the Transvaal, and no doubt the Orange Free
+State too. This we know; but what she does not know is, that we can at
+this moment reverse the tale--we can seize in one day Cape Town, Port
+Elizabeth, East London, and Durban, and within a very short time turn
+every Englishman out of the Colonies, out of the land which England has
+robbed us of."
+
+Those words were spoken by a Bond man who is known to rarely speak in
+public. When asked by a Uitlander how it could be done, he relapsed into
+his usual prudent reticence, and merely remarked grimly, "We can do it."
+
+But for subsequent revelations and the present sequel those words would
+have been forgotten, and were at the time attributed by some to mere
+boastful exuberance.
+
+In July last the topic was discussed by some Boers at the house of a
+highly placed military official, about the five per cent. tax upon the
+profits of the gold industry. One said it should be raised to
+twenty-five per cent. for the benefit of the burgher estate. That
+official, who, by the way, had just returned from a gathering of country
+officials at Pretoria, sententiously replied "that it was no more a
+question of any tribute, but of taking the mines altogether out of the
+capitalists' hands"; and when another burgher interposed a doubt as to
+the fairness of such a proceeding, that official continued by saying,
+"Fairness indeed! it is we who have submitted to unfairness only too
+long--_ons wil nou Engelse schiet_ (we want now to go on the battue of
+Englishmen)."
+
+When the Transvaal Government had secured the assent of both Volksraads
+to the seven years' franchise measure it was thought desirable, as a
+matter of form and to gain time, to defer the formal passing of the law
+until after it had been referred to the burghers. This was not done till
+August last. A large section of the people were known to be against
+extending the franchise, but the Government had no misgivings about the
+result, counting upon the persuasive influence of the Volksraad members
+who were to preside at the plebiscite meetings, and had before been
+drilled up to their task. Their success was as desired, and the measure
+became law in due course. Those meetings in the different districts and
+wards of the State were characterised by almost uniform proceedings, so
+that the description of one of them can serve for all.
+
+The burghers assembled on the appointed day at the local Government
+Office. The Landdrost, or chief official of the ward, took the chair.
+There were four Volksraad members, who each in turn recommended the
+adoption of the seven years' franchise measure. The burghers were
+invited to express their views. The majority appeared dead against it,
+but were gradually appeased, and they finally assented to a motion of
+approval presented by the chairman, which also conveyed full confidence
+in the Government and their representatives to deal with the enactment
+and to modify it as they might consider appropriate.
+
+One of the burghers had in his speech stated in passionate terms that no
+dictation on the part of Uitlanders could be tolerated; they must either
+obey the laws or leave the State. The function and prerogative of making
+laws belonged to the burghers. They had been ill-used enough by the
+English; it would be still worse, he said, if they were invested with
+legislative rights. "On the contrary, it is the Boer nation which is
+entitled to supremacy, not only in the Transvaal but right to the sea.
+The Cape Colonies," he continued, "are ours by divine right, and so is
+Natal, and no Afrikaner may rest until we are reinstated." General
+approbation and stamping of feet followed that passionately rendered
+speech. Not a word of restraint or censure from any of the four
+Volksraad members. Some of these had addressed the meeting already, and
+the others in turn followed. Their speeches had one import, viz.,
+"Burghers! The Government and the two Volksraads have carefully and
+prayerfully weighed this seven years' franchise measure. You may safely
+approve of it; it can result in no harm; it will strengthen our cause.
+We know that England wants our land because of the gold in it; but this
+law will contribute to thwart her, though it will not avert war. We were
+a small nation when our fathers trekked to this side of the Orange
+River; we have become united and strong since. It will be soon seen that
+our people have to be reckoned with among the other nations of the
+earth; we have right on our side, and, with God's help, we are certain
+to prevail. Burghers, you may trust us as your representatives; we are
+all of one mind with you; you may safely approve of the proposed
+franchise law, and leave possible modifications in the hands of the
+Government." Then followed tumultuous approval from the great majority,
+motions of confidence and of thanks. Those burgher meetings were
+convened during July and August.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+President Krüger is famous for employing clever and original similes in
+order to illustrate a policy as he wants his people to understand it.
+
+It has already been noted that the Franchise Law of 1890 excluded
+Uitlanders from full burgher rights until after twenty-one years'
+probation. The reduction to seven years was proclaimed to be a
+concession to meet Mr. Chamberlain's demand. The simile, as addressed to
+the Volksraad and published in the journals, ran as follows:--
+
+"First my coat was demanded of me, which I gave; next were asked my
+boots, vest, and trousers. I surrendered these as well; and now, as I
+stand in my bare shirt, my limbs are wanted besides."
+
+The people were thus led to be unanimous in the resolve to oppose any
+further concession, and to view Sir Alfred Milner's unconditional
+insistence for a five years' franchise as a conclusive proof that
+England in reality wanted no less than the country itself. In this way
+the Boer mind was designedly fashioned into the conviction that war was
+inevitable, and that both President and people were absolved from all
+responsibility in it. Had the offered franchise of seven years and the
+subsequent one of five years been honestly meant, there should, indeed,
+have been little difficulty for adjusting in the one case the difference
+of two years; but it being so surrounded by impossible trammels that
+what purported to be an egg proved more like a stone, and even that was
+not intended to be given, it was a mere subterfuge to gain time for
+carrying out Bond designs.
+
+
+
+
+ALLIANCE OF ORANGE FREE STATE WITH TRANSVAAL--SUZERAINTY
+SQUABBLE--ARMAMENTS BEFORE JAMESON RAID
+
+
+The project of alliance between the Transvaal and the Orange Free State
+had been mooted before 1890. After that came conferences between the
+respective Presidents and delegates for closer union as it was then
+styled. Mr. John G. Fraser, one of the noblest and most distinguished
+Orange Free State statesmen, was conspicuous among the few opponents.
+His arguments against federation were so logical and conclusive that it
+seemed for a while that the idea would have to be renounced. Among other
+grounds adduced against that alliance was the fact that England
+possessed claims of suzerainty over the Transvaal, and, the Orange Free
+State itself being entirely independent, the incongruity and
+incompatibility were obvious of joining a vassal State. There was
+trouble if not danger lurking behind it, if such two States were to join
+in an actual federation. Whatever was desirable for mutual advantage
+might be attained without offensive and defensive alliance. The two
+Governments, however, knew how to manipulate matters. The closer union
+scheme was carried through before the Jameson incursion, and soon after
+that event an offensive and defensive alliance completed the federation.
+The Afrikaner Bond then had advanced another important stage.
+
+Mr. John G. Fraser's persistent objections to federation, upon the
+ground that the Transvaal stood under British suzerainty, had given that
+question a prominence operating against the Afrikaner Bond project,
+viz., that of gaining a strong Power as ally to its cause. It was felt
+that no Power could, with decency, enter into a connection with that
+State while such a claim was maintained. To overcome that obstacle the
+Transvaal Government proceeded to raise a controversy with England,
+taking up the position of repudiating the claim of suzerainty, and
+averring the complete independence of the State, subject only to the one
+clause _re_ treaties with foreign nations. Another object would be
+gained, viz., of diverting England from Bond aims by that and similar
+controversies. To make a show of sincerity about it all, the opinions
+(foregathered, of course) of certain eminent jurists in England and
+Holland were obtained, who refuted the claim in elaborate disquisitions
+and with that readiness of apparent conviction so peculiar to some
+advocates' affected faith in their clients' cause. Thus England was
+decoyed into a protracted tournament of words and phrases without any
+practical result, but gratifying and inspiring no doubt to certain
+well-paid _soi-disant_ champions of the principle defined as the
+"_perfection of justice_," who revel in a display of forensic erudition,
+which, however, only illustrates to the unedified lay mind how speech is
+adaptable to veil inward conviction, and how a mass of rhetoric can be
+employed to justify the breach of simple and well-understood
+engagements.
+
+It continues to be clumsily insisted upon in official and paid Press
+organs how the need of providing Transvaal armaments became realized
+only with that Anglo-capitalistic plot of 1895-96 against Boer
+independence, and that, in fact, Dr. Jameson was worthy of the Boer
+nation's lasting gratitude for opening their eyes to their helplessly
+unarmed and unprepared condition up to that time. In those papers it is
+declared with unblushing inexactness how the Transvaal at that epoch
+possessed only two hundred and fifty inefficient and ill-equipped
+artillerists, with only a few cannons of various antiquated types, and
+how the burgher element had, up to that time, continued unarmed and in
+unsuspecting insecurity. To stamp these misstatements as false, it needs
+only to be considered that from the time of the Boer trek in 1835-38
+every Boer had been a hunter and guerilla soldier possessed of the best
+firearms then extant, ready at any sacrifice to provide still more
+effective weapons as inventions in arms of precision in turn progressed.
+His passion to be well armed only equalled that of his love for land.
+From 1881 every Transvaal and Orange Free State Boer without exception
+had, and was obliged to have, his Martini-Henry rifle. The Government
+arsenals were supplied with reserves of that up to recently unsurpassed
+weapon and with large stores of ammunition. The authorities supplied
+that rifle at £4 each, and even gratis in the case of indigent burghers.
+At the frequent reviews (_wapenschouwingen_) each burgher had to appear
+mounted, with his Martini-Henry rifle and thirty rounds ammunition. To
+maintain proficiency in rifle practice, prizes and honours were
+distributed at Government expense in each ward, whilst there was plenty
+of private emulation encouraged among young and old in the science of
+sharp-shooting, the Governments of both Republics contributing
+ammunition at below cost price.
+
+In about 1893 the Transvaal Government introduced about 10,000 new
+rifles of the Guede pattern, firing a steel-pointed bullet, but the
+issue did not become general, as the Martini-Henry rifle continued to be
+held more effective for game and for war. The Mauser rifle was only
+provided, after long hesitation and much diffidence, for its
+rapid-firing quality in war, whereas for game it is still considered
+inferior to the larger bored Martini-Henry.
+
+On the occasion of the Jameson incursion, the Transvaal had in readiness
+extensive parks of the most modern quick-firing Maxims and Nordenfeldts
+of various calibres, and breech-loading field artillery of the Krupp
+make. The Orange Free State hurried to their assistance with similar
+artillery, each burgher armed with a Martini-Henry rifle. Besides all
+that, there was the dynamite and explosives factory equipped to
+manufacture all sorts of modern ammunition as it does now, and this is
+why President Krüger described that factory as one of the corner-stones
+of Boer independence. In the face of these facts it is a most singular
+departure to say that the Transvaal only thought of arming when becoming
+alarmed for the future by the Jameson attempt, and that statement could
+only have been intended to mislead the uninformed at a distance. "_Qui
+s'excuse s'accuse_" is applicable in this as well as in other ruses for
+hiding those sinister Bond aims and to pose as the guileless and
+victimized Boer nation. It was just the other way about--it was England
+who was unprepared and exposed to imminent risk of aggression on the
+part of the Boer combination.
+
+What had amazed and actually exasperated many Boers was the ludicrously
+puny attempt made by Jameson and the Johannesburg revolutionary concert.
+It was at the time thought that the invasion of some 700 men was only a
+first installment, and that much larger developments were in preparation
+to attack the State. It was for that reason that only a few batteries of
+artillery were despatched at a late moment to Doornkop under Commandant
+Trichaart to operate against Jameson's party, while the bulk was held in
+reserve with an extensive mobilization of burghers to resist other
+supposed opposition of an altogether more formidable but yet undefined
+character. When nothing further transpired, the feeling uppermost with
+the people was unbounded derision at that impotent fiasco, and a
+loathing contempt for the cowering Johannesburg rabble who betrayed and
+sacrificed the insensate doctor. It was loudly asserted that the
+combined forces of the two Republics were competent to resist an
+invasion a hundred times stronger than the one so foolishly attempted;
+but, with cooler counsels, it was resolved to adopt the appealing
+attitude of the deeply injured party who miraculously and providentially
+escaped a great national peril. Upon these lines the raid incident
+afforded an immense advantage to Afrikaner Bond tactics, and an impulse
+to Bond propaganda which enormously increased Boer partisanship,
+inflicting at the same time a fatal check upon the diplomacy of England
+and upon the essential peace-preserving measures for safeguarding her
+South African interests. The circumstances, however, served to embolden
+many hitherto undecided sympathisers into openly declared and vehement
+Boer partisans, revealing the singular spectacle, among English people
+even, of a morbid cult apparently ready to sacrifice their nation just
+to vindicate their judicial dicta about Boer innocence and to parade
+their own darling sense of shocked and violated national honour.
+
+Quite other and more emphatic terms apply to the revolting sewerage such
+as the socialistic platform and other purulent nurseries for breeding
+wilful and hypocritical abettors, at so much a score, of misguided and
+treason-hatching Afrikanerdom.
+
+
+
+
+THE TRANSVAAL DYNAMITE AND EXPLOSIVES MONOPOLY
+
+
+The factory pertaining to this enterprise, situated near Pretoria, is
+recognised to be the most extensive and best equipped of its kind in
+existence. It is capable of turning out all the dynamite and similar
+blasting material needed for the gold and other mines of the State, also
+every description of explosive needed for modern ammunition.
+
+Its equipments include ateliers and laboratories under the conduct of
+eminent scientists and men of most advanced technical proficiency. The
+site is a farm named Modderfontein of about 8,000 acres near Pretoria.
+The industry provides employment for over 5,000 persons. In connection
+with this factory is a foundry at Pretoria for casting shells, etc. The
+various ingredients, such as sulphur, guhr, saltpetre, etc., are
+believed to be plentiful in the State, but their exploitation is found
+to be more costly than it is to import the pure articles from Europe.
+
+The investment is represented mostly by French and German shareholders,
+the Transvaal Government also possessing a portion of the shares. The
+contract with the State conveys a complete monopoly for the manufacture
+and importation of all descriptions of explosives, and is so framed as
+to base its subsistence upon international rights. One of the conditions
+is that the issue of ammunition is relegated to State control. In this
+manner burghers only get supplies, whilst Uitlanders are limited to very
+small quantities for sporting purposes by special permits.
+
+
+
+
+BOND FIGHTING STRENGTH IN BEGINNING OF 1899
+
+Efficiently      _Mounted Infantry._       At least about 142,000
+trained.
+
+ 15,000   Orange Free State, between 18-50
+             years  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20,000
+
+ 25,000   Transvaal, between 18-50 years  . .  30,000
+
+ 40,000   Cape Colonies, between 18-50
+             years  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60,000
+
+  2,000   Natal and elsewhere, between 18-50
+             years  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2,000
+
+ 18,000   Of above, aged 16-18 and 50-60  . .  30,000
+-------                                        ------
+100,000             _Artillery_  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2,000
+
+    600   Orange Free State, including
+             trained reserves . . . . . . . .     600
+
+  1,400   Transvaal . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1,400
+-------                                         -----          -------
+102,000   . . . . . . . . . . .  Total at least about          144,000
+
+102,000 highly efficient, and 42,000 partly trained.
+
+The mounts are docile, hardy and nimble, with large reserves available.
+The above includes 500 Johannesburg Mounted Police, a picked body of men
+armed with carbine, revolver, and sabre.
+
+       _Small Arms_ . . . . . . . . .  About    250,000
+
+Martini-Henry rifles in Orange Free State }
+                                          } 100,000
+   "      "     "    in Transvaal         }
+
+Guede rifles in Transvaal  . . . . . . . .   10,000
+Mauser rifles in Transvaal . . . . . . . .  120,000
+Revolvers in both States . . . . . . . . .   20,000
+                                             ------
+
+      _Artillery, both Republics_ . . . . . . . .   140
+
+Maxims and Nordenfeldts, modern  . . . . .       50
+Field cannon and Howitzers   "   . . . . .       70
+Siege and heavy guns         "   . . . . .       20
+
+
+
+
+BOER CONSERVATISM
+
+
+Rudyard Kipling truly said "the Boers are the most conservative people
+on earth." Habits and views which had prevailed two hundred years ago
+with their forefathers are still tenaciously preserved by them. We see
+this in matters of language, religion, in certain antipathies, and even
+in attire. They are justly famed for hospitality, not only amongst
+themselves, but also towards strangers, and a very pleasing trait, no
+doubt handed down from the seigneurial Huguenots, is the genial
+politeness which a stranger will receive in an otherwise wholly
+uncultured Boer family.
+
+On his farm the Boer is chief and supreme after the patriarchal
+fashion--no thought of tolerating an equal or a rival in authority.
+Collectively also, as in governmental representation, he is extremely
+averse to the introduction of any foreign element; such a factor would
+meet with his undisguised suspicion and jealousy. It must be Boer
+supremacy, and to this strangers must submit; the Boers to figure as
+the only caste or military aristocracy privileged to carry arms, very
+much like the Samouris nobles of Japan, who from of old until recently
+had represented the feudal estate, and had made quite a famous cult of
+personal bravery, chivalry and devotion to their Mikado and for their
+independent caste. Long intercourse and inter-marriage with a Boer
+family would ultimately remove the barrier. With such rooted
+exclusiveness it is only in accord with Boer nature to be reluctant in
+admitting Uitlanders to burgher franchise, and the greater their numbers
+and influence of wealth the more would they be viewed as an innovating
+menace and their admittance to political equality be resisted.
+
+Upon newly occupied farms a Boer will always seek to locate one or more
+squatters of his own nation upon allotments ultimately intended for the
+occupation of some of his own children as soon as they are grown up. The
+usual conditions for privileges of residence, grazing, and cultivation
+are that the squatter builds a dwelling and does all the other permanent
+improvements at his own cost, that he accounts to the owner for half or
+one-third of all products raised, and that he and his family should
+render services whenever required. When the squatter acquires land of
+his own he will in turn adopt similar feudal methods to get it improved
+and to obtain services without expense. Should the conditions accorded
+to the squatter result in advantages which prove any way lucrative to
+him, the owner would in nine cases out of ten immediately impose more
+exacting conditions, upon the plea of making provision for his own
+children. Such dependants are otherwise treated with familiar equality,
+as are also other white employees, and are admitted at the common table
+like any of the family, but below the salt.
+
+To acquire farms is a Boer's greatest ambition. The love of land is his
+special passion, so that his children also may be independent owners of
+farms. Formerly such land acquisitions were made by encroachments upon
+the possessions of natives or by purchases from them and by barter, and
+failing those means, by conquest. Since 1885, however, the stipulations
+in connection with the Anglo-Swaziland settlement effectually barred
+expansion and encroachments in any direction. The Boers resent this
+check as an exceedingly sore point. There is not enough land for the
+sons who have since grown up. These cannot possibly compete with the
+educated Hollanders in quest of good positions, nor are they taught any
+handicrafts, and the galling prospect is inevitable that they will have
+to content themselves with very humble stations in life, dependent even
+upon the more prosperous Uitlanders. No wonder these Boers fell an easy
+prey to the seductions and deceptive fallacies of the Afrikaner Bond
+doctrine of conquest, for dispossessing England of her Colonies, and to
+resume a free hand for expansion northwards as well.
+
+In connection with the stated inadequacy of spare land it is well to
+note that, of the two Republics, the Transvaal only possesses
+undeveloped Government reserve land. This is all situated in more or
+less low-lying and fever-stricken parts, large tracts being absolutely
+uninhabitable for that reason, especially in summer. Some of the rest is
+occupied on terms of lease by burghers, and has up to the present
+afforded scope for some of the less aspiring class. About one-quarter of
+the aggregate Transvaal farms are owned by Uitlander individuals or by
+companies who are mostly English. But the bulk of the land owned by
+burghers in both States has gradually become cut up by the process of
+succession into holdings so small as to admit of hardly any further
+division. There are, of course, numerous exceptions of wealthy farmers
+who can still bequeath to each of their sons a whole farm of 6,000
+acres, or half a farm. In the face of these restrictive circumstances a
+scheme has been in preparation during the past years, promoted by the
+Bond coterie in Holland and the Governments of the two Republics, to
+effect a large emigration from Holland to those States. A company has
+thus been formed, called "Nederlandsche Emigratie Maatschappy voor
+Transvaal en Oranje Vry Staat." The prospectus describes the objects as
+agricultural, pastoral, and industrial, but, as "members," only such are
+invited as are disposed to join hands with the Boer cause. That scheme
+came into operation before the outbreak of the war. What else does it
+reveal but a thinly veiled recruiting device for auxiliaries against
+England?
+
+
+Education
+
+What has been said about the ignorance and illiteracy of the Boers may
+be admitted to apply to the great majority of the grown-up and of the
+more maturely aged population; those of youthful age have of late years
+had the benefit of a better education than had before been possible to
+provide. But the great drawback consists in the still very imperfect
+knowledge of High Dutch, and it will take many years yet before a more
+general proficiency in that language will qualify the youth for more
+than purely elementary studies. There are numerous exceptions, however,
+of very creditably educated Boers, whose parents have been able to get
+them taught at Colonial schools, such as the Stellenbosch seminary, and
+even in Holland. Besides this, there are the children and grandchildren
+of the many educated Hollanders who have continued to stream into the
+Republics since 1854, and who had the advantage of learning High Dutch
+from their parents. Those, as a rule, bestowed great attention to their
+children's education, and in many cases sent them to Holland to complete
+their studies. The greatest factor of the educated Dutch element in
+South Africa consists of the mass of Hollanders itself, who have made
+their way to the Republics, and especially to the Transvaal, during the
+past eighteen years, among whom are many of highest European
+attainments, so that altogether a big muster is made up of
+well-instructed people, comparing well enough with other nations, and
+ample to meet all the exigencies of the two rapidly developing
+Republics. This educated contingent is being continuously supplemented
+by like arrivals from Holland, including eminent technical experts and
+scientists. It is a well-known feature that many chief posts of the
+administration are filled by aged, uneducated burghers who are
+altogether without the qualification required for the exercise of their
+function, but this drawback is effectually remedied by the expedient of
+providing proficient Hollanders as working adjuncts and secretaries, in
+which manner all the branches of the administration are nevertheless
+efficiently and most creditably served. Hundreds of young Boers are
+admitted as supernumeraries into the various offices to prepare them for
+responsible positions later on.
+
+
+Dundee Secret Dossier
+
+The greatest stir was made upon the discovery of secret documents left
+behind by the British military at the hurried evacuation of Dundee
+(Natal).
+
+It was made public that those documents contained all the details of a
+plan of invading the Orange Free State, and that it furnished most
+incontestable proofs of British designs as early as 1896 against the
+independence of both Republics. It was promised to publish those
+details, but this has not yet been done. It appears, however, that no
+incriminating details exist. Nevertheless, the matter has been made to
+serve calumniating reports on a considerable scale in the pro-Boer Press
+abroad, declaring that those documents conveyed absolute proofs of
+England's perfidious intentions of attacking the Orange Free State
+unawares, whilst all the time professing friendly relations and
+undertaking to respect the complete integrity of the Republican status
+of both States. What actually has transpired is that the whole thing was
+a mare's nest, simply and nothing more than military information under
+cover marked "secret," giving topographical and other details upon the
+Orange Free State--a proceeding which is carried out by all military
+authorities of any pretensions to prudent activity in the information
+department, and no more construable into actual hostile intentions than
+are other geographical surveys for general instructions or for school
+use.
+
+The incident again shows the absence of tangible grounds for accusations
+against England when a foolish invention as the one cited must do duty
+for such, and to rekindle race hatred.
+
+The interest and the manipulation devoted to that fabrication by the
+pro-Boer Press have, however, scored another success to Bond propaganda
+in fixing the belief with Boer partisans, of England's really
+predetermined designs to annex both Republics. Every Boer has since been
+more than ever so persuaded, the conviction fanning the fervour of
+patriotism and stimulating his eagerness to resist the would-be
+ravishers of his country.
+
+Considering, on the other hand, that the English Government had known
+much about the Afrikaner Bond menace, it is singular that precautionary
+measures had halted with that bare effort of making military
+observations. The only way to account for this apparent lethargic
+inaction is the assumption that a persevering patience and friendly
+attitude was expected in time to effectually dissipate all trouble in
+South Africa, and that a display of anxiety or of force would have
+frustrated such peaceable tactics. In refutation of the aspersion
+against England, it may be sufficient to point to the fact that during
+those very years (1896-7) both Republics were in a condition of complete
+helplessness through the rinderpest scourge which was then raging. If
+any hostile designs had in reality existed they could have been carried
+out with utmost ease then, as that scourge presented no obstacle to
+England. But it was the programme of peace which was pursued as
+undeviatingly then as since, with a constancy which refused to be
+foiled.
+
+
+Pamphlet entitled _A Hundred Years of Injustice_
+
+A mass of so-called proof against England of her guilt in provoking the
+present war and justifying the Boer attitude was presented to the public
+in South Africa and abroad in November last in the shape of a voluminous
+pamphlet entitled _A Hundred Years of Injustice_ (published both in
+English and Dutch, and later even translated into French). That
+production covers Boer history and its troubles with England up to 1881.
+It then travels over the diplomatic appeals of the Transvaal delegation,
+which resulted in the renewed convention of 1884. Then it wades through
+all the mire of academic squabble _re_ suzerainty, etc. After exhausting
+the Jameson episode with bitter invective, and seeking applause for the
+Transvaal Government for its professed desire to conciliate and to
+propitiate England by the offer of a seven years' franchise, the reader
+is, in conclusion, 'treated to a literary display of pyrotechnic
+denunciations and prophetic burdens against wicked Albion, with appeals
+to divine justice for righting the cause of an innocent nation so foully
+driven to a war of pure self-defence.
+
+Lest he be taken unawares the reader of that pamphlet would do well to
+note the significant fact in connection with those preferred accusations
+and aspersions that not a single act construable to the prejudice of
+England is adduced dating after the Anglo-Transvaal peace of 1881, that
+peace which had been mutually understood to close up all by-gones. But
+the recriminations all revert to previous history, nothing having
+occurred since 1881 to form real grounds for accusations. There had, on
+the contrary, been an exhibition of unwearied friendly endeavours on the
+part of Great Britain to maintain loyal peace with an ever-shifty and
+truculent Government, and to induce it to desist from scandalous
+intrigue against imperial interests in South Africa, and to adopt a more
+rational attitude towards Uitlanders, which in itself would have
+precluded troubles like that of the Johannesburg revolt and the Jameson
+raid.
+
+
+
+
+AN OLD FREE STATER'S ADMONITION
+
+
+The doctrines of the Afrikaner Bond coterie have been so assiduously and
+deeply instilled into the Boer mind that demonstrations are utterly
+futile in shaking the national conviction of the divinely approved
+justice of his cause. The first occasion when I saw this illustrated,
+and also the people's unreasoning adherence to their leaders' opinions,
+happened about ten years ago at burgher meetings which had been convened
+to discuss the then projected law for restraining Uitlanders from
+admission to Transvaal franchise and other political topics.
+
+An old Free State burgher was led then and subsequently to express his
+views upon the subject in about the following strain: "It is our duty to
+guard our nation against being swamped out or supplanted by strangers;
+they are in great force already, and their number will constantly
+increase, yet what attracts them, as you know, is our gold. That will
+give out eventually, when the majority will again depart. Those
+strangers, who then elect to remain with us, might be admitted to full
+burgher rights. In the meantime it behoves us to reserve the full
+franchise, nor will many aspire to it if they are only treated well as
+strangers should be, as we should wish to be treated if we were in their
+place. This is what they expect from us, and it can well be done without
+giving full franchise, which they indeed do not need and will then not
+claim. They will be content if their own interests are not hampered or
+interfered with, and will be satisfied with such rights and privileges
+as are reasonably due to guests, and we may say welcome guests (for it
+is plain that the land is also largely benefited by their presence). In
+other respects let us support law and order to suppress evil, which they
+desire as well as we do.
+
+"Does the Bible not say, 'The Lord loveth the stranger?' so also then
+must we; and again, 'Thou shalt not devise mischief against the stranger
+who dwelleth in peace with thee.' We are reputed as a God-fearing
+people. Is it not well that we should take great care to act in
+accordance? But I have observed with shame that instead of love and
+peace a spirit of hatred and strife has been allowed to gain upon us.
+Let us strive to expel that evil, lest we fall under God's displeasure
+and forfeit His favour. We cannot afford to lose that."
+
+At this stage the speaker was interrupted by violent remarks about
+England's incurable perfidy and the like, when he added, prolonging his
+speech more than he had probably intended: "Yes, we may not trust
+England, but what we must do is to trust in God. Did God not pull us
+through all along? was it not He who provided the peace of 1881 which
+restored our independence? And can that gracious Lord, if we only let
+Him act, not also protect us against any wiles and dangers if such
+should occur in the future? As yet none such have arisen. The Lord was
+with us in our battles for liberty; He was equally present and prompted
+the sense and conditions of that very convention of 1881, which the
+people were subsequently dissatisfied with and in their own wisdom
+sacrificed for that of 1884. It is just possible that that presumptuous
+act of wanting to improve upon the Lord's work will result in trouble
+and prove to our sorrow that we have simply tampered and tinkered with a
+good thing and spoilt it to our hurt.
+
+"'Thou shalt not provoke thy children to wrath lest they be discouraged
+and be tempted to do evil,' applies specially also to the duties of
+Governments. Our rulers need wisdom in this direction, and will be
+responsible if our strangers are subjected to unfair laws. The older
+people here will call to mind, when the old voortrekkers were obliged to
+go hundreds of miles, as far as Pietermaritzburg, for their supplies,
+that we prayed for shopkeepers in our land so that we might be spared
+those long journeys. What was done soon after we had attracted strangers
+to establish businesses with us? We were seduced to deliberately attempt
+their ruin by starting those _nationale Boerenwinkels_ (national Boer
+stores), supported by our own capital, but governed by Hollanders who
+eventually squandered our money. Was that dealing fairly by confiding
+strangers? Later on, again in response to our prayers, we got railways;
+skilled men and much capital from foreign countries, first to prospect
+for gold and then to develop and exploit the mines. Their labour and
+hard-earned money were risked when the return was still problematic.
+Shall we begrudge them their successes now, seeing that our whole land
+is equally enriched at the same time, and but for them and their
+enterprise the gold would still be lying uselessly hidden in the depths
+of the ground? There are now, in 1890, over 100,000 such strangers in
+the land, and probably over 200 millions capital invested. Shall they be
+treated in a manner to justify the accusation that they were inveigled
+into our land with the object of despoiling them afterwards after the
+style of 'Come into my parlour, says the spider to the fly'? These
+people count upon our honest friendship, especially the many English
+among them who ground that confidence upon the honourable peace accorded
+us in 1881. Shall we deceive them? May we hate them for old questions
+which that peace was intended to bury for ever? Think of the Lord's
+dealings with our people--poor, wandering, and despised at first. He had
+blessings in store for the tried voortrekkers and their children. 'The
+beggar was raised from the dunghill [_asch-hoop, i.e._, ash-heap, was
+the word he used] to sit with princes'--'a table laid for us in the
+sight of our enemies.' All this is literally fulfilled. Our President
+and others representing us have been to Europe and sat with princes, and
+we have a country full of riches enough to make any enemy to rage with
+jealousy at the sight. Who else but the devil is that enemy? It is he
+who persecuted our Dutch and Huguenot ancestors for their faith, and is
+pursuing us since. It is he and his army that rage the most at our
+unexampled blessings. It is he who wants us to forfeit them all and the
+Lord's favour as well. It emanates from the evil one that so many among
+us are seduced into wicked political plans to subvert authority
+installed by God, to incite our brethren to sedition in the Colonies,
+wanting to dispossess the English. For the Queen's Government there is
+as much from God as are the authorities over us here and in the Orange
+Free State.
+
+"God saith by Solomon (Prov. xxiv. 21-22): 'My son, fear thou the Lord
+and the king; and meddle not with them that are given to change: for
+their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the destruction of
+them both?'" and he finally warned them of the risk they incurred, after
+having been advanced and blessed in an unexampled way, of being flung
+back to their previous ignoble position upon the ash heap. There are
+plenty of respectable Boers in whose ears those expressions still
+tingle.
+
+The man, who is no speaker, was, nevertheless, apt to grow warm and
+impressive, drawn out probably by interruptions and opposing views. The
+speeches terminated on one occasion by one of the party saying in
+violent Bond fashion: "The English hired the Zulus to massacre our
+people. They robbed us of Natal, and drove us from the Colonies. There
+can be no peace with them until we have our own. God helps them who help
+themselves. Whoever takes their part is against us and against every
+true Afrikaner."
+
+
+
+
+_MODUS VIVENDI_ SUGGESTED BY OLD FREE STATER
+
+
+As is known, the conference between Sir Alfred Milner and President
+Krüger, assisted by President Steyn, took place at Bloemfontein during
+the first days of June last (1899), and resulted in the refusal to a
+demand of a five years' franchise made on behalf of the Transvaal
+Uitlanders, which refusal was some time later modified by enacting a law
+admitting them to full burgher rights after a probation of seven years,
+but coupled with restrictive forms and conditions which made that
+measure unacceptable. Some time before that conference the old Free
+Stater already mentioned obtained several prolonged interviews with the
+hon. State Secretary Reitz, at Pretoria, with the object of dissuading
+the Transvaal Government from conferring with Sir Alfred Milner while as
+yet no sufficient friendly _rapprochement_ had been reached and no
+advance had been made as to mutually approved bases upon which to
+confer. He strongly deprecated the idea of granting "full" burgher
+rights to Uitlanders, but held that their needs and wishes could be met
+by allowing their interests to be amply represented without impinging
+upon the special privileges which should be reserved for the burgher
+status proper. He was finally invited by Mr. Reitz to submit his scheme
+in writing, with the promise that it should receive careful
+consideration. That old Free Stater complied, and supplied President
+Krüger with a duplicate separately as well. The scheme ran in substance
+as follows:
+
+
+"_Modus vivendi_"
+
+The population of the Transvaal to be divided into two classes, pending
+the continued presence of the large floating portion consisting of
+Uitlanders who derive their subsistence from the mining industries,
+viz.:--
+
+1st Class.--The fixed or burgher estate.
+
+2nd Class.--The floating or alien estate or Guests.
+
+The 1st Volksraad to be elected by burghers only, and to represent the
+highest legislative and administrative powers.
+
+The 2nd Volksraad to be elected by Uitlanders and burghers, and to be
+vested with all such reasonable legislative powers as will cover the
+domestic, industrial, and vocative interests of both burghers and
+guests.
+
+The Uitlander franchise shall be limited to representation in the 2nd
+Volksraad, and be extended under usual fair conditions of eligibility to
+all white persons after two years' residence, retrospectively reckoned.
+
+Aliens may be admitted to full burgher rights and vote for 1st
+Volksraad, President, and Commandant-General, after five years'
+residence, if approved of by two-thirds of the burghers of his ward,
+possesses landed property to the value of £1,000, and has not been
+convicted here or elsewhere of any degrading crime.
+
+Members of both Volksraads and for public service shall be eligible
+without respect of creed.
+
+The exploitation of mines shall be subject to a tax of 25 per cent.,
+reckoned upon the yearly net profits, such revenue to be applied at the
+discretion of the 1st Volksraad solely for the benefit of the burgher
+estate--schools, hospitals, universities, pensions, by means of
+permanent endowments.
+
+The Government of the Transvaal undertakes:--
+
+1. There shall be no identification or co-operation permitted, on the
+part of any of the Transvaal people, with the association known as the
+Afrikaner Bond, or any such-like political complot.
+
+2. The recognition of British paramountcy over South Africa, including
+the Transvaal, in so far as it does not clash with the intentions and
+provisions set forth in the conventions of 1881 and 1884, and does not
+extend to interference with or curtailment of complete internal
+autonomy.
+
+3. Renunciation of indemnity claim _re_ Jameson incursion.
+
+4. To regulate the question of coloured British subjects resident in the
+Transvaal upon a genial basis, irrespective of the Bloemfontein
+arbitration award upon that subject.
+
+5. Poll and war taxes shall be abolished.
+
+6. Dual rights equal with the Dutch language shall be accorded to the
+English language, similarly as is done in the Cape Colony for Dutch.
+
+7. The railways and dynamite factory to be expropriated as soon as
+possible--the loans required thereto to be amortized within twenty
+years, and pending those expropriations the freights upon coal and
+oversea goods shall be reduced 10 per cent, and the price of explosives
+20s. per case, these reductions to be met from the revenue accruing to
+the burgher estate from the tax upon mining profits.
+
+8. To join a general Customs union upon equitable conditions.
+
+9. Restore the High Court to independent power in terms of constitution.
+
+The sequel has shown that Bond counsels prevailed over the suggestions
+of that old Free Stater. As to the seven years' franchise offered under
+the pretence and colour of meeting Sir Alfred Milner's demand, it had
+clearly been intended to serve as a decoy and stop-gap pending the
+contemplated war of conquest, and to mask Bond duplicity while further
+preparations were to be completed in diplomacy abroad and in the
+seditious conspiracy in the Colonies. Natal was at that time swarming
+with Boer emissaries, and Transvaal artillery officers with Hollander
+engineers in disguise were seen inspecting Laing's Nek tunnel and other
+strategic points in that colony.
+
+Not knowing at the time that State Secretary Reitz was an inveterate
+Bondman, that old Free State patriot had roundly denounced to him the
+wickedness of Bond aims, and added the remark that the establishment of
+a united Boer Republic apart from British supremacy in South Africa was
+a deceptive dream. England has a mission in Africa--that of the Boers
+can only be subordinate to it. It would need the aid of a powerful
+maritime combination to supplant England. The case of America does not
+present an analogy; there England only was actually interested, but here
+various other nations were concerned in their respective huge
+investments. They would have a voice in the business. Armed intervention
+would lead to a big European war and extreme misery to entire
+Africa--just what the devil wants, but not the investor. Indiscriminate
+franchise will cause the loss of national independence, and so might
+ultimately cosmopolize and obliterate their distinctive nationality, but
+so would also a war with England, with the total sacrifice of their
+independence into the bargain. Let the Government rather prove to
+England its sincere friendship and agree to deal well by the Uitlanders,
+treating them as privileged guests, then the unhappy strain in relations
+will cease. Above all, renounce that wicked Afrikaner Bond with its
+motto of conquest. The demand for franchise is England's device of
+self-protection against Bond designs. England will desist from that
+demand if we renounce the Bond and prove our friendship.
+
+That old Free Stater had moreover expressed his most earnest conviction
+that a _modus vivendi_ upon the lines suggested would find ready
+consideration as an alternative to the five years' franchise demand,
+and that the British Government would hail with the utmost satisfaction
+and relief any tentative towards a sound _rapprochement_ based upon the
+contentment of the Boer people within the areas of their Republics and
+which would terminate Bond aspirations for Boer supremacy in South
+Africa. Had he been permitted, the old Free Stater would gladly have
+called upon the British agent at Pretoria, Mr. Conyngham Greene, and
+felt confident that the _modus vivendi_ would lead finally to a complete
+cessation of British interference and to best relations and prosperous
+conditions for all instead. He also cautioned the Government at
+Pretoria, giving chapter and verse, against counting upon "the arm of
+man." They would find they had trusted on reeds--it would be so in
+regard to any foreign help, and even in regard to men of their own
+nation in the Cape Colony.
+
+During one of the interviews Mr. Reitz had remarked that he had a
+special theory in regard to the situation; but it varied from that of
+the President, who, in reality, was King, and whose will overcame all
+opposition.
+
+
+
+
+MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY TO AVERT WAR
+
+
+Seeing that twenty years of patient, loyal endeavours and friendly
+conciliatory proceedings following upon the rehabilitation of the
+Transvaal independence had utterly failed in advancing the object of
+uniting the English and Boer races, and that instead the existing gulf
+was ever widening through the spread of those fell Afrikaner Bond
+doctrines, it had become imperative, on the part of British statesmen,
+to employ special efforts to overcome the serious menace hanging over
+South Africa. The critical situation designedly brought about by the
+action of the Transvaal Government and by the influence of the Bond
+party indicated the remedy. A liberal franchise in favour of the
+Uitlanders would at one stroke correct that evil, and counteract the
+other impending danger as well. With a large accession of legitimized
+voters working in accord with England's desire for peace and progress,
+that good influence would be potent, first to shackle Bond action and
+ultimately to reduce it to Colonial limits. The Transvaal would then no
+longer be the giant ally, the arsenal, and the treasury of the Afrikaner
+Bond, and that organisation would then be checkmated into impotence for
+evil.
+
+The success of such a remedial and defensive measure would naturally
+depend upon the adequacy of the franchise aimed at. Mr. Chamberlain and
+his colleagues were not a little sanguine in expecting that a five
+years' qualification for voting and a representation equal to one-fifth
+of the total number of seats in the Legislature would be effective for
+all that which was needed; nor could it be averred that the Transvaal
+burghers would be swamped out thereby.
+
+The Bond chiefs did not fail to at once penetrate the object when the
+demand for a five years' franchise was made, and in vain did Sir Alfred
+display that firm attitude and exhaust his arguments at the historic
+Bloemfontein conference. He had pointed out to President Krüger in a
+rudimentary fashion which was no doubt convincing enough--that it was
+incompatible with professions of concord and desire for peace while
+persisting in excluding from representation a large majority of the
+population accustomed to and expecting liberal treatment, and which,
+moreover, held four-fifths of the wealth invested in the State. There
+could be no other result than a dangerous tension and alienation from
+the Government, instead of the peaceful co-operation so essential to
+security and progress. In these days of advanced ideas of personal and
+political liberty people will resist domination by a minority. They want
+to be consulted, and to have at least the opportunity of making their
+wishes known by means of representation. The right of petitioning could
+not meet that need, and in fact implied the recognition of an inferior
+status so repugnant to any one's sensibility. When people are ignored
+they resent even light impositions and taxes, but if allowed a voice
+will cheerfully submit to heavy burdens, because they then become, in a
+manner, self-imposed. Representation is the panacea against popular
+disaffection and for assuring governmental stability. To concede to
+Uitlanders one-fifth of the seats in the Legislature could not operate
+to the prejudice of burgher interests, but less would not meet the case.
+
+It was, however, not President Krüger alone who had to decide--it
+affected the Bond as a whole. The diplomatic contest so far proved just
+the thing to ripen conditions for the meditated Bond _coup d'état_. An
+alternative offer of a seven years' franchise was interposed as a mere
+ruse. Never for a moment did the Afrikaner Bond leaders waver or quail
+in the face of resolute firmness, display of force, or even of moral
+pressure and notes of advice from imposing quarters, as Mr. Chamberlain
+had at first still fondly hoped. To the Bond it had all resolved itself
+to a mere question of time, of choosing the most opportune moment when
+to assume the aggressive. British attitude had only hastened the issue.
+Mr. Jan Hofmeyer had indeed been sent for from the Cape so as to assure
+that section of the Bond of Transvaal firmness, but he found no sign of
+flinching or of renouncing the common object laboured for so long and
+then so near fruition. The only difficulty was that British action had
+hastened the issue somewhat too fast. Hence the repeated hurried visits
+of the Bond leaders--Jan Hofmeyer, Abraham Fisher, and others--the
+frequent caucus meetings of the Executive in consultation with those
+delegates, the secret midnight sessions of the combined Volksraads and
+Executive, the prolonged telegraphic conferences between the two
+Presidents, and the final resulting word of "ready" which preceded the
+fatal war ultimatum. The Gordian knot had been in evidence many years
+ago; it is now recognised with regret that England had deferred action
+for cutting it much too long.
+
+But why not agree to arbitration, it will be asked, that peaceable
+method so strenuously appealed for by the Transvaal Government and
+advocated by her partisans, to adjust all differences, of which the
+suzerainty claim and the Uitlander question appeared to be the principal
+ones? The reply is not that England was unwilling, but because the
+Transvaal was insincere, and the request was a cover for shameless
+duplicity, for, while it had been declared by the former that the claim
+to suzerainty would be left in abeyance and that infractions of
+convention which had been committed by the latter would be overlooked in
+consideration of future friendly relations and co-operation, the
+Transvaal Government in reality never for a moment meant to be content
+with less than British overthrow and complete Boer supremacy in South
+Africa, and efforts and intrigues were never relaxed, in concert with
+the Bond, to compass those objects.
+
+
+
+
+AFRIKANER BOND GUILT IN GRADATIONS
+
+
+The promiscuous details and incidents, together with the circumstantial
+and _primâ facie_ evidence thus far adduced in arraigning the Afrikaner
+Bond combination, point mostly to conditions existent before the war
+broke out. We had the smoke before the conflagration--it is a wonder how
+people could manage to ignore the menace. Now the war torch is over us
+in its full luridness.
+
+Ordinary fires, if not kindled, originate either from accident,
+spontaneous combustion, or incendiarism. With war the origin may be
+traced to similar causes either singly or in combination, or, when we
+cannot hit the exact diagnosis, we explain it with a handy word and call
+it evolution, as we may do in the case of the present Anglo-Boer
+conflict.
+
+We may for a moment review the material and then also the agencies and
+incentives which operated that evolution against harmony and peace, and
+to which the conflagration is due. We have noted the legal acquisition
+of the Cape Colonies by Great Britain, the equally recognised occupation
+under treaties with England of the two Boer Republics, the English and
+Boer races in progress of friendly assimilation and in happy prosperity
+all over South Africa. This was essentially the position in 1881, until
+it became gradually marred by an invidious element. We have further
+noted the declining condition of Holland, its moribund language, and
+finally the prospects which South Africa presented for that nation's
+restoration to powerful significance, the English factor only standing
+in the way.
+
+The next aspect brings out the marring manifestations: greed of land and
+of conquest with the Pretoria-Bloemfontein combination; malignant
+sedition in the Cape Colonies, urged by lust to participate more
+directly in the wealth of gold and diamonds in the north and to share
+general plunder--both categories of covetousness merged into one
+purulent fester by men of conceited ambition, all cemented with
+collusion, but the whole of it devised, engineered, and operated by the
+most malignant agencies from Holland under the coaching of the evil one
+himself.
+
+The reader may be able to assess the degrees of guilt of each
+category--of the Republican Boer aspirant for land, the Colonial Boer
+rebel seeking his particular profit, the accomplices who for ambitious
+ends lead the first two, and the insidious Hollander intriguers who
+seduced and actuated all in order to seize the lion's share of the
+spoliation.
+
+To sum up, the respective rewards which lured them all are: Plunder for
+the Boers and rebels, laurels and "fat" places for the Bond leaders, and
+a substantial harvest for entire Holland, with pæans of praise for the
+coterie and Dr. Leyds from a grateful people for successfully restoring
+the good fortunes of the Dutch nation, and for effecting a retributive
+vendetta upon England, all under world-wide, gloating acclaims of
+gratified and vindictive jealousy.
+
+The Hollander coterie may plead patriotism which pointed to the duty of
+using the tempting opportunity presented in South Africa in saving
+Holland from national submersion and political extinction by means of
+the Boer nation, but against this stands the unparalleled vileness of
+expedients and the treacherous deceptions employed to attain that
+object. It involved the wholesale seduction of one section of that
+nation into sedition and rebellion against a most beneficent and just
+Government under which they prospered and enjoyed the highest
+conceivable degree of liberty and even special privileges, and of
+pitting the other section into hostility and war against a Power which
+meant nothing else than peace and amity towards them, thus placing both
+into a position of risk to forfeit all their prosperity, apart from the
+inevitable horrors of a war evoked by their rapacious and murderous
+Hollander malice.
+
+The Bond scientists in Holland had fully persevered in their craftily
+laid programme. After having succeeded in producing race hatred between
+Boer and English, the next step had been to convince the Boer leaders
+and the people of the inevitableness of a contest for ensuring the
+supremacy of the Afrikaners, coupled with the absolute necessity of the
+complete expulsion of the entire British element. As arguments were
+adduced that the British element had proved itself unassimilable and
+irreconcilable, its retention in South Africa would necessitate
+continuous provisions to keep it in a state of subjection. The existence
+of such conditions would be inconsistent and incompatible with the true
+ideal liberty as intended for the whole of South Africa, and which must
+be linked with all-round equality and fraternity. The presence of a
+British factor would be an unsurmountable bar to that consummation,
+hence the necessity of its total removal.
+
+The Bond leaders are the next in guilt; with these the incentive is
+principally ambition, which, by degrees, became mis-shaped into a
+specious patriotism. It is known how an ardently desired object pursued
+for a long period is apt to so monopolize and infatuate the mind as to
+totally vitiate and pervert the sense of discernment between right and
+wrong, both as to the legitimacy of the object and the means to be
+employed for its attainment. As the realization remains deferred and the
+efforts are increased, the object from being considered legitimate is by
+degrees invested with merit, a halo of virtue is added to the aspect,
+its pursuit is viewed as a duty by fair or by questionable means, the
+end justifying the latter. All, it is said, is fair in love and warfare.
+This diagnosis appears particularly applicable to President Krüger and
+State Secretary F.W. Reitz, both men of sincere piety (perhaps also to
+Mr. Schreiner), who would have abandoned their project and renounced and
+repudiated the Afrikaner Bond if ever they had doubted its legitimacy of
+principle. So also with most of the other Boer leaders and their clergy
+too. The agencies must have been exceedingly subtle, and the jugglery
+and artifice superhuman, to operate such processes of reasoning, such
+deception and aberration in honest-minded and even godly persons.
+
+As to the bulk of the Boer people, they are simply led by their chiefs
+and superiors, in whom they repose unquestioning confidence. They go
+unreasoningly with the stream of opinion under the firm belief that all
+is divinely sanctioned, including rebellion and violence, and blindly
+obey their call, considering their cause analogous to that of the Jews
+of old, who were enjoined to spoil the Egyptians and then to pass over
+and conquer their land of promise. No papal bull of indulgence ever
+freed people's consciences more than the Boer people now feel in regard
+to the warfare in which they are engaged.
+
+
+
+
+RÉSUMÉ
+
+
+The Boers in the Cape Colonies have been prospering in a marked degree
+since the British accession in 1814, enjoying ideal liberty and good
+government upon perfect equality with the English colonists.
+
+The people of the Orange Free State fared equally well under best
+relations with the British Government up to the outbreak of the present
+war.
+
+In the Transvaal the Boers were more handicapped, being furthest removed
+from profitable Cape connections, and having to cope with powerful
+hostile tribes within their border. The most redoubtable, under
+Secoecoenie, was subdued during the British occupation in 1878. Then
+followed the short war of 1880, with the voluntary retrocession and
+peace of January, 1881. All appeared to progress remarkably well for
+about ten years after, until the irrational treatment by the Boers of
+British subjects in the Transvaal furnished the first cause of
+friction, and engendered at last the Johannesburg crisis with the
+Jameson incursion, followed by four years' vain attempts on the part of
+England to bring about satisfactory and peaceful relations.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond had been inaugurated some thirty years ago, under the
+mask of a constitutional organization, professing loyalty to England;
+that body had succeeded in hiding its object, which was no less than the
+expulsion from South Africa of all that is English, and which object was
+brutally avowed since the outbreak of the war by declarations in the
+Press and by incendiary speeches of Colonial Bond leaders and members of
+the Cape Parliament.
+
+The British Government did not view very seriously the information it
+received regarding the Bond menace until the definite action of the
+Transvaal Government partially opened its eyes prior to the Johannesburg
+revolt. The hope was, however, still clung to in an undefined way that
+patience and forbearance would yet overcome Boer prejudice and disperse
+racial antipathies, and with characteristic self-confidence as well,
+things were allowed to drift rather out of hand.
+
+The two Republics had been _de facto_ allied some time before the
+Johannesburg crisis in 1895. Both were then already provided with very
+abundant armaments of up-to-date types, with equipments and preparations
+far and away above any conceivable needs except indeed for a _coup
+d'état_ against British supremacy and to sustain a Colonial revolt.
+
+On the occasion of the Jameson incursion the Orange Free State promptly
+appeared near the scene with best equipped mounted Boer commandoes and
+artillery to assist the Transvaal if needed.
+
+Before 1881 and some time subsequently there had been continued progress
+towards the assimilation of the English and Boer races in South Africa.
+This was marred by Afrikaner Bond doctrines and intrigues proceeding
+from a Hollander coterie, the formula being "Afrika voor de
+Afrikaners"--the aims including the usurpation of British authority in
+the Colonies, supremacy of the Boer nation under one great Republican
+federation, and an affiliated status with Holland which should restore
+that people, all to the prejudice of England, to a political and
+economic significance and power surpassing its former epoch of European
+and Colonial eminence. As to the incentives to the Boer nation, these
+were principally the plunder of capital investments and land conquests,
+which the people had learnt to consider legitimate and in fact
+incumbent as a duty to themselves and descendants.
+
+The means employed in that conspiracy were a subtle, so to say, occult
+propaganda to seduce a simple people to false convictions, to induce the
+creation of gigantic armaments, a secret service employing at a vast
+cost journalism, emissaries, and agencies, to gain partisans and allies
+outside South Africa, the Transvaal mint to coin the sinews of war from
+the appropriation of the mines and their output, the dynamite factory
+(that Bond corner-stone for manufacturing ammunition[11]), a system of
+immigration from Holland towards supplanting the English factor and to
+introduce auxiliaries. Other such means were: laws for admitting
+auxiliaries to immediate full burgher rights and privilege to carry
+arms, from which Uitlanders were rigorously excluded, the rabid campaign
+proscribing the English language and fostering High Dutch instead (which
+was much less understood by the entire Boer people, and much harder for
+them to learn than English). To the above list of devices came the
+exhaustive efforts to obtain an independent seaport for the Transvaal,
+first at St. Lucia Bay, then at Delagoa Bay (ostensibly with a German
+syndicate, and since by subsidizing Portugal or suborning Portuguese
+notables and officials).
+
+The climax of duplicity is reached when it is averred that the pursuit
+of such an organized programme during the past twenty years and more had
+meant peace only, never a thought of conquest, as Ambassador Leyds so
+innocently declared after failing to gain abroad the hoped-for support
+for the monstrous Bond enormity.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond leaders would have preferred the war to have been
+deferred a little longer--preferably to a moment when England might be
+embroiled elsewhere. It was also thought of importance that the
+Transvaal should first realize the auriferous "underground rights"
+situated around the Johannesburg mines, which Government asset was
+expected to net at least fifty million pounds sterling. The sales had
+already been advertised, and were in preparation when the outbreak of
+the war intervened. Upon the word "ready," flashed from Bloemfontein,
+followed at once the fateful Pretoria ultimatum. The proceeds of those
+underground rights must now come in afterwards to defray the war bill.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 11: President Krüger's reference to that factory is well
+known, styling it as one of the corner-stones of Boer independence.]
+
+
+
+
+THE BOERS' NATIVE POLICY
+
+
+Boer views regarding coloured peoples are those retained from Dutch
+practices of a hundred and more years ago, when the Cape of Good Hope
+still belonged to that nation. Servitude, if not absolute slavery, was
+then generally recognised as the proper status for coloured aborigines,
+and that principle of differentiation continues to be upheld and applied
+in a modified form, it must be admitted, in all the Colonial possessions
+of Holland. The authority for this stand is sought from ancient biblical
+history, where the descendants of Ham appear marked out for servitude,
+and from that basis it is interpreted that people so marked are not
+designed for tuition or evangelization until after they have been
+subjugated. According to such a doctrine the injunction to preach the
+Gospel to every creature would be limited to civilized whites, and might
+only be extended to such coloured peoples who have been fitted, as is
+said, for the reception of the Christian faith by being placed under
+the subserviency of whites, as their sponsors if not their actual
+masters, and requiring mundane tuition and education as essential bases
+to precede conversion.
+
+For the refutation of such monstrous doctrines it may be urged that,
+according to Scripture, savage as well as cultured peoples have a
+consciousness of guilt towards the Divine Judge. The object of the
+Gospel is to end the history of the culprit as such and to place him
+upon a new standing--"the wind bloweth as it listeth": a new birth
+operated by the acceptance of the Gospel proclamation addressed to every
+creature, black as well as white. Growth and moral amendment properly
+"follow" that spiritual birth; neither is conceivable before, except
+purely human education, which is incapable of effecting a change, and in
+fact tends only to fortify the natural man in his implacable hostility
+against the newly implanted element, each lusting against the other.[12]
+
+History records how the Spanish and other early explorers operated with
+the aborigines in the regions discovered by them. The territories with
+their inhabitants were declared possessions accruing to their respective
+sovereigns, whose main policy was the exploitation of all the wealth
+possible. The aborigines were dispossessed, treated as conquered
+peoples, and forced to do the exploiting labour. No other results could
+follow than the gradual diminution and final exhaustion of all the
+wealth and the partial, if not total, extinction of the aboriginal
+races.
+
+What retribution overtook those nations is also on record. Those
+enslaved peoples were forced to accept the religion of their conquerors.
+Can true converts be made to order by constraint, motives of
+self-interest, or by baptizing them _en bloc_? What else but deepest
+aversion and mistrust could a religion inspire which is professed and
+taught by a people who practise spoliation, murder, and other
+descriptions of wickedness abhorrent even to a savage mind? The
+aborigines would daily behold their own land and possessions enjoyed by
+usurpers and "would be teachers," who subjected them besides to slavery
+and abject misery. Could the religion of such teachers ever find favour
+with their victims? How could doctrines of righteousness and love be
+understood when so glaringly violated by their preceptors?
+
+It presents a sad paradox to see that the Boers, who are in many
+respects consistently religious and even exemplary, could uphold
+principles which place coloured people out of caste, not only in regard
+to political rights but also as to the common religious standing before
+the Creator. It would be unjust to charge the Boers with actually
+barbarous practices towards the natives--what they do enforce is their
+submission to the condition of servants.
+
+The Boer people ever chafed against the restraining action of the
+British Government as to their practice of slavery, and they have not
+hesitated either to exhibit their hostility to missionary enterprise.
+The confiscation of Protestant mission sites in the Orange Free State is
+one of the instances; another was exemplified in a raid perpetrated
+about forty years ago by the Transvaal Boers upon the inoffensive
+Bechuana tribe, whose chief and many of his people had accepted the
+Christian faith through the teaching of Moffat, David Livingstone, and
+other evangelists. The pretext for that raid was a lying report that
+that Bechuana chief had bartered some 400 guns from traders to fight the
+Boers with. The Boers sent an ultimatum requiring the surrender of
+those weapons. Despite the protestation of the chief and his people that
+not more than eight guns had been bartered for hunting, which had later
+proved true, a commando was sent against them under Commandant Paul
+Krüger, now President Krüger. Many of the natives were slain, their
+villages burnt, their cattle seized, and great numbers of the tribe
+taken captive for distribution as servants among the Boer farmers in the
+Transvaal. That raid was further signalized by the total destruction of
+Moffat's mission station--church, school buildings, and industrial
+shops. These, after being looted, were all consigned to the flames, as
+also the missionary dwellings, among which was that of David
+Livingstone, with his furniture, books, and belongings. There are
+abundant records, besides that of the Bechuana nation, that barbarous
+and idolatrous peoples are amenable to Christianity without the prior
+influences of civilization or individual education, or that they should
+be subjugated first, as the Boers would have it. What indeed is of
+immense aid for moral and economic advancement is the operation of
+civilized and liberal governmental authority, repressing slavery, under
+which proprietary rights and justice are equally afforded to black and
+white, and where the Gospel might have a free course without constraint
+and without inducements of material advantages.
+
+It seemed that such conditions were on the eve of eventuating for the
+rescue and disenthralment of darkest Africa. This is what Moffat,
+Livingstone, Coillard, and many other devoted servants of the Gospel had
+prayed for all their lives, what has been and still is the burden of the
+prayers (no doubt all inspired) of millions of Christians. The interior
+is no more a blank on the map. Much is done for the suppression of
+slavery. The whole continent is parcelled out among different nations,
+who have assumed the task of civilizing their respective spheres. The
+world's energy and capital stand available for the object, and it
+appeared that many souls were being seriously aroused to the
+responsibility of obeying the charge pronounced in Ezekiel xxxiii. 1-11.
+But sinister influences have not failed in attempts to bar beneficent
+dispensations. We have seen fanaticism resulting in the fierce revolt of
+Mahdism in the north, and are now awaiting the issue of the war brought
+on by Afrikaner Bondism in the south.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 12: Another has aptly illustrated the change by comparing such
+a man's new condition to a hotel that has come under totally different
+and perfectly new management and controlling proprietorship.]
+
+
+
+
+ENGLAND'S NATIVE AND COLONIAL POLICY
+
+
+Until the earlier parts of this nineteenth century England has been
+conspicuous among other nations in tolerating slavery in some of her
+possessions, and in permitting her people to engage in systematic
+man-hunts, with the accompanying atrocities and horrors of a regular
+slave trade. Manifestations of national abhorrence and condemnation of
+that inhuman traffic and of slavery in general appeared during the first
+quarter of this century. The nation hid its shame and contrition in acts
+towards remedying its share of the evil committed. These took the shape
+of expending some twenty million pounds sterling towards the
+emancipation of slaves and various other costly measures to repress the
+trade in human beings, and in proclaiming personal freedom for all
+slaves in her dominions. The desire to do justice to coloured races was
+further exemplified in the adoption, dating some fifty years back, of a
+totally altered colonial and native policy. Up to then the practice
+with all colonizing Powers had been to utilize their foreign dominions
+as preserves for financial exploitation, involving the most crying
+injustice to aborigines. The departure then effected consisted in a
+policy of just laws instead, directed to ensure to those people
+equitable treatment and a recognition of their rights to fixed property
+and to a position before the law equal with that of white inhabitants.
+The revenues produced by the Colonies were thenceforward all to be
+devoted to the advancement of their own local prosperity. Free trade
+followed that _régime_ of liberty and equity, and, as intended, such
+Colonial dominions began to partake of the character and were
+constituted off-shoots of the mother country, with a like status of
+liberty and enjoying the benefit of British protection at the same time.
+Many were the auguries that the experiment would result in political and
+economic failure, but the good results to all concerned proved to be so
+far-reaching as to startle even its most sanguine advocates. The
+extension of privileges and rights operated upon the natives as a
+magical incentive to labour and emulation for the improvement of their
+economic condition; people who had before preferred an indolent,
+semi-nomadic existence betook themselves more to agricultural and
+sedentary habits, living in much greater comfort and steadily increasing
+in wealth.
+
+Civilization went on apace, and with it the moral improvement of the
+aborigines, paving the way as well for the spread of Christianity. All
+this was accompanied with an immense and ever-advancing expansion of
+trade with England and the recognition of British prestige as a
+successful colonizing power.
+
+Numerous other principalities courted the privilege of coming under the
+ægis of the English flag, their potentates and people readily submitting
+to the abolition of practices which were not in accord with humane and
+civilized usages and eager to share the benefits and advancement of
+civilization which were enjoyed under British rule. In not a few
+instances it was, however, not feasible to extend the protectorate so
+coveted.
+
+While other nations were engaged in wars during the past half-century,
+England had opportunities to largely expand and consolidate her Colonial
+dominions. At the same time British trade, industries and shipping
+advanced with gigantic strides, and that nation has since gained the
+foremost rank as a commercial and Colonial empire, governing over the
+choicest portions of the globe some four hundred millions of loyal and
+contented subjects, who enjoy liberty and a degree of prosperity
+unequalled elsewhere as yet, the whole being protected by a navy which
+constitutes England as champion on sea as well.
+
+All this national success and example of liberal government have had a
+salutary influence upon the rest of the world in evoking wholesome
+competition and emulation. But another and very untoward effect is that
+widespread and deep-rooted envy and jealousy have also been aroused,
+which on occasion are apt to develop into pretexts for actual hostility,
+or hostile partisanship as is now the case.
+
+What signalises the beneficent reign of Queen Victoria more than
+anything else is the peculiarly devoted manner in which that august lady
+has personally acquitted herself of her duty and responsibility in
+regard to the elevation and rehabilitation of the hitherto socially
+enslaved condition of womanhood in her Indian empire; for it is well
+known how the philosophic religions of the East have been subtly adapted
+for establishing the political and social pre-eminence of certain
+classes of a population over its majority, at the same time dooming
+womanhood generally to the lowest rank of drudges, perpetual contempt
+and ignorance, refusing them education (as had been done in the case of
+the Roman slaves)--specially despised if without a husband, and if a
+widow, immolated at last upon her husband's funeral pyre.
+
+Step by step, by means of strenuous and disinterested exertions,
+employing prestige and encouragements, by legislation and otherwise, a
+breach was effected which bids fair to break down that caste-fenced and
+chained thraldom, and to raise over a hundred millions of her humble
+subject sisters from unnatural degradation to occupy the honourable and
+responsible rank assigned by the Creator to woman as man's social help,
+meet for him, and to whom honour is due as to the weaker vessel.
+Millions of women have already found emancipation and recognition of
+their right position, to man's reciprocal joy and to the felicity of
+their families. Their sons and daughters in turn now form armies to
+complete the mission of liberty so zealously inaugurated by their
+beloved Empress, their own peculiar star of India.
+
+Maybe this and similar earnests evinced during that noble Queen's reign,
+among which the shelter afforded to the Jewish people, will come into
+remembrance in mitigation of visitations deserved by the nation for its
+previous complicity in the hideous traffic in African souls of men.
+
+It throws a light upon the credulity and simplicity of the bulk of the
+poor deluded peasant Boers when, in the face of most genial rule and
+almost an excess of liberty and privileges, Bond artifice could succeed
+in conjuring up contrary notions, and to poison them into the monstrous
+belief that they, the Boers, were an oppressed people, whose downfall
+was designed by rapacious England, and that no other remedy existed for
+preserving independence, religion and homes than to expel that wicked
+English people from African soil. This is, then, what Bond artifice
+effected in the absence of actual cause and in order to dissimulate its
+own nefarious objects. It was the work of twenty years' sedulously
+applied deception and calumnious machinations.
+
+The Hollander coterie has at last succeeded in its ardently desired
+purpose of pitting the Boer nation against England, and to bring about
+the present war. What is even more astounding is the success of those
+villainous artificers upon intelligent partisans of the Boer cause
+outside of Africa and in England even.
+
+
+
+
+OCCULT OPERATIONS AND AGENCIES
+
+
+Will it be considered the mere fancy of enthusiasts, which admits the
+thought of occult forces of a sinister kind set in array to overturn
+beneficent dispensations, that the evil one, the father of lies, has
+been active in all this marring of peace? Had that personage or evil
+principle, if this term is more acceptable, not scored with his
+malignant skill of deception 6,000 years ago, and been walking up and
+down his domain ever since, intent upon undoing redemptive provisions
+and counteracting all endeavours to ameliorate the miseries of humanity?
+His malice would seem discernible against the Boer nation, the people
+who continued in the simple faith which had been kept by their ancestors
+despite the persecutions heaped upon them in France and by the oppressor
+of Holland; he must have viewed with growing rage the designs of a
+gracious Providence surrounding that very people with the blessings of
+security and peace and accumulations of unparalleled riches, all
+construable as in compensation for the sacrifices so willingly submitted
+to by their forefathers and for their own fidelity to the faith. Would
+he tamely brook that--and not bend on all his artifices to reverse those
+provisions and to divert those rich dispensations in favour of his own
+devotees instead, or else rather cause them to be devoured by wasting
+war? He has so far succeeded in instigating the Boer nation to acts
+which involve the forfeiture of their special heirlooms. He would also
+thwart the programme of the world's nations for the civilization of
+Central Africa, and would gratify his malice against the people to whom
+is largely attributable the spread of governmental principles of equity
+and liberty. He would seek to stamp with failure those hitherto
+successful and self-rewarding methods, and so strike an effective blow
+against their further adoption as being goody-goody, weak and
+inefficient.
+
+We see civilized humanity congested with over-population, excess of
+energy and of production and suffering from a plethora of capital, the
+entire condition rife on the one hand with prodigal waste and on the
+other fraught with the cruel want of toiling and jostling millions
+vainly fighting for space and the most modest means of
+existence--conditions which presage an inevitable and universal crash
+unless checked by a Malthusian or else by a beneficent and humane
+remedy. We know the right remedy for at least staving off the impending
+universal crisis lies in the manifold opportunities of creating outlets.
+These exist to the full in the vast fallow regions of Africa, and in the
+scope for industries and commerce in Asia and elsewhere. Each
+well-devised colonizing scheme, every railway built, and every other new
+investment would afford improved employment and relieve the general
+strain; every true convert gained by the spread of Christianity would
+become an obedient and reliable unit towards the menaced stability of
+authorized Governments. We see capital impelled to vast enterprises, as
+it were by secret forces;[13] we are aware of the activity of nations
+singly and in co-operation in promoting and sustaining such projects.
+All those efforts and outlets would serve as safety-valves for the
+discontent of the ill-provided masses, and their success would render
+them governable at a lesser cost, and even admit the reduction of
+standing armies and other objects treated by the recent Peace Conference
+at the Hague. The essential thing, indeed, is peace, and that in turn
+would consolidate security and progress. But the enemy is interested
+exactly the other way. His ascendancy is coincident, not with the
+mitigation of the conditions of human existence, but in accentuating the
+misery of the masses, driving them to desperation and to embrace illogic
+and deceptive maxims of socialism and violent anarchy. It is with those
+forces that he intends to uproot and usurp divinely instituted authority
+expressly set up to repress evil and to protect person and property. He
+wants by licence and not liberty to hasten the advent of that murderous
+political power prophetically depicted with the statue standing upon
+feet of clay and iron: supreme authority vested in the world's
+proletariat in unstable and uncohesive union with militarism, Satan
+himself the actual lawless animator.[14] As to the scope for outlets in
+the East, it is more restricted to industries and commerce, but those
+enterprises, however brilliantly promising, are fraught with the risks
+incidental to hostile rivalries and political complications, while in
+Africa the openings are at least as vast and inviting immigration on a
+huge scale as well, but all with much greater security, inasmuch as the
+spheres of operation are definitely apportioned to various nations, and
+where in the nature of things the success of each would be promoted by
+joint-solidarity, and thus afford a guarantee for the peaceable and
+prosperous development of the whole continent. Our common enemy would
+fain frustrate it all with his Afrikaner Bond device, and then finally
+gloat over the accomplished ruin of his deluded Boer victims.
+
+Africa has for some thousands of years been the enemy's favourite and
+undisturbed haunt for his gory orgies, for the hecatombs of millions of
+immolated victims each year, the teeming recruiting preserve for his
+contingents.
+
+Is he likely to surrender it all to an invading beneficent operation?
+Will he not rather continue a most determined and desperate resistance
+and oppose the most advanced of his subtle devices? The malignant power
+of his agencies is ever and anon manifest--if restrained in one
+direction his sway is doubly asserted in another. While the Boer war is
+proceeding a diversion upon a large scale is being effected in Asia
+which may result in deferring progress in Africa, or history may be
+brought to repeat itself by the production of some African Attila or
+Grenseric or a Saladin or another Moselikatse or Mahdi, whose
+overrunning hordes will efface all the good work thus far done and
+restore conditions in accord with his murderous sway, whilst at the same
+time revelling over the ominous developments looming in Europe and
+America for the production of giant strikes and other imminent
+socialistic outbursts which could all be prevented, or at least staved
+off for a long time, if the existing immense spheres for civilizing
+outlets could only be peaceably utilized.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 13: One of those enterprises is the railway which is to
+connect the Cape with Cairo.]
+
+[Footnote 14: Pro-Boer Propaganda is persisting in designating England
+as answering to that prophetic image destined to signal destruction.]
+
+
+
+
+RELIGION
+
+
+The old voortrekkers who emigrated from the Cape Colony all belonged to
+the Dutch Reformed Protestant persuasion. With very little learning, the
+Bible, catechism, and the orthodox "psalm and hymn-book" constituted
+their sole means for building up their faith. The scope of their
+education was likewise limited to these simple aids during their
+chequered wanderings for nearly twenty years, proving ample, however, in
+preserving themselves and children from the tendencies of receding into
+barbarism. The Bible was the recognised reference and guide in private
+and public affairs, and it is so still. It is, indeed, notable with what
+wisdom and prudence those simple people managed to frame their treaties
+with native potentates, their conventions with the Portuguese and the
+British Governments, and, finally, in compiling their own constitutions.
+Their experiences teem with incidents of extreme sufferings, dangers,
+and reverses, and also with many signal deliverances, which all
+operated in deepening religious fervour and dependence upon the
+Almighty.
+
+Their vicissitudes led them to make analogous comparisons with ancient
+Jewish history. This practice resulted in some erroneous conceptions,
+notably in regard to their relations with aborigines and general native
+policy, as referred to in previous chapters. It also imperceptibly
+fostered sentiments confounding legality with grace, and the by-product
+of that subtle corrupting leaven which is apt to see a splint in the eye
+of another whilst unmindful of the beam in one's own.
+
+Upon the whole, the religious status of the Boers may be fairly compared
+to that of the old American pilgrim fathers, only much less intolerant,
+fairly strict sabbatarians, and jealous in maintaining national and
+individual morality. About forty years ago a small group seceded from
+the Dutch Reformed Church and formed a separate connection under the
+name of "Enkel gereformende Kerk" (simply reformed Church), more
+generally known under the sobriquet of "Doppers." This cult is identical
+with the parent Church, and differs only in a somewhat stricter church
+discipline and the rejection of the hymns from the common psalm and
+hymn-book upon the ground that many of them are tainted with dangerously
+anti-scriptural doctrine.[15] These Doppers are really very worthy
+people, but noted for their strong conservatism and adherence to old
+habits and customs, even in the matter of dress. President Krüger is one
+of their prominent members and so is General Piet Cronjé.
+
+The devotional habits of the Boers form one of their national
+characteristics. The family collect at dawn for morning worship, led by
+the parent or else by the tutor--it consists of a hymn,
+Scripture-reading, and prayer--similarly before retiring at night,
+devout grace before and after each meal. These practices are not relaxed
+when travelling with their wagons or when in the field. On Sundays an
+extra (forenoon) service is added. Strangers and travellers receiving
+hospitality are always courteously and unostentatiously admitted to
+those family devotions. One may thus meet with one or more wagons camped
+in the wilderness and find a cluster of men, women, and children
+engaged in happy devotions and singing psalms or hymns in the familiar
+old "Herrenhut" melodies, or one may come upon a scene where men just
+returned to camp, begrimed and still perspiring from a day's hunt or
+battle, join with husky voices an already assembled group in the
+customary service.
+
+Such practices of piety cannot fail to have a salutary effect upon the
+young, nor can it be with justice said that the bulk of the people are
+inconsistent in their conduct, though formality and insincerity are
+sadly frequent enough, and in late years a decadence in seriousness and
+an increase of frivolity instead have marked the present epoch,
+especially among those who are exposed to the pernicious influences and
+contaminations incidental to town life. The old Free Stater mentioned
+before expressed the expectation that the present war and trials will
+tend to check that declension, and in that way prove to have a
+compensating character for good. During my frequent travels it had been
+my privilege as a guest to make the acquaintance of numerous truly
+Christian Boer families, both well-to-do and poor. On one occasion I had
+to accept the hospitality at a farmhouse of one named Brits,[16]
+nicknamed "vuil" or dirty Brits. This was an old blind widower; his
+household was composed, besides himself, of an old brother, also a
+widower, and the family of a son-in-law. After the evening meal the
+service was led by the blind man, the daughter reading some chapters in
+the Bible indicated by him. The two old men and I occupied separate cots
+in one small side room. Happening to wake up at dawn the following
+morning, I saw those old men sit up facing each other, with their feet
+upon the floor, and begin their morning hymn of praise, after which the
+house resounded with younger voices from the other end with a similar
+song. I do not call to mind any special untidiness at that poor blind
+man's house to warrant his sobriquet; my recollections are, on the
+contrary, of the happiest, and I mentally called him clean Brits, clean
+every whit. In another part of the country I was privileged to meet with
+a family, which included a grown-up blind daughter,' who had St. John's
+Gospel in raised letters. While reading with her fingers her upturned
+face would shine with joy when repeating some of the salient, consoling,
+and sustaining verses. And how common are the records among those simple
+Boers of happy and triumphant death-bed scenes of old and young,
+softening the grief of the bereaved believers. Frivolous education and
+advanced surroundings are accountable for a certain waning of the
+original habits of serious piety; this is to some extent more the case
+among the Cape Colonial and Orange Free State Boers, the declension
+appearing greatest with those residing in or in close proximity to
+towns. Among the men of exemplary and consistent piety in the Transvaal
+are conspicuous: President Krüger, State Secretary Reitz,
+Commandant-General Joubert, General Piet Cronjé, and others holding
+highest positions, and also many of the Volksraad members, including the
+late General Kock.
+
+Upon the occasion when the Transvaal Executive, with the assembled
+Volksraads, finally determined upon war, and the momentous matter had
+been considered of handing over the passports to Mr. Greene, the British
+agent, just before signing them, President Krüger was observed occupied
+in silent prayer for a few moments, while many of the others bowed their
+heads similarly engaged, after which the documents were firmly
+completed. When the first commandoes were about to depart for the field,
+the President addressed a farewell to the burghers, assuring them that
+God's aid could confidently be implored for their just cause; he also
+quoted part of the Verse, "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall
+lose it," intending it as an exhortation for the timorous, warning them
+of the greater danger incurred by retreat or flight than when
+maintaining a manful stand. (The reader will know that the above
+quotation does not complete the verse, the rest being, "But whosoever
+shall lose his life for my sake or for the Gospel shall preserve it.")
+
+It points to the operation of most persevering and subtle agencies and
+potent illusions that could mislead and carry away the chief men and the
+most intelligent of the Boer nation so far as to engender the erroneous
+convictions which caused them to court the present war and to consider
+it just. As to the bulk of the people, they are in turn led astray by
+their leaders' example and opinions as victims of the general delusion.
+
+These convictions, together with the acceptance of Afrikaner Bond
+doctrines, have developed into quite a national infatuation, a kind of
+Boer Koran, invested with similar fanaticism. Analogies are assumed as
+existing between the case of the Israelites brought by Moses through the
+wilderness, and led by Joshua into the conquered possession of their
+promised Canaan. Following those prototypes, Paul Krüger is held as
+having guided the Boer nation thus far through the mazes of political
+troubles, and so also is General Joubert,[17] now their leader in the
+conquest, South Africa in its entirety being considered as rightfully
+belonging to them. The Orange River stands for Jordan, dividing as yet
+the possessions of the people, and the analogy only needs completion by
+a Pisgah for President Krüger. That such hallucinations have taken deep
+root appears from the fact that the wife of President Krüger dreamt of
+the accomplishment of such a typical history, and that her husband had
+died at an early stage of the conquest. Such complete faith is attached
+to the prophetic import of that dream that the President was prevailed
+upon to permit its publication in full detail some time in November
+last. The President's death was anticipated within two months after. (I
+am far from referring to those incidents in a mocking mood, but rather
+to show the intense sincerity of Boer convictions, confounding the
+Christian's exalted calling with one which is temporal; and I fancy that
+those very Boers, if equally well instructed, might sadly eclipse some
+of us who have the privilege and also the responsibility of enjoying
+correct teaching.)
+
+The writer has endeavoured to represent in a true light both the
+character of the Boer nation and its responsibility in regard to the
+origin of the present deplorable war. The reader will be able to judge
+whether that people is wilfully guilty, or whether the circumstances
+admit of generous, mitigating condonement, always considered apart from
+that horrible Hollander element which has been the root and instigating
+cause of all the evil.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 15: Some readers will recognise the significance, the
+protective competence, the keen and reliable instinct which enable
+untutored believers to discern and detect doctrinal leaven insidiously
+concealed in the garb of worship.]
+
+[Footnote 16: At Modder River, on the road between Bloemfontein and
+Kimberley.]
+
+[Footnote 17: At the time, December, 1899, when this was intended for
+publication.]
+
+
+
+
+PHYSIQUE AND HABITS
+
+
+We have noted in former pages that the Boers' ancestry some two
+centuries ago was composed of about two-thirds of sturdy Dutch peasants,
+artizans, etc., while the other third consisted mostly of French
+Huguenots.
+
+It is known that the immigrant class, though generally somewhat poor,
+are uniformly men and women endowed with an adventurous, self-reliant
+spirit and with unimpaired health. Naturally none but robust persons
+were permitted to join the Dutch settlement at the Cape of Good Hope.
+
+We see in that combination the patient, resolute quality prevailing in
+Holland and the more ardent, vivacious, and chivalrous character found
+with the French people. The Huguenot refugees belonged undisputably to
+the cream of that impulsive nation--intellectual, educated, and
+fearless--whilst both portions were pervaded with deep-rooted religious
+fervour and habituated to moral and temperate lives.
+
+Those combined qualities and habits would naturally be transmitted to
+the progeny; prosperity and splendid climatic conditions tended still
+further to develop a virile physique of first order. The moral and
+physical standards were maintained by the practice of men and women
+marrying early in life, and by occupations which required the people to
+pass most of their time in the open. Educationally, there was
+unavoidably some retrogression, but there is always plenty of scope in
+the existence of colonists in a new country for the exercise of a
+vigorous mind in the study of nature, in overcoming difficulties and in
+cultivating the faculty of resourcefulness.
+
+Whilst missing the intellectual benefits of advanced civilization, the
+people escaped the dangers of its vitiating tendencies, thus preserving
+a healthy mental calibre as well as robust physical health. In addition
+may be mentioned a very notable fecundal power, which accounts for the
+phenomenally rapid increase of the people. All those conditions have
+continued to be maintained with the successive generations up to now.
+
+Those who joined in the exodus north of the Orange River in 1835 and the
+years following comprised the most indomitable and best endowed of that
+stalwart race. Twenty years of a nomadic life after that and until they
+got somewhat settled down served to weed out the weaklings among them;
+since then their mode of life accorded well to keep up the highest
+physical standard, not pampered with many comforts, inured to hardships
+and to out-of-door exercise, with a diet consisting very largely of meat
+and venison, coupled with energetic exercise of mind and body (the women
+sharing in the less arduous duties). All this constituted a regimen and
+training which did not fail to keep the people in a constant condition
+of high efficiency and equipoise for the performance of tasks and for
+surmounting difficulties needing more than usual strength, endurance,
+and fortitude.
+
+The rough labour all over South Africa is done mostly by Kaffirs and
+other coloured people. A Boer farmer will have from two to ten or more
+Kaffirs (men and women) employed for out-of-door work and for domestic
+drudgery. Often absent from home on hunting trips and sometimes on
+commando, the men entrust their work on such occasions (as is now the
+case during the present war) to the care of their wives and daughters,
+assisted by some younger sons, if the family includes any, or else
+simply with the aid of Kaffir servants. Sometimes they are without any
+such help, when they take a pride in doing it alone.
+
+Girls as well as boys learn to ride on horseback when quite young. It is
+quite a usual thing to see women riding astride fashion, collecting
+sheep and cattle, or driving their horse carts and spiders (carriages),
+unattended by males, over distances of over twenty and thirty
+miles--women spanning in ox-teams to their travelling wagons, driving
+them with long whips on journeys occupying one or more days. During the
+Kaffir wars the Boers used to trek (travel) in bodies with their wagons,
+which would serve to form a laager or fort, their families and
+belongings being placed in the centre. During an attack the women would
+attend to the men's wants, reload their rifles, and even take a more
+active part in repelling the enemy, many of them being also crack shots.
+The above-stated efficient and hardy habits with men and women apply
+more to the people in the two Republics, and particularly so to those of
+the Transvaal, while the Colonial Boers on the whole have had no such
+experience, but instead have lived in uninterrupted peace and comfort
+for generations, and may be classed with farmers of any other
+well-governed and protected country or colony. The Boer farmers in the
+northern portions of the Cape Colony, however, approximate to those of
+the Orange Free State in hardy habits and ability to fend for themselves
+when in difficulty. But with the Transvaal Boers the training incident
+to wars, hunting, and nomadic movements has been more sustained, and
+they are thus in best form and fitness of efficiency compared with all
+the rest.
+
+In the Orange Free State nearly every man above fifty years of age has
+had the experience of the three years' Basuto war in 1865-67, and almost
+all above forty are very expert huntsmen and crack shots. Quite a good
+number have also taken part in the Transvaal war against the English in
+1880; the rest have been trained by the elder veterans, and, though not
+so well seasoned, are good horsemen, expert with the rifle, and
+competent in the field. As to the Transvaalers, the men have all had
+plenty of field practice before the previous war with England and since,
+in subduing formidable Kaffir rebellions, the last being the operations
+against the Magato chief, which terminated just before the outbreak of
+the present Anglo-Boer war.
+
+Besides this, game had continued longer in abundance in the Transvaal,
+and is still hunted with success in the northern low veldt and in the
+adjacent Portuguese territory. Added to this, the young Boers in the
+Cape Colony, Natal, Orange Free State, and Transvaal have been
+encouraged to attain proficiency in rifle practice and competence in the
+field, ostensibly for the gratification of keeping up old traditions,
+but in reality to be prepared for the struggle against England meditated
+by the Afrikaner Bond.
+
+About thirty odd years ago the Orange Free State and Transvaal were
+still swarming with all sorts of game. Venison was the staple diet.
+Lions and leopards also infested those States, but these and the game
+have been pretty well extirpated since, except in some of the lower
+parts of the Transvaal. In the earlier days ammunition was costly and
+hard to procure, and the use had to be husbanded accordingly. It became
+thus a practice never to pull a trigger unless with intense aim and the
+certainty of an effective shot. A man would go out stalking for an hour
+or so with perhaps but one or two charges, and would rarely fail in
+bringing home the kind of game wanted--either a springbock, blesbock, or
+wildebeest (gnu). In hunting lions, the lads would form part of the
+company for the purpose of being taught. The boys would learn that if a
+lion meant to attack he would approach to within twenty or thirty
+yards, and then straighten himself up before making the final charge. It
+was during that short halt that the disabling or killing shot would have
+to be delivered. Father and son would then be standing ready--the son to
+fire first; if unsuccessful, the animal would be brought down by the
+father. If there were a larger party and the lions numerous, the lessons
+would be learnt so much better by way of emulation. The boys soon
+realized that a lion, means business only when he advances silently and
+with smoothed gait, but that bristling up and roaring is a sure prelude
+to his skulking off. What we read of the terror-inspiring roar is to the
+Boer stripling pure romance and non-sense; but what he does realize is
+that he must hit the animal in a vital spot at the right moment or else
+run the risk of being clawed and bitten. The confidence, however, which
+he has in his gun gives him all the requisite nerve, and mishaps are of
+very rare occurrence. Those lion hunts used to be very profitable, not
+only for the valuable skins, but especially when a number of young cubs
+were also caught, which would realize considerably high prices from
+menagerie purveyors.
+
+At the age of about eight years a boy would be taught to ride on
+horseback; when twelve years old he would be an expert horseman and a
+deadly rifle shot as well; at sixteen he would be able to perform all
+farm duties and rank with pride and confidence as an efficient burgher
+to take the field against any enemy. His brain is not addled with school
+lore, but is thoroughly versed and taught from nature's book. Hardened
+to the fatigue of long rides over unfamiliar country in search of stray
+cattle, the Boer youth has often to subsist upon a bit of dried biltong
+(junked beef or venison), endure at intervals scorching heat and
+drenching rains, swim rivers, and pass the night with a stone for a
+pillow and his saddle as the only shelter, while his horse, securely
+hobbled, feeds upon the grass around. Never will he lose his way; if
+landmarks fail him and clouds hide moon and stars, he is guided by wind,
+the run of water or his horse's instincts. Accustomed to wide horizons,
+he can promptly distinguish objects at a distance, which, to an
+ordinarily good eyesight, would need careful scanning through a
+field-glass.
+
+He is expert in finding and following any trail, and can promptly tell
+the imprint from whatever animal it might be, or of whatever human
+origin; an ideal scout and unsurpassed as a pioneer. When travelling
+over roadless country the Boer's instinct will direct him in tracing
+the most practicable route for his wagons, and with his experience he
+can foretell what kind of topography he will in succession have to
+traverse, avoiding unnegotiable spots and unnecessary detours, and when
+about to halt, a surveying gaze will locate the safest and most suitable
+position for his temporary camp. Such capacities serve with obvious
+advantage in defensive and offensive war tactics. Prompt in seizing an
+advantage and in avoiding danger, he has also learnt to be an adept in
+ruses to decoy and mislead an enemy, and as for self-help and
+resourcefulness, there is hardly a situation or difficulty conceivable
+which will not be successfully surmounted. The usual Boer can also fend
+for himself and cope with the minor perplexities of every-day life in
+the field, which would strand a less initiated man. He can cook, bake
+bread, mend clothes, make boots, repair saddles, harness, and vehicles,
+and is full of expedients and able to make shift. Most of them know how
+to shoe their horses, whilst many of them are expert also in working
+wood and metals and similar handicrafts. In short, the Boers make ideal
+scouts and are unique as colonizing pioneers. In their nomadic
+wanderings and frequent wars, the Boers have gained much useful
+experience in tactics, strategy, and in the wiles of diplomacy too.
+They also learnt to adopt methods of organization, of cohesion, combined
+action, and a certain amount of discipline among themselves.
+
+They elect as subordinate and chief leaders men whose abilities and
+influence have commended them for such responsible appointments. Before
+committing themselves to any very important step these leaders would
+first confer with the people, who in turn would generally be easily
+swayed to their opinions, and who found by experience that it was safest
+to follow their judgment. It thus also became a habit to leave the main
+thinking over to those leaders, which enhanced unanimity and led to a
+self-imposed obedience and discipline recognised as necessary for the
+common welfare and also indispensable for common safety.
+
+So prevalent had the practice become of deferring to the opinions of
+their leaders that it engendered an apathy among the people against
+considering political and public matters which were not altogether of
+engrossing importance. Public meetings would be poorly attended, and at
+elections not half the votes were recorded. "Let the elected heads see
+to it; they are paid for doing the controlling and thinking work"--that
+used to be the general feeling. But during the past twenty years public
+interest has by degrees been successfully aroused by the activities of
+the Afrikaner Bond; the former apathy and distaste to the consideration
+of public concerns have given place to a more lively identification even
+with politics, but the tendency of being swayed by men of influence of
+their own kind remains unchanged.
+
+The Boers are great smokers--tobacco appears to have no hurtful effects
+whatever upon them, but seems rather to serve as a grateful sedative.
+The first thing offered on meeting a Boer is his tobacco pouch, and if
+one is a guest at his house, this is followed by one or more cups of
+coffee. This is drunk by men and women in large quantities, often
+without sugar, but very weak. The people are justly famed for cordial
+hospitality to strangers, and the pleasing tact and unostentatious
+correct politeness met with from the most ordinary and uneducated Boer
+are only accountable for on the theory that that particular culture of
+manners has been transmitted from his noble French ancestry of a couple
+of hundred years ago.
+
+In stature the men near the average of six feet (say five feet ten
+inches)--full-bearded, brawny-limbed, and of stalwart build, suggesting
+a homeric capacity for aggression and resistance. They present a
+standard of sturdy and active manhood, which would have delighted the
+critical eye of Frederick the Great for the formation of his very best
+regiments. What is really singular is the infinitesimally small
+proportion of ineffective and sickly men found left behind when all the
+commandoes are called out, and also the considerable number of hale old
+men above sixty who voluntarily join the field. And when the hardy
+training and general high efficiency are considered down to the youth of
+sixteen, one may estimate the formidableness of such a foe, all well
+mounted on tough and nimble horses, well provisioned and provided with
+the best weapons extant, guided by very competent chiefs and European
+advisers--withal self-reliant and conscious of a superior aggressive and
+defensive capability for repeating their splendid ancestral records of
+prowess. Add to this inbred patriotism stimulated to an enthusiasm
+approaching fanaticism by a mind fashioned to the belief that their war
+is against an unjust usurper destined to be overthrown; it all sums up a
+long way towards balancing numerical inferiority and inexperience in the
+science of modern warfare. As to military science, they are apt to
+become quickly tutored into proficiency by daily observation and
+experience, and by the coaching of the numerous military officers who
+have joined their ranks.
+
+Another advantage upon the Boer side consists in complete
+acclimatization and perfect knowledge of the country. Lastly, but by no
+means less important, is the rational practice of always going as light
+and unencumbered as at all possible, preferably with stripped saddle,
+and to subsist mostly upon meat when in the field, both serving to
+enhance staying power and to provide a reserve of stamina and of energy
+for occasions of supreme effort, which often decide the fate of battle
+against combatants, however courageous, who are fagged out with marching
+on foot, and through being overladen with accoutrements and pack and a
+lumbersome diet as well. What can such panting, unsteadied men do in
+conflict with Boers who are fresh and in well-preserved form, and whose
+steady sharp-shooting simply results in Calvaries for their opponents,
+however brave, disciplined and well equipped they may be?
+
+Yet to be noted is the small commissariat needed for Boer horses and
+mules. These are accustomed to subsist altogether on grass, and when it
+is plentiful, during summer and fall, to keep in good condition, working
+six to ten hours daily, if only allowed to graze during the rest of the
+time. They are then usually knee-haltered, _i.e._, one foreleg tied to
+the halter, with about eighteen inches space between. A few feeds of dry
+mealies (maize) will be amply supplementary when the pasture is
+inferior, or if the animals have to be picketed much.
+
+As said before, alcoholism does not prevail among the Boers, and any
+tendency to it is sedulously checked by legislation and public
+reprobation. President Krüger is an absolute abstainer from intoxicants,
+and even at banquets he will sip water only when joining in a toast. His
+contention is that the effects generally go beyond a harmlessly
+exhilarating point; the action of alcohol unbalances the nervous
+equilibrium, producing in most cases an excitement above the normal
+level, followed by a corresponding depressive reaction below it,
+creating an appetite for repeating the potation, with exactly similar
+and progressively aggravated results. Then man's moral standard and
+general efficiency and dignity become impaired, to the serious damage of
+his own welfare and involving the common weal as well. When at the
+outbreak of the war the sale of intoxicants became totally prohibited
+the measure was received with willing submission and hailed with general
+approval, which speaks volumes for the burgher population and without
+doubt also tends to preserve their efficiency and stamina.
+
+
+
+
+PRESIDENT KRÜGER
+
+
+Stephanus Johannes Paulus Krüger is about the most accessible President
+on record. Every morning--except Sundays and holidays, after family
+worship, that is to say, from 5.30 in summer and 6 in winter to 8
+o'clock--he gives audience to Boer and Uitlander, rich or poor alike,
+and also on each afternoon, from 4 to 6 and even later. His residence in
+the west end of Church Street, Pretoria, is quite an ordinary modest
+building of the bungalow type. The only distinction observable is two
+crouching lion figures, life size, on pedestals about three feet high,
+at the balustrade entrance to the front verandah. A lawn of about thirty
+feet across extends to the street limit, where at a very unpretentious
+gate two armed burgher guards are constantly stationed. These will
+receive an intending visitor's name, an unarmed domestic guard will then
+come forward, who, after a short scrutiny, if the person is a stranger,
+will report to the President and will immediately return to conduct you
+to that dignitary, who may be sitting under the front verandah or in the
+adjoining reception-room. There the President will readily shake hands
+and point to a chair, rather near by because he is slightly hard of
+hearing, the domestic guard standing or sitting between, but a good way
+back. By his questions and final remarks one feels assured that the
+topic introduced has been attentively listened to and fully grasped.
+While conversing, other audience-seekers would drop in, and, while
+waiting their turn, coffee would usually be served to all. The manners
+observed are devoid of any stiffness of etiquette, but rather marked
+with a cordial decorum approaching intimacy, most assuring to the
+simplest and humblest visitor.
+
+The only leisure the President enjoys is the interval from 12 to 2,
+between his official labours at the Government buildings, which are
+about half a mile distant from his house. He drives there and back in a
+modest carriage attended by a guard of mounted policemen. His Honour is
+invariably dressed in black cloth, with the usual tall silk hat. Six
+feet high, with a slight stoop, broad shouldered, deep-chested, with
+well-developed limbs, arms rather long, the President presents a
+stately, burly figure, portly without obesity. When younger he was
+noted, as something like a Ulysses, for personal strength and prowess as
+well as for sagacity. Although seventy-five years old now, Mr. Krüger
+has still a remarkably hale bearing and an intellect of undiminished
+quality. His eyesight, however, has been suffering of late, rendering
+the attendance of an oculist necessary. His Honour is in his fifth term
+of presidency, and has held the office twenty-two years. His salary is
+£8,000 per annum, of which he probably does not expend £1,000, his
+habits being exceedingly simple and frugal, Mrs. Krüger being equally
+conservative and thrifty, preferring rather to expend money for her
+children and in unostentatious benevolence than in superfluities.
+
+President Krüger is an exemplary Christian, an earnest student of the
+Bible since his youth, ever ready to employ his gifts to strengthen the
+faith of his people and to maintain their religious standard. He often
+occupies the pulpit, and on other occasions gives exhorting discourses.
+Upon the completion of the imposing Johannesburg synagogue his Honour
+was requested to preside at its dedication. It was an impressive
+function, and withal so anomalous and unrabbinical a departure--the head
+of the State, a devout Christian, opening the edifice for Jewish
+worship and addressing a discourse to the thousands of assembled
+Israelites. In his zeal and concern Mr. Krüger could not refrain from
+adverting to their blessed Messiah, the God-man of Jewish stock,
+rejected through ignorance by their forefathers, exalted since, but who
+loved His people nevertheless, as typified by Joseph's narrative when he
+revealed himself to his brethren in Egypt. He adjured them to a
+prayerful reading of their Old Testament, and he invoked God's mercy to
+remove the veil which obscured from their eyes their own and also the
+Gentiles' glorious Immanuel. The ceremony was concluded with perfect
+decorum, despite the surprise that the address had drifted into an
+impassioned Gospel sermon.
+
+This grand old Boer is the very personification of noble patriotism and
+devoted concern for the welfare of his nation. While admiring and loving
+the man, what sorrow on the one side and indignant execration on the
+other do not overwhelm one, seeing that such a pattern and leader of men
+should have become the victim of that heartless Hollander coterie! One
+cannot but marvel at the same time at the alert skill and wily patience
+which must have been employed during the many years past to hold
+President Krüger with State Secretary Keitz and President Steyn in the
+Afrikaner Bond leash ready to let loose with unshaken convictions upon
+the supreme contest designed for them and their people by the
+machinations intended for upraising Holland at the risk of immolating
+the victimized Boer nation.
+
+
+
+
+PEACE ADJUSTMENTS
+
+
+Upon this topic a few remarks may be placed under the assumption that
+the arch enemy's triumph in the present war will be circumscribed by the
+havoc and the bereavements created by it, and by the forfeiture
+inflicted upon the poor deluded Boers of their special heirlooms. One of
+the considerations would be the war cost and its recoupment, and another
+important one is the measures needful to prevent a repetition of a Bond
+revolt.
+
+As to the war indemnity: it is well understood on all hands that the
+supremacy of Great Britain, when once established as the result of the
+war, will greatly enhance the value of all existing capital
+investments--10 to 50 per cent., and many even 100 per cent. It is not
+to be denied that capitalism has evinced decided eagerness that English
+supremacy should be asserted, and it is in a manner amenable together
+with the Afrikaner Bond, for secretly striving to bring about the
+contest each independently in its own way, but without the least concert
+with each other. It appears therefore equitable that capital should
+become contributable to the cost of the war which will eventually result
+in so largely enhancing its invested values.
+
+A tax of 2-1/2 per cent. upon the aggregate investment values and a
+royalty upon the mining industries of 25 per cent. of the net profits
+would appear reasonable.
+
+The 2-1/2 per cent. tax might bring a sum of ....... 15 millions
+
+The royalty could be reckoned at capitalized
+  value ............................................ 50     "
+
+The confiscations might reach ...................... 10     "
+
+And the underground rights around the Johannesburg
+  mines might realize .............................. 50     "
+
+Thus together 125 millions, possibly not sufficient to cover the entire
+war cost if pensions are to be included. It is a sad reflection to note
+that the entire wealth which constituted the national heirloom of the
+Transvaal will have been wasted, and comes far short to cover the actual
+war expenditure. In regard to preventive measures against another Bond
+war, nothing appears clearer than the necessity of applying the _lex
+talionis_ upon the Hollander element in South Africa (though not in that
+inhuman fashion as was practised upon the English refugees before and at
+the commencement of the war).
+
+Whilst not so guilty to the same extent of enormity as the coterie in
+Holland, who devised all the Bond mischief at a safe distance, the
+Hollanders in South Africa were nevertheless their eager abettors and
+sedulous henchmen. It will be remembered that the Bond cry had been
+"Drive the English into the sea, out of Africa," and that the first
+earnest in carrying out that fiat was practised some months before the
+outbreak of the war upon the unaggressive coloured British subjects,
+traders, merchants, etc., whose removal from their residences and
+businesses to ghettos outside the towns practically compassed their ruin
+and expulsion from the Transvaal. This was followed, first by a
+voluntary and afterwards by the forced exodus of Uitlanders at the rate
+of thousands per day--men, women, and children packed in uncleansed coal
+and cattle trucks, together with Coolies, Kaffirs, and Hottentots, and
+hustled over the Portuguese border, dumped down at that death-trap
+Komati Poort if unable to pay the railway fare for fifty-three miles
+further to Delagoa Bay. Those refugees were obliged to abandon or
+sacrifice their belongings--they had no time allowed to realize them; it
+meant their financial ruin.
+
+That Hollander element comprises the most insidious menace, and, like a
+cancer, must be unsparingly excised from South Africa, unless
+encouragement is intended to be given for an attempt to go one better
+next time, with a repetition, or rather an aggravation, of the horrors
+of war and the cost in life and treasure, turning the sub-continent into
+a second vast Algeria, with perhaps such another "Abd El Kadr" to
+subdue, and without any reserve asset, as now, to fall back upon towards
+reimbursing the expense. Their expulsion should, however, not be
+effected without giving some fair notice affording them time for the
+realization of their estates. As to the Dutch language, it will not
+entail any excessive hardship if it is equally banished as an official
+language, seeing that English is on the whole not more unfamiliar to the
+bulk of the Boer people than pure High Dutch is, and seeing that the
+dual right was accorded to Dutch as an official language under this
+almost inconceivable feature, that it admittedly had yet to be learnt to
+become of any practical use or utility other than as an instrument for
+keeping the races apart and to facilitate the Bond objects of usurpation
+and revolt.
+
+
+FINIS
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed
+(2nd ed.), by C. H. Thomas
+
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed (2nd
+ed.), by C. H. Thomas
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed (2nd ed.)
+       The Conspiracy of the 19th Century Unmasked
+
+Author: C. H. Thomas
+
+Release Date: February 18, 2005 [EBook #15106]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIGIN OF THE ANGLO-BOER WAR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Garrett Alley, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
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+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<h1><a name="Page_-6" id="Page_-6" /><a name="Page_-5" id="Page_-5" />ORIGIN OF THE ANGLO-BOER WAR REVEALED</h1>
+
+<h3>The Conspiracy of the 19th Century Unmasked</h3>
+
+<h2>By C.H. THOMAS</h2>
+
+<p class="center">of Belfast Transvaal formerly Orange Free State Burgher</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><br /><br />SECOND EDITION</p>
+
+<p class="center">LONDON: HODDER AND STOUGHTON</p>
+
+<p class="center">27 PATERNOSTER ROW MCM</p>
+
+<p class="center"><a name="Page_-4" id="Page_-4" /><i>Butler &amp; Tanner The Selwood Printing Works Frome and London</i>
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="Page_-3" id="Page_-3" />NOTICE</h2>
+
+
+<p>The present book had been intended for publication in South Africa
+before the end of 1899, with the object of laying bare the wicked and
+delusive aims of the Afrikaner Bond combination, to which the Anglo-Boer
+war alone is attributable, and to counteract its disastrous influences
+so far as then still possible. But until quite lately circumstances had
+conspired so as to prevent the writer from leaving the Transvaal, and
+when he at last obtained the required passport to Louren&ccedil;o Marques he
+was there denied a permit to visit a colonial port. He therefore sailed
+for London in order to publish this book without more loss of time.
+Though too late to serve as a deterrent, the contents may be effective
+towards showing up the really guilty parties&mdash;the instigators and
+seducers of the deluded Boer nation, and so pave and widen the avenue of
+peace and of conciliation between Boer and Briton who were duped and
+victimized alike.</p>
+
+<p>The exposure of the actual culprits and originators should also operate
+favourably, and in miti<a name="Page_-2" id="Page_-2" />gation in behalf of the much less guilty Boers,
+so as to dispose the victors to the exercise of magnanimous
+consideration. In exposing the villainy of the Dutch coterie in Holland,
+the writer is far from impugning the honourable character of that
+nation, the better part of whom, when once undeceived, will be the first
+to reprobate and disown those arch-plotters who sacrificed the peace of
+South Africa for personal and national advantage.</p>
+
+<p>Some other information regarding the Boers and South Africa will be
+found interspersed in this study, which will be found of use to the
+uninitiated and to intending emigrants to that sub-continent. As the
+reader proceeds with the examination of this book it will suggest
+comparisons and even analogies which may commend themselves as
+singularly apposite and instructive in relation with the study of the
+presently budding Eastern question.</p>
+
+<p>C.H. THOMAS</p>
+
+
+<p>NOTE TO SECOND EDITION</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The issue of a Second Edition has afforded an opportunity to
+     correct a few linguistic blemishes, but the work has only been
+     very slightly revised.</p></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS" /><a name="Page_-1" id="Page_-1" />CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="5">
+<tr><td><br /></td><td>Page</td></tr>
+ <tr><td><a href="#Page_-3"><b>NOTICE</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_-3">v</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#CONTENTS"><b>CONTENTS</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_-1">vii</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#INTRODUCTION"><b>INTRODUCTION</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#CURSORY_HISTORY_OF_THE_BOER_NATION"><b>CURSORY HISTORY OF THE BOER NATION</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#PROSPERITY_OF_BOERS_AND_POLITICAL_RELATIONS_WITH_ENGLAND_UP_TO_1881"><b>PROSPERITY OF BOERS AND POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND<br />UP TO 1881</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#TRANSVAAL_HISTORY_SUZERAINTY"><b>TRANSVAAL HISTORY&mdash;SUZERAINTY</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#TRANSVAAL_HISTORY_TREATMENT_OF_UITLANDERSmdashFRANCHISE"><b>TREATMENT OF UITLANDERS&mdash;FRANCHISE</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#MONSTER_PETITION_JAMESON_INCURSIONmdashARMAMENTS"><b>MONSTER PETITION&mdash;JAMESON INCURSION&mdash;ARMAMENTS</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#BLOEMFONTEIN_FRANCHISE_CONFERENCE_BOER_ULTIMATUM"><b>BLOEMFONTEIN FRANCHISE CONFERENCE&mdash;BOER ULTIMATUM</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#BOER_LANGUAGE"><b>BOER LANGUAGE</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#THE_DUTCH_COTERIE_ITS_SEAT_IN_HOLLAND"><b>THE DUTCH COTERIE: ITS SEAT IN HOLLAND</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#AFRIKANER_BOND_OUTLINES_AND_PROGRAMME"><b>AFRIKANER BOND&mdash;OUTLINES AND PROGRAMME</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#PACIFIC_POLICY_OF_GREAT_BRITAIN"><b>PACIFIC POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#BOND_PRESS_PROPAGANDA_SECRET_SERVICEmdashTRADE_RIVALRIES"><b>BOND PRESS PROPAGANDA&mdash;SECRET SERVICE&mdash;TRADE RIVALRIES</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#DISLOYALTY_OF_COLONIAL_BOERS"><b>DISLOYALTY OF COLONIAL BOERS</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#PORTUGUESE_TERRITORY_TRANSVAAL_LOW_VELDTmdashMALARIAmdashHORSE_SICKNESS"><b>PORTUGUESE TERRITORY&mdash;TRANSVAAL LOW VELDT&mdash;MALARIA&mdash;HORSE<br />SICKNESS</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#CLIMATE_AND_TOPOGRAPHY"><b>CLIMATE AND TOPOGRAPHY</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#BOER_PREPAREDNESS_FOR_WAR"><b>BOER PREPAREDNESS FOR WAR</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#ALLIANCE_OF_ORANGE_FREE_STATE_WITH_TRANSVAAL_SUZERAINTY"><b>ALLIANCE OF ORANGE FREE STATE WITH TRANSVAAL&mdash;SUZERAINTY</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#THE_TRANSVAAL_DYNAMITE_AND_EXPLOSIVES_MONOPOLY"><b>THE TRANSVAAL DYNAMITE AND EXPLOSIVES MONOPOLY</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#BOND_FIGHTING_STRENGTH_IN_BEGINNING_OF_1899"><b>BOND FIGHTING STRENGTH IN BEGINNING OF 1899</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#BOER_CONSERVATISM"><b>BOER CONSERVATISM</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#AN_OLD_FREE_STATERS_ADMONITION"><b>AN OLD FREE STATER'S ADMONITION</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#MODUS_VIVENDI_SUGGESTED_BY_OLD_FREE_STATER"><b>MODUS VIVENDI SUGGESTED BY OLD FREE STATER</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#MR_CHAMBERLAINS_POLICY_TO_AVERT_WAR"><b>MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY TO AVERT WAR</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#AFRIKANER_BOND_GUILT_IN_GRADATIONS"><b>AFRIKANER BOND GUILT IN GRADATIONS</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#RESUME"><b>R&Eacute;SUM&Eacute;</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#THE_BOERS_NATIVE_POLICY"><b>THE BOERS' NATIVE POLICY</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_166">167</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#ENGLANDS_NATIVE_AND_COLONIAL_POLICY"><b>ENGLAND'S NATIVE AND COLONIAL POLICY</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#OCCULT_OPERATIONS_AND_AGENCIES"><b>OCCULT OPERATIONS AND AGENCIES</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_178">178</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#RELIGION"><b>RELIGION</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#PHYSIQUE_AND_HABITS"><b>PHYSIQUE AND HABITS</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#PRESIDENT_KRUGER"><b>PRESIDENT KR&Uuml;GER</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td> <a href="#PEACE_ADJUSTMENTS"><b>PEACE ADJUSTMENTS</b></a></td><td><a href="#Page_212">212</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION" /><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1" />INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+
+<p>Apart from the progress of the present Anglo-Boer war a world-wide
+interest has been excited also upon the question of its actual origin.
+Much disparity of opinion prevails yet as to how it was provoked and
+upon which side the guilt of it all lay.</p>
+
+<p>English statesmen of noblest character and best discriminating gifts are
+seen professing opposite convictions; one party earnestly asserting the
+complete blamelessness of their Government, whilst the other, with
+equally sincere assurance, denounces the responsible Ministry for having
+provoked a most unjust war against a totally inoffensive people, whose
+only fault consisted in asserting its love of freedom, and for thus
+plunging the entire British nation into blackest guilt deserving
+universal reprobation, a blot and stigma upon Her Majesty's reign.</p>
+
+<p>In following the course of the arguments which <a name="Page_2" id="Page_2" />have led to those
+opposing verdicts, one is impressed with the paucity and the clashing
+character of the information adduced. The marked reticence on the part
+of the British Cabinet in regard to its diplomatic proceedings tends
+further to mystify the inquirer, and leaves the bulk of the British
+nation in a painful state of suspense without conclusive data for
+judging whether the war is really justifiable or not.</p>
+
+<p>Nor do the various pamphlets and Press articles furnish sufficient light
+for exploring the maze and producing an approximate unanimity of
+conviction.</p>
+
+<p>It is hoped that the succeeding pages will be found to supplement the
+material so essential for diagnosing those grave questions with some
+degree of certainty, and to locate the guilt more precisely.</p>
+
+<p>Since my youth I have passed nearly forty years in uninterrupted and
+intimate intercourse with all classes of Boers, resulting in a sincere
+attachment to that people, with no small appreciation of its many good
+traits and character. Besides making myself familiar with the earlier
+portion of that nation's history, I have had leisure and opportunities
+to closely follow up its later interesting phases up to the present
+moment. These presented a more perplexing aspect during the last decade,
+<a name="Page_3" id="Page_3" />adding a zest to my endeavours for unravelling them, and happening to
+be a good deal in the know I felt that I might not remain quiet.</p>
+
+<p>Being anything but anti-Boer, nor an Englishman, but a foreigner, born
+of continental parents and brought up in Europe, these facts should
+exempt me from a supposition of bias in exonerating England. It is with
+real grief that I must record my convictions against the Boer nation as
+solely and entirely guilty, but with this qualification, that its
+responsibility is much attenuated by the fact, as I will endeavour to
+show, that the bulk of that people has been unconsciously decoyed as
+tools of a gigantic intrigue, a conspiracy which was originated some
+thirty years ago by an infamous Hollander coterie, and operated since by
+its product and engine, the now well-known &quot;Afrikaner Bond Association,&quot;
+with its significant motto of &quot;Afrika voor Afrikaners&quot;<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1" /><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>&mdash;its object
+being no less than the eviction of all that is English from South
+Africa, and to substitute a federation of all South African States into
+one free and independent Republic, the affiliation to be with Holland
+instead, and Dutch the common and official language, other nations, in
+return for afforded aid, to partici<a name="Page_4" id="Page_4" />pate in the trade and other
+advantages wrested from England.</p>
+
+<p>I only regret that my ability falls so much short for the task of
+demonstrating all this in an approved style&mdash;for doing justice to the
+subject. Its investigation embraces a wider range of details to serve as
+evidence than may, upon first thought, be held as relevant; but I
+believe that a willing study will show their connection as serviceable
+for arriving at an independent and unhesitating verdict.</p>
+
+<p>A very strong and convincing case is indeed needed for remodelling
+opinions where there is preconceived Boer partisanship, and where party
+spirit or else foreign jealousy have already warped judgment and
+established bias.</p>
+
+<p>It would be no small relief to every honest-minded person, especially in
+England, to be clear upon the subject that England is free of
+guilt&mdash;equally so to the soldier who is called upon to fight her
+battles. But other objects of no less importance are in view, viz., to
+open the eyes of the misguided Boer people to the wicked artifices by
+which it has been seduced from friendly relations with England into an
+unjustifiable war, to deter the still wavering portion from joining the
+ranks of sedition, and, lastly, the grounds for palliation being
+recognised, <a name="Page_5" id="Page_5" />to pave the way to an early termination of the war by
+adjustments which could restore mutual goodwill and respect between the
+contending parties, and so bring about a speedy return of South African
+prosperity and progress.</p>
+
+<p>The writer is fully prepared to give data and names of the incidents
+adduced in this paper in support of their authenticity.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1" /><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Africa for white African citizens.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CURSORY_HISTORY_OF_THE_BOER_NATION" id="CURSORY_HISTORY_OF_THE_BOER_NATION" /><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6" />CURSORY HISTORY OF THE BOER NATION</h2>
+
+<p>The two principal elements of the Boer nation were the settlers of the
+Dutch trading company at the Cape of Good Hope, sturdy farmers and
+tradesmen belonging to the proletarian class of Holland, and a
+subsequent contingent of French Huguenot refugees and their families who
+joined as colonists soon after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. I
+mention below the names still existing which form a large proportion of
+the present Boer nation of Huguenot descent:&mdash;</p>
+
+<pre>
+Billion     Blignaut  Bisseux   Delporte<br />
+Du prez     Du Toit   De la Bey Durand<br />
+Davel       De Langue Duvenage  Fourie<br />
+Fouch&eacute;      Grove     Hugo      Jourdan<br />
+Lombard     Le Roux   Roux      Lagrange<br />
+Labuscaque  Mar&eacute;      Marais    Malan<br />
+Malraison   Maynard   Malherbe  De Meillon<br />
+De Marillac Matth&eacute;e   Naud&eacute;     Nortier<br />
+Rousseau    Taillard  Theron    Terblanche<br />
+De Villiers Fortier   Lindeque  Vervier<br />
+Vercueil    Basson    Pinard    Duvenage<br />
+Celliers    de Clercq Leclercq  Devinare<br />
+</pre>
+
+<p><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7" />Men of the best French stock, noted for honour, energy and
+perseverance, rather than recant their Protestant faith, abandoned
+seigneurial homes, high positions and lucrative callings to carve out
+fresh careers, and even to become humble farmers wherever they found
+asylums and tolerance, men who became very valuable accessions to the
+nations who received them and a correspondingly significant loss to
+France. To those two main elements were added sparse accessions from
+other nations at later intervals, and also a strain of aboriginal blood,
+of which a more or less faint tinge is still discernible in some
+families, an admixture which many deplore and others consider as most
+serviceable, supplying a subtle piquancy for perfecting the general
+stock.</p>
+
+<p>The early Cape Governors aimed at the prompt assimilation of those
+French people with their own colonists&mdash;to make Dutchmen of them. Among
+other drastic enactments to enforce that object, no other language but
+Dutch was permitted to be used in public of pain of corporal punishment.
+Not a few noble Frenchmen were subjected to that indignity for
+inadvertent breaches of that draconian law, but, as conscientious
+observers of biblical commands which enjoin subjection to all
+governmental rule, they willingly submitted and obeyed. Inter<a name="Page_8" id="Page_8" />marriages
+with their Dutch fellow-colonists further promoted assimilation into one
+cohesive community. At the same time the Huguenot faith was transmitted
+to their descendants, and had a marked influence in sustaining common
+religious fervour and consistency. They did not look for a reward or
+compensation for the sacrifices endured, for the sake of faith, by those
+refugees, though a gracious providence, as the sequel showed, held in
+store a most ample restitution&mdash;magnificent heirlooms for their later
+descendants, heirlooms which are now unhappily staked in this present
+war.</p>
+
+<p>In 1814 a payment of six millions sterling received by the Prince of
+Orange closed the transfer of the Dutch Cape settlement to Great
+Britain. Immigration of English settlers followed and the area of the
+colony soon largely extended. As under the Dutch <i>r&eacute;gime</i>, the practice
+of slavery had continued until its abolition in 1833 by the ransom
+payable by the English Government to the owners of slaves. The Boer
+colonists deeply resented that act, and especially the next to
+impracticable condition which provided that payments could only be
+received in England instead of on the spot. Many were cheated of all
+their emancipation money by their appointed proxies or agents, or else
+<a name="Page_9" id="Page_9" />had to submit to exorbitant charges and commissions; a great number
+voluntarily renounced all in disgust.</p>
+
+<p>By that time the existence had become known of promising tracts of
+country lying north of the Orange River beyond the confines of the
+British colonies, and a large number of Boers combined with the
+intention of establishing an independent community northwards free from
+British restraint.</p>
+
+<p>The British authorities appeared at that time not to fully realize that
+that movement was rife with future dangers and complications to their
+own colonial interests, that it meant the creation of a nucleus of a
+people openly averse to the English, and who would independently carry
+out practices in near proximity, especially in dealing with aborigines,
+which would seriously compromise them and become a standing menace
+against peaceful expansion and civilization.</p>
+
+<p>It was, on the other hand, anticipated that the movement could only end
+in disaster, the people being too few to make a successful stand against
+the numerous hostile Kaffir tribes. The Government, therefore, refrained
+from preventive measures, and confined its efforts to discouraging the
+emigration and to reconcile the malcontents. Those efforts, <a name="Page_10" id="Page_10" />however,
+proved fruitless; the people held to their project with resolute
+fearlessness and self-confidence, and were even content to sacrifice
+their farms and homesteads, their sale being in some cases forbidden by
+special enactment.</p>
+
+<p>The terms of &quot;Boer&quot; and &quot;Boer nation&quot; do not convey or mean anything
+disparaging, rather the contrary. Boer simply means farmer, as a rule
+the proprietor of a farm of about 3,000 to 10,000 acres, who combines
+stock-breeding with a variety of other farming enterprises as well,
+according to the soil and locality. As a national designation, the term
+&quot;Boer&quot; conveys the distinction from the recently arrived Dutchman, who
+is called &quot;Hollander.&quot; Hollanders, again, delight of late to claim the
+Boer nation as their kith and kin, but prefer to ignore the existence of
+the French Huguenot factor.</p>
+
+<p>The great &quot;trek,&quot; with families and movables, as the emigration movement
+is called, occurred in 1836; some families started even before, and
+other contingents followed shortly afterwards. After many vicissitudes
+and nearly twenty years of wanderings, and a nomadic life attended with
+untold hardships and dangers, intermittent conflicts with native tribes,
+and at times also contests with British forces, they were eventually
+permitted, under treaty <a name="Page_11" id="Page_11" />with England, to settle down and to constitute
+the independent Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics. That was in
+1854 and 1852 respectively.</p>
+
+<p>But, until then, progress in the British colonies and peaceful relations
+with the several Kaffir nations had at times been sadly impeded by the
+aggressive native policy pursued by the Boers after the pattern adopted
+from the previous Dutch <i>r&eacute;gime</i>, which admitted of slavery, whilst
+English law had abolished and forbade that practice as contrary to a
+soundly moral method of civilizing natives and inimical to prosperous
+and peaceable colonial progress. Broils and wars between Boers and
+Kaffirs had been almost incessant, and intervals of peace only proved
+their mutually latent hostility. Besides being occasionally engaged in
+unavoidable wars with neighbouring tribes themselves, it became
+frequently incumbent upon the British military authorities to intervene
+in conflicts induced by the Boers, alternately protecting them against
+natives and natives against the Boers, and all that at the unnecessary
+expenditure of much blood and treasure.</p>
+
+<p>The Boer occupation of Natal was found to be wholly prejudicial to
+British interests on aforesaid accounts, and was, besides, contrary to
+the express <a name="Page_12" id="Page_12" />declaration of the Boer emigrants at the time of their
+exodus from the Cape Colony, which was that their new settlements should
+be located north of the Orange River. Stepping in to the eastward and
+claiming part of the littoral constituted a rivalry in conflict with
+that understanding, and England therefore considered it within her
+rights to expel the Boers from Natal, and to proceed with the
+colonization there with British settlers instead. That temporary
+occupation of Natal had been fraught to the Boers with most stirring
+episodes&mdash;some of the most melancholy description, and others
+representing records of really unsurpassed heroism, which can but arouse
+deepest emotions and admiration in any reader of their history. There
+was the treacherous massacre of Retief and Potgeiter and his party by
+the Zulu king Dingaan at his military kraal, followed by other wholesale
+massacres of men, women, and children at Weenen and other Boer camps in
+Natal. Then came the punitive expedition of 450 Boers, armed with
+flint-locks only, who utterly defeated Dingaan's most redoubtable impi
+of 10,000 warriors, and resulted in the complete overthrow of that Zulu
+monarch.</p>
+
+<p>When that punitive Boer commando was about to start upon its mission it
+was solemnly vowed to <a name="Page_13" id="Page_13" />observe a day of national thanksgiving each year
+if Divine aid were vouchsafed to accomplish the object. That brilliant
+victory had occurred on the 16th December, 1838, and the day has ever
+since been religiously observed as had been vowed. The celebrations in
+the Transvaal take place at Paarden-kraal, near Johannesburg, and some
+other accessible and central camping grounds, where the burghers with
+their families congregate in thousands&mdash;a sort of feast of tabernacles,
+lasting three days, undeterred by the most boisterous weather. The
+declaration of independence fell on that same date at Paarden-kraal in
+1879, and it was also in December of the succeeding year that the Boers
+proved victorious over the British troops in Natal, after which the
+Transvaal had its independence generously restored by the Gladstone
+Ministry (subject to treaty 1881).</p>
+
+<p>On those anniversaries stirring speeches would be made by the elder
+leading men, rehearsing the events of the nation's history so as to
+grave them upon the minds of the younger, and to revive the thankful
+memories of the elder people. It is only in human nature that
+unsympathetic feelings against the English would intrude upon the
+thanksgivings on those occasions, especially as it continues yet to be
+averred that the British author<a name="Page_14" id="Page_14" />ities had incited the Zulu king Dingaan
+to those massacres. Nevertheless, except in instances of implacable
+natures, the predominant sentiments at those gatherings were those of
+gratitude to the Almighty and good-will towards all men. After the peace
+of 1881, it used to be publicly recognised that the English were
+entitled thenceforth to a first place in the nation's friendship, and
+that the retrocession put a term to all recriminations applying to
+previous dates.</p>
+
+<p>The sequel has shown that soon afterwards another spirit was allowed to
+intrude to displace those good and just sentiments, and that without any
+reason or provocation and despite a persistently loyal and sincere
+attitude of friendship and confidence observed towards the Boers by the,
+British Government and the English people in South Africa. As instances
+may be cited: (1) England's conceding spirit in assenting to a
+modification of the convention of 1881 and agreeing to that of 1884; (2)
+genial treatment of the colonial Boers on perfect equality with English
+colonists, sharing in the privileges of self-government, the Dutch
+language also raised to equal rights with English; (3) most harmonious
+relations with the Orange Free State; (4) reduction of transit duties
+for goods <a name="Page_15" id="Page_15" />to the Republics to 5 per cent, and later to 3 per cent.; (5)
+unrestricted privilege for the importations of arms and ammunition to
+both Republics. In lieu of friendly reciprocity the return began to be
+rancorous mistrust and revival of hatred.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of our study to account for this sad and unwarrantable
+change on the part of the Boers we will be following the trail of the
+serpent and track it right up to its Hollander lair and to its at first
+unsuspected product, the Afrikaner Bond.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PROSPERITY_OF_BOERS_AND_POLITICAL_RELATIONS_WITH_ENGLAND_UP_TO_1881" id="PROSPERITY_OF_BOERS_AND_POLITICAL_RELATIONS_WITH_ENGLAND_UP_TO_1881" /><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16" />PROSPERITY OF BOERS AND POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND UP TO 1881</h2>
+
+
+<p>A period of about twenty-five years following the establishment of the
+Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics was marked with much progress
+and prosperity in the Cape Colonies and Natal, both Republics also
+having cause to rejoice over similar advancement.</p>
+
+<p>The evil influence which aimed at rending good relations between Boer
+and English became more apparent after 1881. During the preceding era
+the two races actually had been in a fair way towards friendly
+assimilation. Mutual appreciation was further stimulated by the
+reciprocal benefits arising from trade and economic relations.
+Intermarriages became more frequent under such friendly intercourse, a
+respectable Englishman being truly prized in those days as a Boer's
+son-in-law. The English language also largely advanced in favour and
+prestige not only among the Cape Colonial and <a name="Page_17" id="Page_17" />Natal Boers, but also in
+both Republics, and anti-English sentiments were fast being supplanted
+by amity and goodwill.</p>
+
+<p>The principal event in the Orange Free State during that period was a
+three years' exhaustive war with the Basuto nation, which ended in the
+latter's defeat in 1867. Their chief Moshesh then appealed for British
+intervention. The Basutos thus came under England's protection, and a
+peace resulted which has ever since continued, through British prestige
+and authority as well as good government. The Orange Free State gained a
+large tract of the territory conquered by that State, but had to
+renounce the rest.</p>
+
+<p>Then, in about 1870, came the discovery of the diamond-fields, situated
+on the then still ill-defined western limits of the State. According to
+a boundary line claimed by Great Britain, those diamond-fields fell
+outside Free State territory. That State received &pound;90,000 compensation
+for improvements and expenses incurred during its short occupation of
+that disputed strip of diamondiferous ground. The diamond-fields at
+Jagersfontein and Koffyfontein were subsequently discovered and lie deep
+within the confines of the State. President Brand had proved his
+sagacity and discretion in concluding the <a name="Page_18" id="Page_18" />negotiations with England
+upon the question of the peace with the Basutos and then again in
+submitting to the boundary delimitations, it being contended even yet
+that the Orange Free State had the weightier arguments in its favour in
+both instances.</p>
+
+<p>The people of that Republic proved however to be the ultimate gainers in
+those adjustments; they did not miss the more solid advantages attending
+the discovery of the diamond-fields. Believed of the grave
+responsibility involved in governing a turbulent population of foreign
+diggers, the geographical position of the Kimberley fields secured to
+the Free State farmers an almost entire monopoly in the supply of
+products; trade also flourished apace, all tending to enrich the
+inhabitants and the State revenue as well.</p>
+
+<p>But the Orange Free State derived a permanent advantage, quite unique
+and more than compensating the apparent set-back suffered by the loss of
+the diamond-field territory and by British intervention in the Basuto
+war matter, in that the method of those procedures saddled England with
+the responsibility of guaranteeing the internal safety of the State from
+those hitherto unprotected borders &quot;altogether at her own cost.&quot; The
+Keate <a name="Page_19" id="Page_19" />award completed the British cordon around the Free State,
+excepting only in regard to the Transvaal frontier. No need thenceforth
+for costly military provisions for the protection of the State&mdash;it was,
+as it were, walled and fenced in at British expense, and the State
+revenue was thus for ever relieved of a very heavy item of expenditure,
+which could be devoted to the increase of the national wealth instead&mdash;a
+peaceful security accompanied with an intrinsic gain constituting a
+veritable and permanent heirloom for the people of that State.</p>
+
+<p>It is notable that the position of the Orange Free State, without any
+other access to the sea-board than from colonial ports, made its status
+and welfare entirely dependent upon the friendly and loyal good faith of
+England. Up to the present unhappy war that State enjoyed unaltered the
+best relations without being ever subjected to even a trace of chicanery
+from the part of Great Britain.</p>
+
+<p>By what illusion, it may well be asked, could that hitherto friendly
+people have been deluded to risk all in a disloyal breach with England
+by joining the Transvaal in a &quot;Bond&quot; issue against her best friend?
+Towards the Transvaal also had England proved her earnest desire to
+maintain an intercourse on the basis of sincere amity, desirous only of
+reciprocity, <a name="Page_20" id="Page_20" />which indeed could be expected in willing return, seeing
+that England took upon her own shoulders to provide for the protection
+and welfare of the entire area of South Africa by sea and land, whilst
+both Republics freely participated in all the great benefits so derived.
+These considerations should substantially disprove the wicked aspersion
+lately made that British policy aimed at the subversion of republican
+autonomy in those two States. All that Great Britain needed and
+confidently expected in return for her goodwill was friendly adhesion,
+and a willing recognition of her paramountcy in matters affecting the
+common weal of South Africa as a whole, and also such reciprocity and
+mutual concern in the welfare of all as consistently comport with common
+interests. How fell and malignant the &quot;influence&quot; which operated a
+treacherous ingratitude and hostility instead!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="TRANSVAAL_HISTORY_SUZERAINTY" id="TRANSVAAL_HISTORY_SUZERAINTY" /><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21" />TRANSVAAL HISTORY&mdash;SUZERAINTY</h2>
+
+
+<p>The references made to the history of the Transvaal so far reach up to
+the rehabilitation of its independence and the convention of 1881. Some
+of the conditions of that treaty, especially the subordinate position
+imposed by the suzerainty clause, were found to be repugnant to the
+burghers. Delegates were therefore commissioned to proceed to England in
+order to get the treaty so altered as to place the State into the status
+provided by the Sand River convention, which conceded absolute
+independence. Mr. Jorrison, a violent anti-English Hollander, was the
+chief adviser of the members of that delegation.</p>
+
+<p>To that the English Ministry could not assent, but sought to meet the
+wishes of the people by agreeing to certain modifications of the
+convention of 1881. This was effected with the treaty of 1884. The
+delegates had specially urged the renunciation of the suzerainty claim,
+but that claim appears not <a name="Page_22" id="Page_22" />to have been abandoned, to judge from the
+absence of such mention in the novated treaty. Had its renunciation been
+agreed to, as has been since averred, it is quite certain that the
+delegates would not have been content without the mention in most
+distinct terms of that, to them, so important point. It may therefore be
+assumed as a fact that the negotiations did not result in an active
+suspension of the relations as set forth in the convention of 1881, and
+that the Transvaal continued in a status of subordinacy to England, but
+only with a wider range in regard to conditions of autonomy. To most lay
+minds it therefore appears perfectly clear that the Transvaal delegates
+had well understood and accepted, and so had also their Government, that
+the convention of 1884 was <i>de facto</i> a renewal of that of 1881, with
+the only difference that it provided an enlarged exercise of autonomy,
+but without in the least abrogating the principles of respective
+relations, which were left intact, or at least latent.</p>
+
+<p>It has been averred and a strong point made in the theory of repudiating
+suzerainty or over-lordship that Lord Kimberley had given the assurance
+that the right of Transvaal autonomy and independence was meant to equal
+that of the Orange <a name="Page_23" id="Page_23" />Free State. This need not be contested, as that
+Minister obviously relied upon a similar observance of staunch adhesion
+towards England which that State had shown during a period of thirty
+years previous; the fact that the Transvaal was quite differently
+situated as to adjoining territory imposed the necessity, if only as a
+matter of form, to preserve the written conditions of Transvaal
+vassalage.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Kimberley, in 1889, intimated the readiness of his Government to
+afford advisory and other co-operation with the Transvaal Government in
+order to cope with the new element of foreign immigration, resulting
+from the discovery of the rich gold-fields, and to provide appropriate
+relations with a new floating population, without materially altering
+the status of Transvaal authority, or the methods of government then in
+practice.</p>
+
+<p>The Transvaal Government, however, preferred to ignore that loyal offer,
+and to be guided by Bond principles instead. That circumstance affords
+another proof that England did not then see the necessity, as has
+subsequently been the case, of strengthening her position against Bond
+aggression by imposing a demand of general franchise for Uitlanders.</p>
+
+<p>One aspect of the prolonged controversy <i>re</i> suze<a name="Page_24" id="Page_24" />rainty forced upon
+England would be to denote a lack of honour, which is not of unfrequent
+occurrence when one party to a contract seeks by cavil and legal quibble
+to evade compliance with some of its conditions, simply because the
+written terms appear to afford scope for doing so. But the principal
+reason of the Transvaal contention proceeded from the project of gaining
+over some strong foreign ally who would see an obstacle, if not
+scruples, in joining common cause whilst England's claim of
+over-lordship remained unshaken. But for that consideration the
+Transvaal Government inwardly viewed the whole of the treaties as waste
+paper, since it was not only intended to violate them all, but also to
+bring about, at an opportune moment, a hostile severance from England.
+In the meantime, the academic squabble was to serve as a decoy to hide
+Transvaal identification with any such sinister objects, and to divert
+attention and suspicion.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="TRANSVAAL_HISTORY_TREATMENT_OF_UITLANDERSmdashFRANCHISE" id="TRANSVAAL_HISTORY_TREATMENT_OF_UITLANDERSmdashFRANCHISE" /><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25" />TREATMENT OF UITLANDERS&mdash;FRANCHISE</h2>
+
+
+<p>To resume the cursory history of the Transvaal. Mr. Burger, during his
+Presidency in the early seventies, went to Europe with the mission of
+attracting capital to the development and exploitation of gold, etc.,
+then already authentically discovered; also, to provide for the building
+of a railway connecting with Delagoa Bay. The Transvaal Boers were at
+that time exceedingly poor, and without a sufficient revenue for
+properly maintaining the administration. Beyond creating a lively
+interest, his success was confined to an agreement with a company in
+Holland for building a section of that railroad, which, however, fell
+through, because the Transvaal proved ultimately unable to furnish its
+quota of the necessary funds. The present President fared better. A
+Dutch company styled &quot;The Nederlandsch Zuid Afrikaansche Spoorweg
+Maatschappy,&quot; abbreviated &quot;Z.A.S.M.,&quot; undertook the work and completed
+it in 1887, from the Portuguese border to Pretoria. <a name="Page_26" id="Page_26" />The line from
+Pretoria to the Natal border was soon after built, as also several
+extensions around the Wit-waters Rand, and that from Pretoria to
+Pietersburg. The section connecting Delagoa Bay as far as the Transvaal
+border had previously been completed by McMurdo, and is the subject of
+the present Berne arbitration.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2" /><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>The contract conferred to the Dutch Company a monopoly, and most
+advantageous financial terms as well. By that time great strides had
+been made in the development of the Transvaal gold-fields, especially at
+the Wit-waters Rand (Johannesburg); and immigration on a large scale
+from all parts of the world had set in, and was constantly increasing
+with vast amounts of investments in mercantile and other enterprises, as
+well as in mining industries. At first, equitable laws governed burghers
+and Uitlanders alike, administered by an independent judiciary. All
+desirable security was afforded for person and property, with confidence
+in the safety of investments, and great general prosperity kept pace
+with ever-increasing activities and enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>It was a great satisfaction to Uitlanders that the peace of 1881, and
+the reinstatement of Transvaal independence, had restored harmony
+between Boer <a name="Page_27" id="Page_27" />and English, and that a policy was being followed to
+preclude friction between the respective Governments. Those facts
+largely stimulated investments and enhanced confidence. By 1887 the
+alien population had already exceeded 100,000, and the capital
+investments &pound;200,000,000 sterling, and the desire so ardently
+entertained by the people of the land, for twenty years back, was
+gratified at last. The burghers shared in the prosperity to a very large
+degree, and in lieu of former poverty, competence and wealth became the
+rule, and many of them became exceedingly rich. It was not unusual to
+hear Boers expressing undisguised gratitude, not merely for the natural
+gold deposits, but specially also that people had come to prospect and
+to invest capital, without which the wealth of the land would have
+remained unexploited and lain fallow. Harmony and cordiality were the
+proper outcome between foreigners and Boers. The influx of capital and
+of immigrants continued to increase, but not so the happy conditions.
+These were gradually getting marred by a spirit of variance, no one
+seemed to know how. The study of this paper will reveal it. The variance
+between Boers and Uitlanders began to be specially discernible from 1887
+and had been increasing like a blight ever since. This was notice<a name="Page_28" id="Page_28" />ably
+coincident with the numerous arrivals of educated Hollanders employed
+for the railways and the Government administration.</p>
+
+<p>In the earlier period of the Transvaal Republic, one year's residence
+was first held sufficient for acquiring full franchise or burgher rights
+and voting qualifications. The condition was successively raised to two,
+three, and five years; but in 1890 laws were passed which required
+fourteen years' probation, with conditions which virtually brought the
+term to twenty-one years, and even then left the acquisition of full
+franchise to the caprice of field-cornets and higher officials.
+Englishmen and their descendants were at one time totally and for ever
+excluded and disqualified just merely because of their nationality
+whilst Hollanders were admitted in very large numbers without having to
+pass any probation at all or only comparatively short terms. The English
+language became a target for hostility and as good as proscribed;
+impracticable and ludicrous attempts even were made to exclude its use
+in Johannesburg, where hardly any Uitlander understood Dutch, whilst
+every Boer official was well versed in English: market and auction sales
+were to be conducted only in Dutch; bills of fare at hotels <a name="Page_29" id="Page_29" />and
+restaurants were also to be in full-fledged Dutch only&mdash;and all this, it
+must be remembered, some years before the Jameson incursion took place.</p>
+
+<p>The judiciary, which, according to the &quot;Grondwet&quot; (Constitution), was
+the highest legal authority, was by one stroke of enactment rendered
+subservient and subordinate to the First Volksraad. The then Chief
+Justice (Kotzee) was ignominiously deposed for honourably contending
+against the grave departure from right and justice in subverting the
+sacred prerogative due to the highest tribunal, which Boer and Uitlander
+alike relied upon for independent justice.</p>
+
+<p>A new system of education was next introduced which admitted only High
+Dutch as the medium of instruction in public schools. As only Hollander
+children could benefit by such tuition, and whereas those of other
+immigrants could not understand that language, the effect was that
+parents of English and other nationalities had to combine in
+establishing private schools or else to employ private teachers at their
+own expense&mdash;whilst paying, in the way of taxation, for Hollander public
+schools as well. That oppressive system was subsequently somewhat
+modified in a manner which admitted the English language as a medium for
+a portion of the school hours, the proportion so accorded being larger
+<a name="Page_30" id="Page_30" />in Johannesburg and other such wholly English-speaking centres than in
+other parts of the State; but the amelioration did not take place until
+after much irritation and expense had been occasioned, nor did it meet
+the case of hardship more than half-way. I may here place the remark
+that the public educational department is conducted without stint of
+expenditure in providing from Holland the amplest and best school
+equipments and highly salaried Dutch professors and teachers.</p>
+
+<p>Irritating class legislation began to be systematically resorted to, to
+the prejudice of Uitlanders (the majority of whom, it will be borne in
+mind, were English), which painfully pointed to a fixed determination on
+the part of the Boers to lord it over them as a totally inferior class,
+allowing them no representation, and to treat them, in fact, just as a
+conquered people placed under tribute and proper only to be dominated
+and exploited.</p>
+
+<p>Boers could walk or ride about armed to the teeth, whilst Uitlanders
+were forbidden to possess arms under penalty of confiscation and other
+punishments (except sporting-guns under special permit). The like
+irritations became rampant by 1890 already.</p>
+
+<p>The alien population were at first too much occupied with their
+prosperous vocations to combine <a name="Page_31" id="Page_31" />in the way of protesting against such
+prevailing usage. The Press was, however, eventually employed, and the
+Government was approached with respectful petitions praying for redress
+of the most glaring causes of discontent; but those were invariably
+either disdainfully rejected or ignored, or, if some matter was
+relieved, other more exasperating enactments were defiantly substituted.
+They were cynically told that they had come to their (the Boer's)
+country unasked, and were at liberty, and in fact invited, to leave it
+if the laws did not please them. This was said, well knowing that to
+leave would involve too great sacrifices of homes and investments. The
+Uitlanders could not, however, be brought to the belief that the
+Government of a conscientious people could persist in dealing with them
+as if a previous design had existed&mdash;first to inveigle them and their
+capital into their midst, with the object of goading and despoiling them
+afterwards. The course of petitioning and respectful remonstrances was
+therefore persevered in, but all to no purpose. Indignation and
+resentment were the natural result of those failures. There appeared no
+alternative but to submit or else to abandon all and leave the country.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that numerous Uitlanders acquired <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32" />competences, and some were
+amassing fortunes, but such prizes were comparatively few. The majority
+just managed, with varying success, to reap a reasonable return for
+their outlays and energies, or only to live more or less comfortably.
+The fashion of luxurious and unthrifty living, so prevalent among the
+&quot;<i>nouveaux riches</i>&quot; and the section who vied with them, impressed the
+Boers with the notion that all were getting rich, and that soon there
+would be nothing left for them in the race. In their Hollander Press
+they were reminded that the gold, in reality belonging to them, was
+rapidly being exhausted, and the wealth appropriated by aliens, whose
+hewers of wood and drawers of water they would finally become. All this
+galled them to the heart, and the Government readily lent itself to
+proceedings intended to balance conditions in favour of their burghers,
+as the process was described. I will adduce a few instances. As is well
+known, it is only burghers and some privileged Hollanders who are
+employed in Government service, from President down to policeman. There
+are very few exceptions to this rule, which also applies to the
+nominations of jurymen, who are well paid too. The salaries of all,
+especially in the higher grades, had been largely augmented; <a name="Page_33" id="Page_33" />the
+President receiving &pound;8,000 per year, and so on downwards.</p>
+
+<p>For Government supplies and public works the tenders of burghers only,
+and perhaps of some privileged persons, are accepted. In many instances
+the tenderers are without any pretence of ability for the performance of
+the contract, but are nevertheless accepted, performing only a <i>sub rosa
+r&ocirc;le</i>. One such instance occurred some years ago when a burgher who did
+not possess &pound;100&mdash;a simple farmer and a kind of &quot;slim&quot;
+speculator&mdash;received by Volksraad vote the contract for building a
+certain railway.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3" /><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> The price included a very large margin to be
+distributed in places of interest&mdash;as douceurs of &pound;1,000 to &pound;5,000 each,
+and &pound;10,000 for the <i>pro forma</i> contractor and his Volksraad
+confederates; all those sums were paid out by the firm for whom the
+contract was actually taken up.</p>
+
+<p>Similarly in contracts for road making, repairing, and making streets,
+etc., etc. On one occasion a rather highly placed official obtained a
+contract for repairing certain streets in Pretoria for &pound;60,000. The work
+being worth &pound;20,000 at most, the difference went to be shared by the
+several official participants.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34" />One of the first instances of glaring peculation occurred about fifteen
+years ago in relation with the Selati railway contract obtained by Baron
+Oppenheim.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4" /><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> The procedure was publicly stigmatized as bribery. It had
+transpired that nearly all the Volksraad's members had received gifts in
+cash and values ranging each from &pound;50 to &pound;1,000 prior to voting the
+contract, but what was paid after voting did not become public at the
+time of exposure.</p>
+
+<p>The acceptance of those gifts was ultimately admitted, in the face of
+evidence adduced in a certain law case; denial became, in fact,
+impossible. The plea of exoneration was that those gifts had been freely
+accepted without pledging the vote. The President publicly exculpated
+the honourable members, expressing his conviction that none of them
+could have meant to prejudice the State in their votes for the contract;
+and as there had been no pledge on their part, the donor had actually
+incurred the risk of missing his object. From that time the practice of
+obtaining and selling concessions or of sinecures and other lucrative
+advantages <a name="Page_35" id="Page_35" />grew quite into a trade; and receiving douceurs became a
+hankering passion from highest to lowest, but happily with not a few
+exceptions where the official's honour was above being priced.</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing shocking in all this venality to the bulk of the
+Johannesburg speculator class and others of that category. The rest
+assessed official morality at a depreciated value, but hoped the
+blemishes might be purged out with other and graver causes for
+discontent, if Uitlanders, were only granted some effective
+representation in public matters. That appeared to be the only
+constitutional remedy. But this continued to be resentfully refused,
+even in matters which partook of purely domestic interest, such as
+education, municipal privileges, etc. The latter were opposed upon the
+specious argument that such extended rights would constitute an
+<i>imperium in imperio,</i> and thus a condition incompatible with the safety
+and the conservation of complete control.</p>
+
+<p>In the usual intercourse with burghers and officials a great deal of
+exasperating and even humiliating experiences had often to be endured,
+Uitlanders being treated as an inferior class, with scarcely veiled and
+often with arrogant assumption of superiority.</p>
+
+<p>I witnessed a field cornet enjoying free and <a name="Page_36" id="Page_36" />courteous hospitality at a
+Uitlander's house, while being entertained by his host and others in the
+vernacular Dutch, peremptorily object to the conversation in English in
+which the lady of the house happened to be engaged with another guest at
+the further end of the table. His remark was to the effect &quot;that he
+could not tolerate English being spoken within his hearing&quot;; this was in
+about 1888.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder that under such conditions and ungenial usage Englishmen and
+other Uitlanders were put in a resentful mood, and many of them
+bethought themselves of methods other than constitutional to improve
+their position.</p>
+
+<p>Identification was resorted to with the Imperial League, a political
+organization called into being in the Cape Colony to stem Boer
+assertiveness there and to restrain Bond aspirations. It was also
+seriously mooted to obtain the good offices of Great Britain as an
+influence for intervention and remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>It was not that the Transvaal Government was unaware of its duty and
+responsibility to remove causes which produced discontent and resentment
+among by far the larger section of the people under its rule. It seemed
+rather that the Uitlanders were provoked with systematic intention.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2" /><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> The Berne award has, as is well known, since been given.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3" /><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> The Ermelo-Machadodorp branch.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4" /><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> These very details were since made public in the Belgian
+Law courts in the recent <i>cause c&eacute;l&egrave;bre</i> of &quot;The Government of the South
+African Republic <i>versus</i> Baron Oppenheim.&quot;</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="MONSTER_PETITION_JAMESON_INCURSIONmdashARMAMENTS" id="MONSTER_PETITION_JAMESON_INCURSIONmdashARMAMENTS" /><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37" />MONSTER PETITION&mdash;JAMESON INCURSION&mdash;ARMAMENTS</h2>
+
+<p>It was at this stage in May, 1894, that a monster petition with some
+25,000 signatures was presented to the Volksraad, setting forth the
+entire position, and praying for a commission to be appointed to examine
+the merits of the Uitlander complaints, and to frame a programme of
+reforms, the interests of the mining community needing such in a most
+urgent degree, not only for the sake of its own prosperity, but for the
+welfare of the entire State. A commission was indeed appointed, who
+reported in favour of the petitioners, and suggested a series of
+reforms; but the final Volksraad vote resulted in an angry rejection of
+the petition and denunciation of its organizers.</p>
+
+<p>As on the occasion of previous memorials, some few abuses were
+redressed, but those benefits were made worse than nugatory by
+enactments in other directions of a still more galling nature. The
+<a name="Page_38" id="Page_38" />petitioners found themselves snubbed and in the position of humiliating
+defeat.</p>
+
+
+<p>Treatment of Coloured British Subjects</p>
+
+<p>A glaring instance of oppression practised by the Transvaal Government
+was its cruel treatment of coloured British subjects who had been
+admitted into the State. Among these figured some thousands of educated
+Asiatic traders, including numerous cultured Indian and Parsee merchants
+with large stakes in the State and well-appointed residences, people
+whose very religion exacted the most scrupulous cleanliness and who had
+all proved themselves obedient and law-abiding. These were classed under
+one rubric with the vastly inferior coolie labourer, with Kaffirs and
+Hottentots, and actually compelled to abandon their stores and
+residences to reside in one common ghetto upon the outskirts of the
+towns, a measure which entailed great losses apart from the gratuitous
+humiliation&mdash;to many it involved ruin and in fact meant their expulsion.</p>
+
+<p>It will be remembered that some years before already the English
+Government had felt it incumbent to advocate the cause of coloured
+British <a name="Page_39" id="Page_39" />subjects and to remonstrate against their ill-usage. The matter
+was ultimately submitted to arbitration at Bloemfontein, under the
+umpireship of Sir Henry de Villiers, whose award, contrary to
+expectation, was adverse to the coloured people. Here was indeed a
+unique occasion for the Transvaal Government to exercise geniality upon
+a point sorely felt by the British Government; but the very contrary
+course was adopted under the &aelig;gis of that notorious award, and upon the
+untenable plea that sanitation and regard to public health necessitated
+that measure of segregation.</p>
+
+<p>Despite the fact that no royalty was yet exacted upon the gold output,
+probably to please French, American, and German investors, there seemed
+to exist a veiled hostility against the representatives of mining
+capitalists, as if the Government regretted to have allowed the
+exploitation of the mines to fall into private hands and would welcome
+an opportunity to take them under State control altogether.</p>
+
+<p>The Uitlander Press vented public sentiment and denounced the Government
+attitude in unmistakable terms; there were besides some angry public
+demonstrations. It was an alarming time of impending crisis, rife with
+signs of open revolt; the Government looking calmly on awaiting
+develop<a name="Page_40" id="Page_40" />ments. It was then that the President's since famous saying was
+pronounced, viz., &quot;that the tortoise must first be allowed to put out
+its head before it could be struck off, and that he was ready for any
+emergency.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The situation had a truly anomalous aspect. More discoveries of gold and
+even of diamonds followed apace, and the scope for mining, commercial
+and industrial enterprises expanded to an incalculable magnitude. All
+that was needed was a stable and good Government to encourage the
+needful investments. A most tantalizing picture indeed, based upon
+undeniably well-grounded facts.</p>
+
+<p>As it was, the situation was one of alarm for capital already
+invested&mdash;a stake then of over 300 millions sterling in a country where
+more than half of the population were in almost open revolt against a
+Government commanding very large repressive forces, and resolved to
+maintain its stand.</p>
+
+<p>British intervention appeared to be the only means of salvation to
+restore security, and to give a fillip to the brilliant prospects of the
+country, for the good of the burgher estate as well as for the sake of
+Uitlanders.</p>
+
+<p>As the Government continued deaf and obdurate to representations, other
+means were sought for. No <a name="Page_41" id="Page_41" />wonder the Uitlanders longed for a change,
+not by any means with the object of altering the style of Republican
+status, but to get the Augean stable of misgovernment cleansed, to
+escape oppressive and rapacious Boer domination.</p>
+
+<p>The farcical failure of Dr. Jameson was the outcome of those endeavours.
+The unspeakable cowardice of his Johannesburg confederates was the chief
+feature of that puny attempt. Laurels, like those gained by Lord
+Peterborough, Warren Hastings, or Lord Clive, were not decreed to that
+ill-advised emulator.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could have been more propitious than that very Jameson incursion
+to fan race hatred and to advance the projects of the Afrikaner
+Bond&mdash;&quot;Afrika voor de Afrikaners,&quot; for, whilst no one acquainted with
+the facts can for a moment doubt the guilt of the Transvaal Government
+for having systematically provoked that attempt at revolution, &quot;Bond&quot;
+propaganda and paid journalism had a rare chance to set up the theory
+that annexation on behalf of Great Britain had been foully planned&mdash;the
+Prince of Wales even being an abettor of the attempted <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>
+purely to gratify the lust of greed for the gold and diamonds of the
+poor innocent Boers. No terms were too vituperative to <a name="Page_42" id="Page_42" />denounce the
+enormity. Millions of honest persons all over the world were
+deluded&mdash;there was a bitter cry of almost universal indignation. The
+Boer Government posed as innocent; the designs of the Afrikaner Bond
+were not even suspected&mdash;its ranks, in sympathy with those delusions
+sped on filling up faster than ever, and the father of lies was scoring
+another very sensible triumph.</p>
+
+<p>In lieu of reforms, Bond projects and armaments were secretly pursued
+with redoubled vigour towards the climax which should install
+Afrikanerdom supreme in South Africa, financially as well as
+politically.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="BLOEMFONTEIN_FRANCHISE_CONFERENCE_BOER_ULTIMATUM" id="BLOEMFONTEIN_FRANCHISE_CONFERENCE_BOER_ULTIMATUM" /><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43" />BLOEMFONTEIN FRANCHISE CONFERENCE&mdash;BOER ULTIMATUM</h2>
+
+<p>Capitalists had already begun to feel nervous about the final security
+of their investments; operations and credit became restricted, fresh
+projects were abandoned and a persistent withdrawal of capital set in.
+Trade and prosperity were progressively waning, accompanied with still
+more ominous portents for the Uitlanders' future. It all meant a very
+extensive weeding out of investments under enormous losses, except such
+as stood in relation with dividend-paying mines. England, though
+apparently apathetic and inactive, was not inattentive to the situation.
+Whoever had a stake, whether in South Africa or abroad, looked to Great
+Britain as the Power upon whom the duty devolved to provide a peaceable
+remedy. The suzerainty controversy was then followed by other questions
+of diplomatic difference, among which that of the <a name="Page_44" id="Page_44" />franchise reform.
+Upon this matter English intervention took an insistent form. It clearly
+turned all upon that&mdash;and once it were satisfactorily arranged, the
+amicable solution of other questions might in turn be expected to
+follow. As to suzerainty, that claim appeared relegated to remain in
+abeyance. A conference was convened at Bloemfontein early in June, 1899,
+for the discussion of those topics between the Colonial Governor, Sir
+Alfred Milner, and the Presidents of the two Republics. The outcome was
+a final demand for the right of representation of the Uitlander
+interests in the legislative bodies of the Transvaal, amounting to
+one-fifth of the total aggregate of members, the voting qualifications
+to consist in the usual reasonable conditions and a residence in the
+State of five years, operating retrospectively.</p>
+
+<p>We may here consider whether such a demand contained any real feature of
+unfairness to warrant refusal.</p>
+
+<p>Three-fifths of the entire white Transvaal population were Uitlanders,
+the majority of them English. They own four-fifths of the total wealth
+invested in the State. About half of them have been domiciled, with
+house and other fixed property, for periods of from five to ten years
+and more.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45" />The preponderance is not only in numbers and wealth, but also in
+intelligence and in contributing at least four-fifths of the total State
+revenues.</p>
+
+<p>Is it right or prudent to exclude such interests and such a majority
+from legislative representation?</p>
+
+<p>Could a minority of one-fifth, that is to say, twelve Uitlander members
+against forty-eight Boer members, be said to constitute a menace to the
+status or to the conservative interests of State?</p>
+
+<p>Do Uitlanders not deserve equal recognition with the burghers in respect
+to intrinsic interest in the land, seeing that the former supplied all
+the skill and the capital to explore and exploit the mine wealth, all at
+their risk, and without which it would all have remained hidden and the
+country continued fallow and poor?</p>
+
+<p>Though one-fifth would be so small a minority, it would at least have
+afforded the constitutional method of declaring the wishes of
+Uitlanders, and have done away with the disquieting and less effective
+practices of Press agitations, public demonstrations, and petitions. The
+measure could also have been expected to open up the way towards
+reconciling relations between the English and Boer races, beginning in
+the Transvaal, where it was hoped that the burghers would be gained over
+as friends, and <a name="Page_46" id="Page_46" />so to stand aloof from the Afrikaner Bond. These were
+the supreme objects for peaceful progress and not for annexation. Solemn
+assurances from highest quarters were repeatedly given that no designs
+existed against the integrity of the Republic, that nothing unfriendly
+lurked behind the franchise demand, but that necessity dictated it for
+general good and the preservation of peace. Nor were other diplomatic
+means left unemployed to ensure the acceptance of the franchise reform.
+In addition to firmness of attitude and a display of actual force, most
+of the other Powers, including the United States of America, were
+induced to add their weight of persuasion in urging upon the Transvaal
+the adoption of the measures demanded by England for correcting the
+existing trouble. It may be urged that the display of force in sending
+the first batches of troops would have afforded grounds for
+exasperation, and be construed by the Transvaal as a menace and actual
+hostility, tending to precipitate a conflict which it was so earnestly
+intended to avoid. To this may be replied that the 20,000 men sent in
+August were readily viewed as placing the hitherto undermanned Colonial
+garrisons upon an appropriate peace effective only; but not so with
+respect to the army corps of 50,000 <a name="Page_47" id="Page_47" />men despatched in September&mdash;this
+was felt as an intended restraint against &quot;Bond&quot; projects, to enforce
+the observance of any agreement which the Transvaal might for the nonce
+assent to, and above all it was tending, unless at once opposed by the
+Bond, to weaken its ranks by producing hesitation and ultimate defection
+from that body; the die was thus to be cast, duplicity appeared to be
+played out&mdash;the ultimatum of 9th October was the outcome; and England,
+though unprepared, could not possibly accept it otherwise than as a
+wilful challenge to war.</p>
+
+<p>As the pursuit of our study will show, the success of Mr. Chamberlain's
+diplomacy to avert war depended upon the very slender prospects that the
+Transvaal Government might have been induced to waver, and finally to
+break with the Afrikaner Bond&mdash;a forlorn hope indeed, considering the
+perfection which that formidable organization had reached. Its cherished
+objects were not meant to be abandoned. The advice of &quot;Bond&quot; leaders
+prevailed. War was declared and the Rubicon crossed in enthusiastic
+expectations of soon realizing the long-deferred Bond motto: &quot;The
+expulsion of the hateful English.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It is true the Transvaal had made a show of <a name="Page_48" id="Page_48" />acquiescence to British and
+foreign pressure. This first took the shape of an offer of a seven
+years' franchise, and then one of five years, exceeding even Mr.
+Milner's demands as to the number of Uitlander representation. That of
+seven years was so fenced in with nugatory trammels and conditions that
+it had for those reasons to be rejected; whilst that at five years was
+coupled with the equally unacceptable conditions that the claim of
+suzerainty should be renounced, and that in all other respects the
+Transvaal should be recognised as absolutely independent in terms of the
+Sand River Convention of 1852.</p>
+
+<p>Those offers could hardly have been made in sincerity, but rather as a
+temporary device and to meet the susceptibilities of the advising
+Powers, for all the time preparations for war were never relaxed for a
+moment, but were pushed on with extreme vigour. On the other hand, the
+British programme seeking to ensure peace by the franchise expedient had
+been strictly followed without deviation. When the Transvaal Government
+professed irritation over the disposition of some British troops too
+near the Transvaal border, they were promptly removed to more remote and
+less strategic positions, rather than incur the risk of <a name="Page_49" id="Page_49" />rupture. During
+the month preceding the outbreak of the war, some large continental
+consignments of war munitions were, as usual, permitted to reach the
+Republics unhindered through several Colonial ports, portions being
+actually smuggled over the Colonial railways as merchandise addressed to
+a well-known Pretoria firm, but on arrival were secretly delivered,
+under cover of night, at the various forts and arsenals. These
+proceedings were carried out with the connivance of the Colonial Bond
+authorities, and though known to the British Governor, it was all winked
+at rather than hazard the momentous objects of peace by the introduction
+of another knotty subject. To sum up the situation, it was a diplomatic
+contest on the part of Great Britain aiming at peace and to safeguard
+her possessions and prestige, while the Afrikaner Bond, on the other
+part, continued active in the work of sedition and preparing for a war
+of usurpation. Every one must admit that the demand of the British
+Ministry for an immediate and adequate representation proceeded from the
+necessity and the desire to overcome the South African crisis in a just
+and pacific way. The measure was counted upon to effect conciliation
+between the Uitlander and burgher elements, and <a name="Page_50" id="Page_50" />as a further result was
+earnestly hoped to bring about the secession of the Transvaal from the
+Afrikaner Bond, and so reduce that dangerous confederacy to a somewhat
+negligible impotence. To discover other objects of a sinister sort
+lurking behind needs a more than inventive genius. A united Afrikaner
+Bond, persistent to carry out its fell project, definitely meant war
+sooner or later. Its first step in launching out to it was that
+notorious ultimatum, which was tantamount to snatching back the feigned
+offers of the seven and five years' franchise. According to original
+programme, the very next step to accomplish the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>was the
+immediate seizure of all Colonial ports, and to complete a general and
+irrevocable Boer rising all over the Colonies.</p>
+
+<p>All the while the old device had been put into practice of hiding Bond
+guilt by accusing England of designs against the integrity of the Boer
+Republics. But directly after, in the exultation of victorious
+invasions, the mask was shamelessly dropped, and Boerdom stands out
+defiantly and nakedly self-confessed, aiming at conquest and supremacy
+over all South Africa. Will the ensuing century have in store an
+instance to match that record plot of artifice and dissimulation, and
+see <a name="Page_51" id="Page_51" />half the world duped into partisanship with it&mdash;by journalistic
+craft?</p>
+
+<p>It may well be imagined that Mr. Chamberlain and his noble colleagues
+had anything but beds of roses whilst pursuing the diplomacy adopted to
+checkmate the Bond. They had to gain national support without divulging
+their own proceeding, and were at the same time reduced to a situation
+which imposed a spartan fortitude in concealing and repressing
+involuntary perturbation in the presence of an impending national
+crisis, and also the stoical endurance of bitter recriminations on the
+part of an opposition comprising a large and honourable but poorly
+informed section of the English nation.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="BOER_LANGUAGE" id="BOER_LANGUAGE" /><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52" />BOER LANGUAGE</h2>
+
+
+<p>We come now to the topic of language, which will be found relevant,
+showing Hollander and Bond influence in using that also as a hostile
+weapon. What the Boers still speak is a vernacular or dialect so far
+removed from High Dutch as to be unintelligible to the uninitiated
+Hollander. It took its form from the dialects brought to the Cape of
+Good Hope by unlettered Dutch colonists and a large admixture of locally
+produced idioms, with a slight trace of the structure of the French
+language in expressing negations. In the two Republics High Dutch rules
+for official purposes, but in common intercourse the vernacular Dutch is
+still about the same as it had been a hundred years ago. For an
+English-Dutch interpreter the thorough knowledge of the vernacular is
+essential. Preachers and teachers have to adapt their speech by
+combining High Dutch with the dialect, the one or the other
+predominating according to the capacity of <a name="Page_53" id="Page_53" />the hearers. Hollanders
+follow the same method when learning the vernacular Dutch.</p>
+
+<p>In towns and villages, not only in the Colonies, but also in both
+Republics, English is almost exclusively used. The Boers, and especially
+the younger generation, have a much greater aptitude and penchant for
+learning English than for High Dutch; and generally it has been held
+more important by the parents that their children should become
+proficient in English, that language being more easily acquired and of
+vastly greater use than Dutch. The latter, it was truly averred, would
+be learnt as they grew up quite sufficiently for all purposes.</p>
+
+<p>The feeling thus existed some twenty years ago that English would become
+general, and ultimately oust both Dutch and the vernacular. Numerous
+Boer patriots then devised the remedy of preserving the vernacular by
+raising it to the standard of a written and printed language for
+official as well as common use. The Rev. du Toit, later appointed
+Minister (or Superintendent) of Education in the Transvaal, worked
+tenaciously towards making that movement a national success. He had the
+co-operation of many other educated patriots likewise. The <i>Paarl
+Patriot</i>, a journal <a name="Page_54" id="Page_54" />published in the vernacular, is one of the
+surviving efforts. Vocabularies, school books, etc., etc., were printed
+in that dialect, and the translation of the Bible had also been brought
+to an advanced stage, when the project had to be abandoned, principally
+through Hollander influence, aided by some of the Republican leaders and
+Bond men. Dr. Mansfeld, the present Superintendent of Education in the
+Transvaal, was subsequently appointed&mdash;a very able Hollander, but also a
+very strong advocate in the general Hollander Bond movement for
+proscribing the use of the English language, and making High Dutch the
+compulsory medium of instruction. Since then, and during the past ten
+years, considerable progress has been made by the average Boer children,
+and even the grown-up people, in approaching a better knowledge of High
+Dutch. Before 1880 hardly any Boer cared to read a newspaper except,
+perhaps, the <i>Paarl Patriot</i>, the vernacular journal referred to. High
+Dutch and English papers were equally beyond his ready knowledge, but
+since then the interest in politics gave an impulse to a reading
+tendency, and at this moment the majority of the Boers manage to read
+and understand fairly well what is presented in simply written High
+Dutch by the local Press. They also <a name="Page_55" id="Page_55" />are fond of simply written books of
+travels, and especially of narratives of a religious trend. With the
+Bible they are most familiar from childhood, but literature in High
+Dutch is beyond them as yet. Greater pains have of late years been taken
+to qualify Boer sons for the administrative service of the Republics,
+where imperfect knowledge of High Dutch is an obvious bar to
+advancement, and Hollanders would otherwise continue to monopolize the
+better positions.</p>
+
+<p>Taking the fairly educated Free State and Transvaal youth, the average
+proficiency in English compared to that in High Dutch is as two to one,
+whilst many possess even a literary mastery in English whilst quite poor
+in the other language.</p>
+
+<p>In the Cape Colony the above comparison among the Boer section is still
+more in favour of English.</p>
+
+<p>It may be judged what an important <i>r&ocirc;le</i> the educated Hollander group
+can take in those Republics, and are yet aiming at in the Colonies.</p>
+
+<p>It is also worthy of reflection why and how the Dutch language has been
+raised to equality with English in the Cape Colony, seeing English was
+more generally understood by the Boers there than High Dutch, and none
+of the Boer legislators or members of Parliament even now know more
+<a name="Page_56" id="Page_56" />than the Dutch vernacular, the High Dutch language having actually yet
+to be learnt by the Boer population&mdash;an important step thus gained by
+Afrikanerdom under the indulgent &aelig;gis of self-government, the thin end
+of another wedge to nurse sedition and treason introduced by that odious
+Bond under pretence and veil of Boer patriotism and loyalty.</p>
+
+<p>As one of the world's languages, Dutch figures under a very sorry <i>r&ocirc;le</i>
+indeed. It had been ignored everywhere outside of Holland and her
+distant Colonies. The consequence to Hollanders is that they are of
+necessity subjected to the ordeal of learning several other continental
+languages for commercial intercourse, and in order to keep at all
+abreast with the progress of science, literature, and culture. Dutch is
+in the moribund stage; its salvation from imminent extinction consists
+in the expansion of its sphere. Boer successes in South Africa would
+just accomplish that.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_DUTCH_COTERIE_ITS_SEAT_IN_HOLLAND" id="THE_DUTCH_COTERIE_ITS_SEAT_IN_HOLLAND" /><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57" />THE DUTCH COTERIE: ITS SEAT IN HOLLAND</h2>
+
+
+<p>As has been shown, the conditions of the two Boer Republics, with High
+Dutch as the official language, lent themselves to favour the
+immigration into those States of educated Dutchmen (Hollanders, as they
+are styled, to distinguish them from the old-established Boer Dutchmen).
+These were indeed indispensable, as none of the Boers possessed the
+competence in High Dutch requisite for the conduct of the more important
+portion of the clerical work in the administration. The professional
+branches were recruited from Holland likewise, in natural sequence. They
+were men of high attainments and possessed of energy and astuteness and
+of various qualifications&mdash;doctors, lawyers, editors, clergymen,
+teachers. Those who did not receive Government appointments quickly
+found lucrative positions in their vocations. The scope increased as
+time went by and as those States developed with the growth of the
+populations and the establish<a name="Page_58" id="Page_58" />ment of numerous towns and villages,
+especially after the discovery of the diamond-fields in 1870. Every year
+brought fresh contingents from Holland, including also the commercial
+class, artisans, and even servants of both sexes, and agriculturists.
+Preserving a constant intercourse with their native country, those
+Hollanders also maintained cohesion and clanship among themselves in
+their newly-adopted homes. Nor did Holland fail to realize the great
+advantages accruing to that country and its people from the new South
+African outlets&mdash;regular preserves with almost unlimited scope for
+further extension and for increasing permanent, profitable connections.
+A formidable barrier presented itself in the gradually ascendant
+tendencies of the English language and English trade, with corresponding
+neglect of the Dutch factors. Regretful forebodings aroused energetic
+efforts to check rival interests. The prize was too valuable, and
+increasing each year in importance. A dyke needed to be erected to stem
+the English encroachments and to preserve and consolidate the Hollander
+position of vantage. The ablest men in Holland and South Africa
+exercised themselves with that task with an ardour impelled by jealous
+hatred against the English and intensified by successive revelations <a name="Page_59" id="Page_59" />of
+more startling discoveries of gold and other mineral wealth in the
+Transvaal. It was then, about thirty years ago, that a well-informed,
+influential and unscrupulous coterie in Holland devised the fell
+projects which developed into that potential association since known as
+the Afrikaner Bond.</p>
+
+<p>The building of the Transvaal railway lines brought other large
+accessions of educated Hollanders, and as they were completed some
+thousands more were added to serve as permanent staff. Dutch influence
+was thus attaining strength to assert and consolidate its interests with
+an expanding impulse. The monopolized railway company promoted
+immigration from Holland by largely increasing the salaries to such of
+the staff who were married. The Transvaal Government, under the advice
+of their educational chief, Dr. Mansfeld, provided similar premiums to
+secure married teachers from Holland and by raising the salaries of
+married Hollander officials already placed. The Hollander population
+attracted to the Transvaal since 1850, and which did not number above
+500 in 1870, had increased by 1898 to fully 12,000, representing, as
+ranged with the Boers, by far the largest factor of educated
+intelligence, attached to and dependent upon the Government and its
+staunch allies. The <a name="Page_60" id="Page_60" />men received full burghership as a rule soon after
+arrival, exempt from the formalities and probation prescribed by law.</p>
+
+<p>Holland being the locality of the inception, I may say the ingestion, of
+the Afrikaner Bond, one's thoughts are apt to retrace, by way of
+contrast, that little nation's creditable past. The view presents those
+dykes, monuments of labour's heroism; then that glorious resistance
+against the mighty persecutor of religion, those unsurpassed
+performances in the arena of culture, arts, and sciences, and that long
+epoch of success in exploits of colonization, finance, and commerce.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;But view them closer, craft and fraud appear;<br /></span>
+<span>Even liberty itself is bartered here.&quot;&mdash;<i>Goldsmith</i>.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5" /><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>One notes the placid landscapes intersected by those still but
+deep-flowing rivers and canals, scenes so conducive to mental
+exercise&mdash;the Dutch patriot mourning over the transition of former
+national prestige to present condition of decadence presaging complete
+national submersion, but at the same time courageously employing his
+fertile brain in devis<a name="Page_61" id="Page_61" />ing far-reaching projects of remedy over distant
+perspectives so as to stem that tide of decadence and declension and to
+erect a firm barrier against that menace&mdash;to gain (by inspiration from
+the titular genius of commerce and craft so conspicuous in that famed
+art representation<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6" /><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> exhibited in his Bourse) a dazzling prize for his
+nation by one fell swoop and, so to say, with folded arms, just by
+pitting against the English his almost forgotten and long-neglected
+clan, the Boer nation, inciting them to usurp Great Britain in South
+Africa, Holland sharing the spoils. See here the master mind exulting in
+the conception, gestation, and birth of the Afrikaner Bond conspiracy;
+note the Hollander patriot's glitter of satisfaction at the vista of
+realizing the restoration of Holland to a position excelling its former
+glory, of a moribund language revived to significance, and of witnessing
+besides a sweet vendetta operated upon England, the old enemy and
+despoiler of his nation, to compass the humiliation and disintegration
+of the British Empire. Patience, dear reader; preserve judicial
+composure. Evidence is following on the heels of the charge.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5" /><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> This is of course not directed against the nation as a
+whole. See also notice, page vi.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6" /><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Oil painting in the Amsterdam Exchange building
+representing Mercurius.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="AFRIKANER_BOND_OUTLINES_AND_PROGRAMME" id="AFRIKANER_BOND_OUTLINES_AND_PROGRAMME" /><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62" />AFRIKANER BOND&mdash;OUTLINES AND PROGRAMME</h2>
+
+
+<p>The late Mr. Jan Brand, that noble President who was succeeded by Reitz
+and now by Steyn in the presidency of the Orange Free State, appeared to
+have had early intimations, or at least presages, as to the true nature
+of the Afrikaner Bond, for during the early eighties that association
+had yet posed as a harmless body, intended to preserve old Boer
+traditions upon perfectly constitutional lines. President Brand and some
+others then already suspected more, as the following incident will show.
+In 1883 President Brand officially opened the new wagon-road bridge over
+the Caledon River at Commissie drift, near Smithfield, Orange Free
+State. Towards the conclusion of the ceremony, one of the other
+speakers, Mr. Advocate Peeters, member of the Volksraad for Smithfield
+district, in the course of his speech formally suggested that President
+Brand should accept the leadership of the Orange Free State section of
+the Afrikaner Bond. The President, <a name="Page_63" id="Page_63" />addressing the burghers and all
+present, replied in about the following terms: The proposal just then
+made by Advocate Peeters had pained and offended him; the festive event
+would be marred by that incident were it not that it afforded him the
+opportunity, which he otherwise would have missed, of telling them all
+what he thought of the Afrikaner Bond&mdash;that it was an evil thing; he
+could not find terms strong enough to warn the people against its subtle
+seductions. The Afrikaner Bond professed its objects to be peace and
+harmony, but it really contained the pernicious seeds of division and
+strife, to set up enmity between English Afrikaners and Boer Afrikaners.
+He pointed out the sincerity of friendly relations on the part of
+England towards both the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Republics.
+The peace which restored to the Transvaal its independence a few years
+before was one big proof; his Government had many proofs of England's
+good will, too. It suited both parties to maintain harmony&mdash;it behoved
+every Afrikaner to be one-minded in friendly reciprocation. Through a
+gracious Providence both Republics were prosperous and enjoyed
+independence. All over the world the prosperity of States depended upon
+good relations with their neighbours&mdash;this was especially so as <a name="Page_64" id="Page_64" />regards
+the Orange Free State. They knew what kind of bond the Bible enjoined.
+It was the bond of peace and concord; and he concluded by declaring his
+well-grounded fears that the Afrikaner Bond was a device of the devil
+directed against the well-being of the entire Afrikaner nation. Instead
+of being encouraged, it should, like the &quot;Boete Bosch&quot;<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7" /><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> (<i>Xanthium
+spinosum</i>, burr weed), be extirpated from the soil of South Africa.</p>
+
+
+<p>MEMORANDA OF BOND PROGRAMME, EMANATING FROM HOLLAND (TRANSLATION FROM
+GLEANINGS).</p>
+
+<p>The Afrikaner Bond has as final object what is summed up in its motto of
+&quot;Afrika voor de Afrikaners.&quot;<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8" /><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> The whole of South Africa belongs by
+just right to the Afrikaner nation. It is the privilege and duty of
+every Afrikaner to contribute all in his power towards the expulsion of
+the English usurper. The States of South Africa to be federated in one
+independent Republic.</p>
+
+<p>The Afrikaner Bond prepares for this consummation.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65" />Argument in justification:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>(<i>a</i>) The transfer of the Cape Colony to the British Government took
+place by circumstances of <i>force majeure</i> and without the consent of the
+Dutch nation, who renounce all claim in favour of the Afrikaner or Boer
+nation.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>b</i>) Natal is territory which accrued to a contingent of the Boer
+nation by purchase from the Zulu King, who received the consideration
+agreed for.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>c</i>) The British authorities expelled the rightful owners from Natal by
+force of arms without just cause.</p>
+
+<p>The task of the Afrikaner Bond consists in:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>(<i>a</i>) Procuring the staunch adhesion and co-operation of every Afrikaner
+and other real friend of the cause.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>b</i>) To obtain the sympathy, the moral and effective aid of one or more
+of the world's Powers.</p>
+
+<p>The means to accomplish those tasks are:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Personal persuasion, Press propaganda, legislation and diplomacy.</p>
+
+<p>The direction of the application of those means is entrusted to a select
+body of members eligible for their loyalty to the cause and their
+abilities and position. That body will conduct such measures as need the
+observance of special secrecy. Upon the rest <a name="Page_66" id="Page_66" />of the members will
+devolve activities of a general character under the direction of the
+selected chiefs.</p>
+
+<p>One of the indispensable requisites is the proper organization of an
+effective fund, which is to be regularly sustained. Bond members will
+aid each other in all relations of public life in preference to
+non-members.</p>
+
+<p>In the efforts of gaining adherents to the cause it is of importance to
+distinguish three categories of persons&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>(1) The class of Afrikaners who are to some extent deteriorated by
+assimilative influences with the English race, whose restoration to
+patriotism will need great efforts, discretion, and patience.</p>
+
+<p>(2)The apparently unthinking and apathetic class, who prefer to relegate
+all initiative to leaders whom they will loyally follow. This class is
+the most numerous by far.</p>
+
+<p>(3) The warmly patriotic class, including men gifted with intelligence,
+energy, and speech, qualified as leaders and apt to exercise influence
+over the rest.</p>
+
+<p>Among those three classes many exist whose views and religious scruples
+need to be corrected. Scripture abounds in proofs and salient analogies
+applying to the situation and justifying our cause. In this, as well as
+in other directions, the members who work <a name="Page_67" id="Page_67" />in circulating written
+propaganda will supply the correct and conclusive arguments accessible
+to all.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the basis of our just rights, the British Government, if not the
+entire nation, is the usurping enemy of the Boer nation.</p>
+
+<p>In dealing with an enemy it is justifiable to employ, besides force,
+also means of a less open character, such as diplomacy and stratagem.</p>
+
+<p>The greatest danger to Afrikanerdom is the English policy of Anglicizing
+the Boer nation&mdash;to submerge it by the process of assimilation.</p>
+
+<p>A distinct attitude of holding aloof from English influences is the only
+remedy against that peril and for thwarting that insidious policy.</p>
+
+<p>It is only such an attitude that will preserve the nation in its simple
+faith and habits of morality, and provide safety against the dangers of
+contamination and pernicious examples, with all their fateful
+consequences to body and soul.</p>
+
+<p>Let the Dutch language have the place of honour in schools and homes.</p>
+
+<p>Let alliances of marriage with the English be stamped as unpatriotic.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9" /><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68" />Let every Afrikaner see that he is at all times well armed with the
+best possible weapons, and maintains the expert use of the rifle among
+young and old, so as to be ready when duty calls and the time is ripe
+for asserting the nation's rights and be rid of English thraldom.</p>
+
+<p>Employ teachers only who are animated with truly patriotic sentiments.</p>
+
+<p>Let it be well understood that English domination will also bring
+religious intolerance and servitude, for it is only a very frail link
+which separates the English State Church from actual Romanism, and its
+proselytism <i>en bloc</i> is only a matter of short time.</p>
+
+<p>Equally repugnant and dangerous is England's policy towards the coloured
+races, whom she aims, for the sake of industrial profit, at elevating to
+equal rank with whites, in direct conflict with scriptural authority&mdash;a
+policy which incites coloured people to rivalry with their superiors,
+and can only end in common disaster.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst remaining absolutely independent, the ties of blood relationship
+and language point to Holland for a domestic base.</p>
+
+<p>As to commerce, Germany, America, and other industrial nations could
+more than fill the gap left <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69" />by England, and such connections should be
+cultivated as a potent means towards obtaining foreign support to our
+cause and identification with it.</p>
+
+<p>If the mineral wealth of the Transvaal and Orange Free State becomes
+established&mdash;as appears certain from discoveries already made&mdash;England
+will not rest until those are also hers.</p>
+
+<p>The leopard will retain its spots. The independence of both Republics is
+at stake on that account alone, with the risk that the rightful owners
+of the land will become the hewers of wood and drawers of water for the
+usurpers.</p>
+
+<p>There is no alternative hope for the peace and progress of South Africa
+except by the total excision of the British ulcer.</p>
+
+<p>Reliable signs are not wanting to show that our nation is designed by
+Providence as the instrument for the recovery of its rights, and for the
+chastisement of proud, perfidious Albion.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7" /><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Literally &quot;bush of fines&quot; (fines imposed on landowners
+where the burr weed was not eradicated).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8" /><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Africa for the African citizen or African-born whites.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9" /><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> It is notorious that from about 1890 such marriages were
+denounced from the Boer pulpits and on the occasions of the Independence
+day anniversaries (16th December).</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PACIFIC_POLICY_OF_GREAT_BRITAIN" id="PACIFIC_POLICY_OF_GREAT_BRITAIN" /><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70" />PACIFIC POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN</h2>
+
+
+<p>During the period of, say, twenty-five years after the inception of the
+Afrikaner Bond, and while its organization and development were secretly
+kept at full pace with occurring events, the British Government
+consistently and openly pursued the policy of bringing about the
+unification of South Africa. Mr. Froude, a speaker of rare gifts, was
+sent to lecture upon the topic: this was in about 1873. The Colonial
+Governor, Sir Bartle Frere, strenuously advocated that union. The lines
+suggested were a general federation under one protective flag,
+self-government in the Colonies, and the continuance of uncurtailed
+autonomic independence in the two Republics. The benefits which such a
+coalition promised to all concerned in South Africa are obvious. It
+would guarantee harmony between the two white races without involving
+the least sacrifice of liberty with any party&mdash;it simply meant
+coincident peace, prosperity and security, and would relieve England of
+a considerable burden <a name="Page_71" id="Page_71" />of anxiety. The scheme promised to find all-round
+acceptance, but, unaccountably, except to Bond men, its greatest
+opponents were the Cape Colonial Boers. It was, however, confidently
+hoped that, with patience, opposition and indifference would be
+overcome, and in view of this no opportunity was lost to prove England's
+loyal sincerity by genial treatment, by conciliating the various
+interests, and gratifying the wishes of the Boer communities, and so to
+ensure the desideratum of complete <i>rapprochement</i> between the white
+races.</p>
+
+<p>Conferences were convened with the objects of coming to agreements for
+the establishment of a general South African Customs Union, and for
+adjusting railway tariffs upon fair bases and a more reliable permanency
+of rates suggesting reciprocal terms advantageous to the Republics.
+These efforts also proved fruitless through similar opposition.</p>
+
+<p>The Afrikaner Bond party, as the reader will understand, had ranged
+itself against all such attempts, whilst successfully masking its own
+object all the time.</p>
+
+<p>Other differences, which, with a friendly and united spirit, were
+capable of easy adjustment, were welcomed by that party as grist to its
+mill in order to widen the gulf and to increase the tension.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72" />Besides the chagrin over the failure of its peace policy, the British
+Cabinet had finally to admit itself confronted with a very real and
+ominous national peril, face to face with the South African Medusa,
+Afrikanerdom, defying Great Britain in preconcerted aggression and
+revolt. That apparition was all the more startlingly disquieting because
+of the suddenness with which the magnitude of the menace and its wide
+perspectives had begun to expand into clearer view. It was interesting
+to note how the English ministry responded to the call upon its
+fortitude; the terrifying apparition did not seem to petrify that body
+of men, despite the galling handicapping consequences through the
+opposition of part of the nation, which was indeed tantamount to
+encouraging South African rebels and usurpers.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="BOND_PRESS_PROPAGANDA_SECRET_SERVICEmdashTRADE_RIVALRIES" id="BOND_PRESS_PROPAGANDA_SECRET_SERVICEmdashTRADE_RIVALRIES" /><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73" />BOND PRESS PROPAGANDA&mdash;SECRET SERVICE&mdash;TRADE RIVALRIES</h2>
+
+
+<p>The Bond leaders in Holland and South Africa had at an early stage acted
+upon Stuart Mill's recognised saying, &quot;that conviction in a cause is of
+more potent avail than mere interest in it.&quot; Among those leaders there
+was no lack of men of erudition and of psychological science, than whom
+no one knew better the prime importance of ensuring uniformity of
+convictions among the Boers and their partisans, and that the public
+mind needs to be framed and trained so as to view the Boer cause as just
+and that of the English as odiously wicked. They knew how indispensable
+the Press is for attaining those objects, how journalism is capable of
+plausibly representing black as white and to convince people so&mdash;that,
+in fact, it is on occasion an agency of persuasion more potent than
+armies are. Its needs are unscrupulous pens and ample payments. For
+money is the sinews of journalism as well as of war, whether the
+projectiles be charged with lyddite or with lies, whether it is bullets
+or throwing dust into people's eyes.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74" />We have seen how a few articles (for which a leading French paper
+received &pound;100,000) were instrumental in enabling the Panama Canal Co. to
+swindle the French public of forty million pounds sterling, and more
+recently, where through Press agency it became feasible to a combination
+of Jesuitism and militarism to seduce by far the greater portion of the
+noble French nation into frenzied agitation and anti-Semitic excesses,
+and load the entire people with almost ineffaceable guilt in the matter
+of that unfortunate Dreyfus. In its Press campaign the Afrikaner Bond
+employed several leading Colonial organs&mdash;the Bloemfontein <i>Express</i>,
+the Pretoria <i>Volksstem</i>, the <i>Standard and Diggers' News</i> of
+Johannesburg, and numerous papers of note abroad as well. These were
+coached, in the usual masterly manner, sophisticating and perverting
+truth. Whenever a lull occurred in treating one or other of the more
+salient questions, those South African papers would invariably
+contain&mdash;especially in their Dutch columns&mdash;aspersive articles, coupled
+with invective comments to prejudice the Boer mind and to reawaken
+anti-English sentiments. It is notable as a proof that the Bond party
+lacked all occasions for recriminations, so that those papers had to
+resort for material for their <a name="Page_75" id="Page_75" />vituperation to distorted incidents of
+Transvaal history prior to the peace of 1881. There would, for example,
+be dished up falsely rendered and dramatically coloured and perverted
+selections, such as the treacherous massacre of Retief's party in 1838,
+averring that the Zulu king, Dingaan, had been incited thereto by the
+British authorities; tragic descriptions of events, coupled with the
+massacres by Zulu impis soon after at Weenen and Blaauwkrantz, averred
+also to have taken place at the instance of the English Government, and
+ever and anon references and full tragic descriptions of the
+Slachtersnek execution in 1816, omitting to state that the Boer culprits
+were hanged after fair and open trial and conviction by a &quot;Boer&quot; jury
+for high treason in conspiring with Kaffirs against the Government,
+which crime had led to bloodshed, and that their relatives had been
+ordered to witness the execution because they had been abettors and
+privy to the crime.</p>
+
+<p>Books teaching the history of South Africa were adapted for school use
+wherein denunciations against the English appear in almost every
+chapter. Poetry in the vernacular Dutch and pamphlets teeming with like
+burdens and calumnies also did their share in inspiring race hatred.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76" />Pro-Boer journalism in England and elsewhere abroad had assumed such
+dimensions, especially during the past decade, as to bring the Secret
+Service expenditure on that head during recent years to over &pound;100,000
+per annum. Dr. Leyds, the Transvaal ambassador, now (December, 1899) in
+Europe, is known to some to have with him some &pound;250,000 to defray Press
+expenditure, etc., apart from the millions to which he is authorized to
+engage his Government in diplomatic projects, such as procuring allies,
+or to create embroilments and diversions to the prejudice of England.</p>
+
+<p>To sum up the success achieved by anti-English propaganda, we find the
+Boer nation, from the Zambesi to the Cape, unanimous in convictions as
+to their fancied claims, their own absolute innocence, and the
+immeasurable guilt of the British Government, abetted by
+capitalism&mdash;guilt which cries to heaven for retribution; and those
+convictions take with each man the form of a resolute patriotism wherein
+mingled fanaticism and religious fervour in their cause form a
+powerfully sustaining part.</p>
+
+<p>Partisanship outside of Africa counts by millions of individuals and
+entire peoples; with these it is not so much conviction, but rather
+persuasion induced by political hatred and the souring effects <a name="Page_77" id="Page_77" />of
+jealousy and unsuccessful rivalry. This feature is, of course, most
+accentuated in Holland, where, with the eyes set upon the loaves and
+fishes in South Africa, that nation has for some time been &quot;publicly
+praying&quot; for Boer victory over England. These are instances of mere
+interest in lieu of genuine convictions. In England the spectacle is
+more varied. There we see interest where there are paid agencies, and
+persuasion more or less pronounced induced by political party spirit and
+also by real convictions. It is in regard to the latter category where
+perverted journalism triumphs most and stabs deepest, where men of
+honour and patriotism have adopted views which clash against public
+interest, and convictions which torture their own minds with grief and
+shame under the supposed idea of England's unjust attitude towards the
+Boer people, assuming that a Government majority allows itself to be
+actuated by base motives.</p>
+
+<p>Is it not attributable in a large proportion to misguided as well as to
+venal journalism that the Boer cause has so heavily scored?</p>
+
+<p>Was all this not manifest in the divisions of England's counsels, in the
+hampered progress of her diplomacy, her fateful hesitancy and delay in
+providing appropriate preventive and protective measures in South
+Africa?</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78" />And as regards the tenacity of those convictions, it is with them as it
+is in plant life. The longer a tree is in maturing, the harder is it to
+uproot it.</p>
+
+<p>The activities of Bond propaganda have been in continuance for many
+years, and the prejudices fostered so long are correspondingly
+deep-rooted.</p>
+
+<p>Bond patriotism was not long subjected to the strain of individual
+contributions and unpaid performances. When the Transvaal revenues
+advanced with such giant strides the Afrikaner Bond leaders in that
+State contrived arrangements by which the financial requirements were
+supplied from State receipts. Nor was the least compunction felt in
+doing so. Was the revenue of the State not chiefly derived from the
+Uitlander element&mdash;from Uitlander investments, which all throve from the
+nation's own buried gold wealth? No scruples existed to provide from
+those sources the armaments and all else needed for the common cause of
+conquest.</p>
+
+<p>A secret service fund of some &pound;40,000 per year only was placed upon the
+budget list. But this amount was vastly exceeded by the growing
+requirements of the Afrikaner Bond for expenditure in South Africa
+alone. It was easily contrived to divert, <i>sub rosa</i>, large State
+receipts to supply the remaining financial needs. Among these figured,
+<a name="Page_79" id="Page_79" />besides the heavy outlays in journalism abroad, gratuities, etc., a
+large bill also for secret agencies, spies, and the like.</p>
+
+<p>The entire expenditure was under the direction of a few only of the
+trusted leaders and audited by the chiefs, all being kept otherwise
+undivulged.</p>
+
+<p>The Transvaal thus became the treasury as well as the arsenal of the
+entire Afrikaner Bond.</p>
+
+<p>Hundreds of agents were in constant employ in the Cape Colonies and
+Natal suborning the Boer colonists; many of them occupied positions in
+various branches of the Colonial Government, and were able to supply
+information upon any subject and even to influence elections.</p>
+
+<p>There were numerous permanent agents drawing large emoluments in Europe
+also, and emissaries to different places abroad, some touring in
+America, England, and the Continent, as the Rev. Mr. Bosman did
+recently, and also the P.M.G., Isaac van Alphen.</p>
+
+<p>Much energy and money were also devoted to electioneering campaigns, as
+had notoriously been done in the Cape Colony towards bringing in a Bond
+majority. Large sums are spent in the diplomatic arena in Holland to
+propitiate foreign statesmen, soliciting sympathy, and in coquettings
+for Transvaal allies. One of these attempts that failed had <a name="Page_80" id="Page_80" />been with
+Germany. It would appear that some progress had been feasible some years
+ago in temporarily luring Emperor William to favour a Holland-Transvaal
+combination, but when that sovereign had at last penetrated the infamous
+business that lay behind it all, he, as a true &quot;<i>Bayard</i>&quot; promptly
+washed his hands clean of it, preferring to forego obvious brilliant
+advantages for his people than to sully Germany's fair fame in a
+connection amounting to no less than abetting a foul conspiracy.</p>
+
+<p>The readers of the Johannesburg <i>Standard and Diggers' News</i> will
+remember among the staple attacks upon capitalism quite a series of
+articles intended to decoy mining artisans and operatives to Boer views.
+Secret agents were also employed for that purpose, and to induce the
+belief that the Government was the enemy of capitalism, and would
+champion its victims (the mining operatives) in the State. It would
+support miners and the working class generally against attempts to
+curtail the just rights of labour, and to parade its sincerity actually
+passed a law constituting eight tours a legal day's labour. With such
+coquettings it was hoped to gain the miners' confidence and adhesion.
+Those men were, however, not to be taught by quasi-socialistic
+professions of concern, <a name="Page_81" id="Page_81" />and when, some months later, the exodus prior
+to the war occurred, they nearly all left, much to the disgust and
+discomfiture of the Government, which had counted upon them to stay to
+work the mines for its own account when the moment should arrive.</p>
+
+<p>The appropriation of gold mines and their exploitation for Government
+benefit bring about a singular anomaly for a nation engaged in war,
+viz., that of a plethora of gold and a scarcity of paper currency, the
+Transvaal mint coining the sinews of war at the expense of its victims,
+but the plundered gold after all not equalling commercial paper values.</p>
+
+<p>In connection with the foregoing remarks the following may also be said.
+States professing neutrality still permit themselves to trade with the
+Transvaal to a large extent. It is notorious that that State possesses
+no funds available for payments except the gold derived from the
+misappropriated mines. The output is seized in its entirety, and not
+limited to the extent accruing to British scrip holders only. The
+hustling rivalry of doing business with the Transvaal thus involves
+receiving stolen money in payment of trade accounts. We see the
+receivers eager to stand upon the same platform as the thief, thus not
+only as his political partisans, but also as his accomplices.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="DISLOYALTY_OF_COLONIAL_BOERS" id="DISLOYALTY_OF_COLONIAL_BOERS" /><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82" />DISLOYALTY OF COLONIAL BOERS</h2>
+
+
+<p>The Boer section in the Cape Colonies represents nearly one-half of the
+white population there. Their representatives in the administration were
+ever profuse and assertive in professions of loyalty to the Queen and to
+the English Government, and any aspersions to the contrary were always
+indignantly and stoutly repelled. The Afrikaner Bond was averred to
+include nothing to clash with loyal sentiments, no severance from
+England, but, on the contrary, that its principal objects were to
+strengthen the lines of amity and joint solidarity in view of a general
+federation of South Africa upon Imperial bases. In support of such
+sentiments one of the first acts of the Bond party when recently come
+into power was a vote of &pound;30,000 per year towards British naval outlays,
+and in grateful recognition of naval protection; it was at the same time
+mooted, in fact almost pledged, that the Transvaal would similarly offer
+&pound;12,000 as well.</p>
+
+<p>The sequel has proven these to be Athenian gifts, <a name="Page_83" id="Page_83" />for no sooner had the
+Republican commandoes invaded the Cape Colonies in November last than
+those identical men enthusiastically welcomed the Queen's enemies as
+their friends and deliverers from hateful English dominion. There they
+stood&mdash;self-avowed and unmasked traitors. Members of the Legislative
+Assembly met those Boer invaders with addresses and speeches, assuring
+them of their own and of every other true Afrikaner's aid and fidelity
+in their common cause. &quot;The star of liberty,&quot; they said, &quot;had arisen at
+last&mdash;it had been the nation's desire and prayers during the past
+fifteen years.&quot; &quot;He could thank God with tears of joy for having granted
+those prayers.&quot; Such were the words of Mr. van der Walt, M.L.A., uttered
+at Colesberg. Mr. de Wet, M.L.A., Mr. van den Heever, M.L.A., and other
+colonial notables were spokesmen in similar terms of enthusiasm on other
+occasions as the invasion advanced. All this is sadly notorious, but
+still it seems a hard task to convince people who prefer to remain blind
+or only see a presumptuous adversary in any one who seeks to enlighten
+them upon this glaring and premeditated treachery.</p>
+
+<p>October and November were months of unrestrained exultation to the Boer
+party, to judge <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84" />from letters and articles which appeared in the
+<i>Standard and Diggers' News</i>, Johannesburg, dated 22nd November, 1899,
+and in the Pretoria <i>Volksstem</i>, dated 20th November, 1899.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10" /><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> There
+one sees the mask off, in language of defiant insult and of scurrilous
+mendacity against all that is English, avowing that the present
+Anglo-Boer War has been the outcome of preparations during the past
+thirty years. That letter is not all suitable reading for the tender
+sex, but should serve as evidence to the still unconvinced sceptic that
+the Boers are fighting for something more than their mere independence
+and liberty, viz., for conquest and the domination of Afrikanerdom. His
+Excellency Dr. Leyds may deny all those too previous <a name="Page_85" id="Page_85" />intentions with
+his placid effrontery of assumed innocent calm. He may denounce Mr.
+Chamberlain, Rhodes, Jameson, and even the Prince of Wales, and he may
+use the old device of posing as innocent by accusing others. The
+detected robber, however, does not always escape with his booty by
+running off himself, whilst shouting &quot;Stop, thief!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Something refreshingly analogous to such attempts of screening and
+exculpation has been extemporized in Cape journals of late. There, in an
+ingeniously pretended dissertation, it is invented how ill founded the
+aspersions are against Mr. Premier Schreiner, and that the acts, upon
+which he was so wrongly suspected as an amphibious helmsman, are really
+attributable to another person&mdash;by the way, to one at a safe distance,
+viz., to Mr. F.W. Reitz, the Transvaal State Secretary; whilst this
+gentleman again, when lecturing at Johannesburg in July last, naively
+deplored the confusion of people's ideas who see anything wrong in the
+Afrikaner Bond, adding: &quot;Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they
+do or talk about.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The peace of South Africa is only possible under Boer supremacy,&quot; is
+the Bond shibboleth. The end justifies the means, even to sedition, to a
+war of conquest and the wholesale plunder of investors.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86" />Many of the younger Boers in the Cape Colony and Natal had shown a
+singular ardour in joining the several volunteer corps. They were
+equipped with uniforms and best weapons, were drilled into efficiency,
+received pay, and all went on well until the oath of allegiance was to
+be tendered. This they refused, preferring to resign and to provide arms
+from other sources&mdash;Mauser rifles by preference. This happened some
+considerable time before the outbreak of the war.</p>
+
+
+<p>Boer Arguments Denying Uitlanders' Complaints</p>
+
+<p>Many plausible arguments are proffered to prove that Uitlanders'
+grievances and irritations are purely fictitious, but few, I venture to
+say, will bear examination. Taxation, for example, is stoutly averred to
+fall alike upon burgher and Uitlander, but a glance at the long rubric
+of articles specially taxed will show that the selection is contrived to
+hit the latter and to spare, or even to protect and benefit, the burgher
+section.</p>
+
+<p>The gold industry is not charged with a royalty as is customary in other
+gold-producing countries, but with 5 per cent. only upon the net
+profits; but here an intolerant and corrupt domination <a name="Page_87" id="Page_87" />proves much more
+prejudicial than a heavy royalty would be.</p>
+
+<p>Proper representation would be the remedy and afford contentment, even
+with higher taxation, but that is refused upon Bond principles.</p>
+
+<p>The Anglo-Boer War is attributed to base motives on the part of the
+British Government, operating in collusion with capitalism&mdash;to England's
+passion for annexation, her rapacious greed for the Transvaal gold, her
+inordinate ambition to universal commercial supremacy, etc. What a
+confusion of assertions and of self-refuting contradictions!</p>
+
+<p>Would England really acquire the Transvaal gold by the annexation of
+that State, seeing that its mines are already capitalized and as good as
+expropriated in favour of the host of shareholders, some of whom are
+English, but the greater portion German, French, and of other nations?</p>
+
+<p>What advantage would accrue to shareholders? Would England, in case of
+forcible annexation, not be under the necessity of incurring a heavy
+charge in the increase of her South African garrisons, and so be
+justified in levying a considerable royalty upon the output, which would
+materially reduce the dividends? What advantage would arise to England
+by substituting an unproductive and <a name="Page_88" id="Page_88" />costly war in South Africa for
+conditions of peace and prosperity, which alone can yield her commerce
+profit? England can only derive profit from wars waged between other
+peoples. And as to the incentive of commercial supremacy, England, while
+possessing that to a large extent already, freely and voluntarily allows
+all comers from other nationalities to share the benefits with her by
+her principle of free trade.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10" /><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Extract from Pretoria <i>Volksstem</i>, 20th November, 1899,
+from a long letter averred to have appeared in the London <i>Times</i>, dated
+12th October, 1899, said to have been signed by a well-known Cape Boer,
+then in England:&mdash;
+</p><p>
+&quot;We have desired delay, and we have had it, and we are now practically
+masters of South Africa from the Zambesi to the Cape. All the Afrikaners
+in the Cape Colony have been working for years past for this end.
+</p><p>
+&quot;For thirty years the Cape Dutch have been waiting their chance, and now
+their day has come; they will throw off their mask and their yoke at the
+same instant, and 200,000 Dutch heroes will trample you tinder foot. We
+can afford to tell you the truth now, and in this letter you have got
+it.&quot;</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PORTUGUESE_TERRITORY_TRANSVAAL_LOW_VELDTmdashMALARIAmdashHORSE_SICKNESS" id="PORTUGUESE_TERRITORY_TRANSVAAL_LOW_VELDTmdashMALARIAmdashHORSE_SICKNESS" /><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89" />PORTUGUESE TERRITORY&mdash;TRANSVAAL LOW VELDT&mdash;MALARIA&mdash;HORSE SICKNESS</h2>
+
+
+<p>Between the north-eastern borders of the Transvaal and the coast lies
+the Portuguese colony Mozambique. Its frontier railway station, Ressario
+Garcia, is near that of the Transvaal, viz., Komati poort, which is 53
+miles from Delagoa Bay. A low-lying country extends from the coast about
+100 to 200 miles inland, and is tropical. Except some elevated spots,
+the whole of it is almost uninhabitable in summer by whites on account
+of malaria. During some specially bad seasons natives even succumb to
+that malady. The only comparatively safe months are from June to
+November. Marshy localities, and wherever there is shaded rank
+vegetation in low-lying parts, are dangerous all the year round; in such
+places the water is deadly at all times unless first boiled.</p>
+
+<p>This malarial poison is distinct from that which produces yellow fever
+in America, and is so far <a name="Page_90" id="Page_90" />unlike it as it is not contagious. The theory
+is that the poison is produced below the surface by decaying vegetable
+matter in low and dank parts during the more inactive but still warm and
+sunny winter season and during the hot months preceding the summer
+rainfall. Upon the first rains the malarial poison escapes through the
+then softened crust in the shape of vapoury miasms. This happens during
+the night, after the surface of the earth has been cooled off. Those
+miasms are dissipated or neutralised by the action of the sun. The dewy
+grass retains the poison until it is thoroughly dried to the root. All
+surface water is liable to that poisonous impregnation. Malarial
+manifestations occur all over South Africa, but in progressive degrees
+of virulence with the advance to warmer latitudes, and with the descent
+from the high table-lands to the coast levels. On the Transvaal high
+veldt, for example, a mild form is developed which, in midsummer, to a
+small extent, affects and kills sheep. It is called <i>blaauwtong</i>, and
+does not affect horses. Descending further, this danger to sheep
+increases and begins earlier. Below 5,000 feet altitude in the Transvaal
+the summer season is dangerous to sheep, and horses and mules are
+subject to horse sickness; whilst lower still the same malaria attains
+sufficient virulence to <a name="Page_91" id="Page_91" />attack human beings, and becomes very deadly
+upon levels nearing the coast. Komati poort, the frontier railway
+station already mentioned, is dreaded as a still worse death-trap than
+even Delagoa Bay, where it is very unsafe, say, from December to end of
+April. The season of horse sickness terminates upon the appearance of
+the first sharp frost in May. The safeguards for human beings consist in
+avoidance at night and early morning of low-lying localities, or such
+elevated places even which are subject to be invaded by miasmatic
+emanations produced on and wafted from dangerous lower levels. Drink no
+unboiled water except that from deep wells or rain-water; maintain
+careful and moderate diet, active habits, but avoiding extreme exertions
+and excitements; a very sparing use of alcoholic drinks, preferably
+taken with the regular meals, is admissible.</p>
+
+<p>Donkeys, horned cattle, and goats are exempt from malarial risks.</p>
+
+<p>For horses and mules no certain remedy appears as yet to be known. The
+best research, on behalf of the Transvaal Government, by specially
+requisitioned French bacteriologists, assisted by that famous
+microbe-hunter, Dr. Theiler (Dr. Theiler is the Transvaal veterinary
+surgeon and chief of the <a name="Page_92" id="Page_92" />Medical Laboratory, Pretoria, a noted Swiss
+savant, who, with the aid of the said French experts, discovered the
+rinderpest inoculation remedy), has failed to find the bacillus of horse
+sickness. Barely five per cent, of the horses attacked recover, and
+about ten per cent, of mules. These are then called salted, and are
+immune from horse sickness; they can after that be safely used in the
+worst localities, and are correspondingly more valuable. They are,
+however, liable periodically to light after-attacks, when it is safer to
+exempt them from work for a day, or for a few hours at least.</p>
+
+<p>Some proprietors of mail coaches are in the habit of administering doses
+of arsenic to their horses and mules, which are said to operate in
+lessening the death rate and to favour the salting process.</p>
+
+<p>As safeguards for horses and mules, the following rules have been found
+to minimise losses in dangerous tracts where the low clinging miasmatic
+vapours are so deadly during the night and earlier parts of the morning.
+(During rainfall there is hardly any danger, nor is there after a
+night's rain for the day following):&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Do not traverse low suspicious tracts during the hours between 9 p.m.
+and, say, two hours after <a name="Page_93" id="Page_93" />sunrise, lest poisonous vapours be
+encountered and inhaled by man or horse.</p>
+
+<p>Choose the most elevated spots for camping out at night. No grazing to
+be allowed from 10 p.m. to about 10 or 11 a.m., unless it is raining.
+Dewy grass is fatally poisoned; the heavy moist air close to the surface
+is also suspected. Grazing is only safe after the soil and grass are
+dried of all dewy moisture.</p>
+
+<p>Avoid all water of at all a stagnant nature; rather let the animals
+remain thirsty.</p>
+
+<p>If the animals have been fed with dry fodder during the night, let the
+first morning stage be moderate and not exhausting. With empty stomachs
+the task might be somewhat increased, but even then it should be less
+than any other succeeding stage. When the first symptoms of sickness are
+noticed they may pass over if the animal is at once freed from work and
+allowed to rest, or is at most led when marching. Among the most
+dangerous places for horse sickness and for fever to human beings are
+the luxurious dongas, ravines, and valleys which abound along the long
+stretches of mountains and broken country immediately below the high
+plateaux.</p>
+
+<p>The passes leading up to the high veldt are few <a name="Page_94" id="Page_94" />in number, and so
+precipitous as to be almost impracticable for vehicles. Of late years
+those roads have been allowed to fall into disrepair, in order, it may
+be supposed, to check wagon traffic and to promote that by railway;
+apart from the railway, communication with Delagoa Bay would now be
+impossible. What with the fever climate in summer, and the formidable
+mountain barriers, the Transvaal high veldt is well protected from
+aggression from the direction of Delagoa Bay. A few thousand men
+distributed at the few mountain passes, blocking the tunnel at one of
+these (at Waterval Boven), and breaking up some few bridges, would
+effectually arrest the progress of any invading force.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CLIMATE_AND_TOPOGRAPHY" id="CLIMATE_AND_TOPOGRAPHY" /><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95" />CLIMATE AND TOPOGRAPHY</h2>
+
+
+<p>From the tropical Zambesi regions and the torrid Kalahari plains, down
+to the 34th parallel at Cape point, a great diversity of climatic
+conditions is met with. To the north and north-east are the steaming,
+death-breeding low lands, abounding with dank virgin forests and scrubby
+stretches; and to the north-west extend the arid, sandy, and stony
+levels. There are the temperate and fruitful inland reaches along the
+southern and south-eastern littoral, and again further inward the vast
+plateaux at 2,000 to 6,500 feet elevation, which represent nearly
+one-half of the sub-continent with quite other climatic aspects. In the
+southern and western provinces of the Cape Colony the rainy season
+occurs during the winter months, probably because of the proximity to
+the trade wind influences prevailing over the South Atlantic; over the
+rest of South Africa the winters are dry and sunny, the rains falling in
+summer, most copiously in December and <a name="Page_96" id="Page_96" />January, the effect being that
+there are hardly any winter rigours, and the heat of summer is
+minimised. The most agreeable climate is that on the higher plateau
+levels: never hot nor altogether cold, and yet virile and bracing;
+something like the climate on sunny days found in the higher Alpine
+regions in summer and in the mild Algerine winters. This climate is
+found from the Queenstown district at about 3,000 feet elevation,
+extending north and westwards over the Stormberg, the Orange Free State,
+and along the lordly Drakensberg range and its spurs some 200 to 300
+miles into the Transvaal, where the highest plateau levels occur between
+Ermelo and to near Lydenburg, viz., 6,500 feet. The Harrismith district
+near that mountain range is at a similar altitude with an identical
+climate.</p>
+
+<p>These high tracts are called <i>hoogeveldt</i> or highlands. Their altitude
+rises steadily with the advance northwards towards warmer latitudes, and
+with the compensating effect that the climate in the Queenstown
+district, Bontebok Flats for example, at 3,000 feet elevation, is
+exactly similar to that in the eastern portions of the Orange Free State
+at 5,500 feet, right up to near Lydenburg at 6,500 feet altitude, and
+being some six degrees further north than Queenstown. The northern half
+of Natal also <a name="Page_97" id="Page_97" />partakes of that character, though there, as well as over
+the rest of the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg mountains, the country
+is more broken and hilly than on the western side. The Cape Colonial
+high veldt near the Drakensberg range is intersected by high
+continuations or spurs, but north and westwards those plateaux assume
+more the real aspect of continuous high plains. There is a gradual
+descent to the west; from occasional hilly ranges those dwindle to
+kopjes, and to still less elevated &quot;randjes&quot; occurring in clusters more
+and more apart, until yet further westwards one gets to the merely
+undulating sterile approaches of the Karoo and the plains around and
+beyond Kimberley, which merge at last in the still lower Kalahara
+desert.</p>
+
+<p>Within 200 or 300 miles from the Drakensberg slopes the country is
+well-watered, and the rainfall ample and generally regular, but
+westwards this abundance progressively decreases with a more tardy and
+precarious rainy season, occasioning at times severe droughts
+accompanied with correspondingly protracted and very hot weather.</p>
+
+<p>Those high plains make up one vast green sward from the time of the
+spring rains in September to April. From May the absence of rain,
+together with the night frosts, shrivel up the herbage, <a name="Page_98" id="Page_98" />giving the
+country a pale-brown aspect. This continues until the return of spring,
+varied with large expanses of black, caused by accidental or intentional
+grass fires, and here and there a few green spots in specially sheltered
+and moist localities.</p>
+
+<p>Those burnt spaces may extend for miles, and are for the time veritable
+deserts. The landscape being quite black and the atmosphere generally
+very clear, it is obvious that objects of any lighter colour would be
+conspicuous at very long distances: an ideal background for khaki
+targets.</p>
+
+<p>Most of the land is well suited for agriculture, but by far the largest
+proportion is as yet used only for raising sheep, horses and cattle.
+Angora goats also thrive in the hillier parts. About forty years ago the
+Karoo plains, the Orange Free State, and Transvaal were, so to say,
+monopolised by milliards of game. Standing upon an eminence or a swell
+one could see in all directions, as far as the eye could reach,
+innumerable herds of all sorts of game grazing, resting or gambolling;
+the different kinds would be ranged in separate groups and could be
+distinguished by their special colours&mdash;the black-looking wildebeest
+(gnu) next to the striped quag-gas, the white-flanked springbocks,
+blesbocks with a blaze on their foreheads, the larger elands and <a name="Page_99" id="Page_99" />other
+kinds of the antelope species. Almost all those vast herds have
+disappeared since, having been killed off by natives and Boers for their
+hides and for food, or else scared away farther north, where rinderpest
+extirpated nearly all the rest in 1895-1897.</p>
+
+<p>In the earlier days, and even not so long ago in some parts, the
+farmers' crops required guarding during the night against the
+depredations of game. This is still so in the north-western plains of
+the Cape Colony, as already remarked. In May most of the Harrismith
+district farmers and those of the Transvaal high veldt move their sheep,
+horses and cattle to winter in Natal, Swaziland, and to the other
+extensive low lands most adjacent, to return after the spring rains in
+September or October. Sheep and horses could not with safety remain
+longer in those warm regions, as then the fatal malarial <i>blaauwtong</i>
+begins there to attack sheep, and horse sickness becomes virulent as
+well. The high veldt, as said before, is exempt from that danger.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the wealthier farmers can arrange it so that they and their
+families can winter at their comfortable high-veldt homes and send
+attendants with their cattle to the low veldt, while others, not <a name="Page_100" id="Page_100" />so
+well favoured, must close up their houses and accompany their flocks to
+winter in the warm tracts, where they live in their wagons and tents and
+escape the outlay for winter clothing.</p>
+
+<p>Owing to the scarcity of wood on the high veldt, kraal fuel used
+formerly to be the staple substitute. This would be obtained by penning
+up sheep over-night. The deposits were after a month or two dug out in
+thick flags, which, after being stacked and dried over the kraal wall,
+would burn nearly as well and as brightly as wood. The discovery of coal
+beds in so many accessible places in the Cape Colony, Natal, and in the
+two Republics has since superseded that sort of fuel to a great extent.</p>
+
+<p>The small divergence between summer and winter temperature upon the high
+table lands will be seen from the following table taken from
+observations at 5,500 to 6,000 feet altitude in the Transvaal:&mdash;</p>
+
+<pre>
+        Fahr.                               Fahr.<br />
+In winter&mdash;28&deg; to 40&deg; at night;      35&deg; to 70&deg; by day in the shade.
+In summer&mdash;40&deg; to 60&deg; at night;      50&deg; to 90&deg; by day in the shade.<br />
+</pre>
+
+<p>It is not often that 85&deg; is reached, and rarely above. This applies
+equally to the more southern and thus colder latitudes of Queenstown, at
+3,000 feet elevation, and to the eastern half of the Orange Free State,
+at 4,000 to 5,000 feet, the warmth increasing, as <a name="Page_101" id="Page_101" />said before,
+proportionately with the descent in altitude, and on occasions of tardy
+summer rains.</p>
+
+<p>The winter is the most enjoyable of the seasons, being an almost
+uninterrupted continuation of fine sunny weather. On occasions there
+would be spells of boisterous weather with a rather sudden and inclement
+decrease of temperature, brought on by cold south-east winds; if these
+are accompanied with rain in winter, which, however, rarely happens, it
+would sometimes turn to sleet or even snow, or else to hard freezing at
+night. The snow would, however, thaw with the warmth of the sun, and so
+restore the temperature as before. The bracing quality of the climate
+mostly consists just in those variations of cool nights and warm days,
+and the occasional days of comparatively cold, boisterous weather. The
+latter must indeed be provided against, for even in December&mdash;that is to
+say, in the middle of summer&mdash;it would be imprudent to travel without
+great-coats as well as waterproofs, so as to be protected against
+unexpected changes, from say, 100&deg; in the sun, almost suddenly to 40&deg;
+with a driving wind, accompanied perhaps with rain. Such transitions are
+trying in the open, even if one is well clad, and the blustering weather
+is sometimes so severe, if it happens in winter or early <a name="Page_102" id="Page_102" />spring, as to
+approach the character of a blizzard. One such lasted about thirty hours
+in the early spring of 1881. It swept over the entire South African
+plateaux and destroyed great numbers of sheep and cattle. These fell
+exhausted in their flight before they could reach some sheltering hills
+or ravines. In situations where such protections from the cold
+south-east wind were far apart the veldt was on the following day found
+strewn with their carcases, and upon the still more extensive and
+unbroken plains antelopes even perished in enormous numbers simply from
+exhaustion in trying to escape and find shelter from the cold wind.</p>
+
+<p>I will just describe one of those occurrences, the severest in my
+experience and well remembered by the Free State and the Transvaal
+Boers&mdash;it was, I think, in 1881. One sunny day, early in August (spring
+time), at a place about twenty miles east of Reddersburg, in the Orange
+Free State, the wind veered to the south-east, and by afternoon had
+begun to blow fairly hard and cold, about 35&deg; Fahrenheit&mdash;that is to
+say, about 35&deg; below the temperature of a few hours previously. I had
+managed to get some milch cows driven near to the kraal, where there
+would have been very fair <a name="Page_103" id="Page_103" />shelter for them, but luckily, as the sequel
+proved, they refused to enter, and rushed past in a scared way, just
+snatching up one mouthful of forage which had been thrown down to entice
+them to stay, and making off as hard as they could. The wind did not
+abate till the day after, when tales kept pouring in of terrible losses
+of sheep and cattle killed by the cold wind; sheep in open plains had
+suffered most, and cattle which had been kraaled were nearly all dead,
+whilst the herds of cattle and horses which had been left grazing out
+had been driven away and were also believed to have died. At the farm of
+a certain Andries Bester, near by, some seventy head of cattle in very
+good condition were found dead, piled up to the level of one of the
+kraal walls, showing the struggle which some thirty others had in
+escaping over the mound of dead cattle to the outside of the kraal.</p>
+
+<p>The next day all those thirty head were found grazing some fifteen miles
+westwards under the lee of hills near Reddersburg, where they had found
+safe shelter. Everybody's cattle were recovered which had not been
+kraaled, including mine. This was the case as well with cattle which had
+been tethered to their transport wagons and which succeeded in <a name="Page_104" id="Page_104" />breaking
+loose, whilst the rest were found dead where they had been tied.</p>
+
+<p>There was no possibility of restraining cattle or horses from
+stampeding&mdash;they did it from the instinct of self-preservation, for,
+whilst running with the wind, its force of driving cold was
+proportionately lessened, and some loss of heat was made good by the
+exertion of running, which they had to keep up till in safe shelter of
+hills or ravines.</p>
+
+<p>Had such a cold storm overtaken an army or patrol, the situation would
+have been exactly similar, and would have been an ordeal even to
+experienced Boers or Colonial farmers, and if an enemy had been located
+near Reddersburg, all the cattle and horses would simply have fallen
+into his lap.</p>
+
+<p>The obvious safeguard would be a rug for each horse and mule, and for
+oxen the erection of a shelter against the wind, consisting of all
+available wagons and stores, or else, if practicable, to move at once to
+a sheltered locality and always provide a good reserve supply of forage
+or other provender. That sort of boisterous, cold weather continues
+sometimes, with more or less severity, two or three days. The want of
+food and inclemency besides would result in killing the weak cattle and
+weaken the <a name="Page_105" id="Page_105" />rest so as to be incapable of work for some days after. The
+difficulty consists in that such inclement changes occur so suddenly,
+and that their severity and duration cannot be forecasted.</p>
+
+<p>Upon other much less severe occasions entire gangs of 20-50 Kaffirs,
+travelling from the warm north to the diamond-fields or gold-mines, and
+not sufficiently provided with blankets, would be found at their camping
+places huddled together, nearly all numbed to death. The months when
+such surprise weather is most liable to occur are from &quot;July to
+October,&quot; before and during the earlier spring rains. It is then, and
+even up to December at times, that the Drakensberg and other mountains
+resume their snow-capped winter decorations for some days. There is a
+saying which fairly well applies to the high-veldt climate, <i>i.e.</i>, that
+cold and inclement weather is not met with until well in towards summer,
+especially about the time of spring rains, and that hot weather of any
+considerable continuance mostly occurs in spring. This will be
+understood upon considering that the midsummer months, December to
+February, are cooled by very frequent and copious rains, whilst the heat
+accumulates more during the preceding sunny spring months, which are
+interrupted at rarer intervals by short showers only.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106" />Upon the whole, and despite the few eccentricities mentioned, the high
+veldt is favoured with a climate which, for genial comfort all the year
+round, exempt from prolonged winter rigours and excessive summer heat,
+is not found anywhere else in the world, or only in rare privileged
+spots. It is withal most healthy, promoting the highest possible
+physical development and even longevity.</p>
+
+<p>Under such favoured conditions the hand of man only is needed in
+providing good habitations, planting trees, in the culture of the soil,
+and some irrigation labour, to transform nearly every little farm within
+five to ten years from a bare pastoral monotony to a really idyllic
+spot. There are many such already in Basutoland, the Orange Free State,
+and the Transvaal, as well as in the Cape Colonies and Natal&mdash;veritable
+Eden-like places, as it were bits dropped from heaven. With a
+continuance of peace these could be multiplied to any extent each year,
+thus rendering those sparsely inhabited tracts the most beautiful areas
+in the world, with a prosperous self-sustaining population, quite apart
+from considerations of mineral wealth.</p>
+
+<p>The foregoing description of the high-veldt climate points to clothing
+composed of woollen <a name="Page_107" id="Page_107" />fabrics as the only <i>rational and safe</i> attire for
+men travelling or taking the field. No constitution could be expected to
+hold out against the ever-changing temperature and weather if depending
+upon being clad, for example, in a cotton suit; this would only do on
+warm days for men who are certain of being safely housed at night and
+sheltered during rainy weather. Horses and mules in the open should be
+provided with woollen rugs during winter and spring.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="BOER_PREPAREDNESS_FOR_WAR" id="BOER_PREPAREDNESS_FOR_WAR" /><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108" />BOER PREPAREDNESS FOR WAR</h2>
+
+
+<p>The ultimatum cabled to England had no sooner expired at 5 p.m. on the
+11th October last than the same evening and on the very next and
+succeeding days appeared, published all over the Orange Free State and
+the Transvaal, &quot;Government Gazettes extraordinary,&quot; filling scores of
+pages, comprising proclamations of martial law, and the hundred and one
+enactments and provisions regulating that new condition. Their preambles
+stated: Whereas in secret session on such and such dates (that is to
+say, months previous) the honourable First Volksraad had passed this or
+that law&mdash;or whereas the two Volksraads, assembled in secret session,
+had authorized the Government to frame such and such laws, to come into
+force immediately after publication. This shows at least a studious
+purpose months beforehand to be in complete readiness, for it obviously
+took no little time to prepare all those laws, and have them ready in
+type for <a name="Page_109" id="Page_109" />despatch and publication as had been done. It accords with the
+assumption that war had been predetermined, and this is further
+confirmed by numerous statements, publicly made by Volksraad members,
+and also by President Steyn's famous and now historic message to
+President Kr&uuml;ger some short time before, in the laconic and oracular
+words, &quot;We are ready.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>That the Afrikaner Bond had been for years past preparing for its <i>coup
+d'&eacute;tat</i> is further shown by the following incidents which can be
+substantiated by the writer:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>During the days of the Jameson raid a very prominent Transvaal Boer,
+holding office and who had two sons at the scene of the disturbance,
+remarked at a public place in conversation with other burghers:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;England just wants to annex the Transvaal, and no doubt the Orange Free
+State too. This we know; but what she does not know is, that we can at
+this moment reverse the tale&mdash;we can seize in one day Cape Town, Port
+Elizabeth, East London, and Durban, and within a very short time turn
+every Englishman out of the Colonies, out of the land which England has
+robbed us of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Those words were spoken by a Bond man who is <a name="Page_110" id="Page_110" />known to rarely speak in
+public. When asked by a Uitlander how it could be done, he relapsed into
+his usual prudent reticence, and merely remarked grimly, &quot;We can do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But for subsequent revelations and the present sequel those words would
+have been forgotten, and were at the time attributed by some to mere
+boastful exuberance.</p>
+
+<p>In July last the topic was discussed by some Boers at the house of a
+highly placed military official, about the five per cent. tax upon the
+profits of the gold industry. One said it should be raised to
+twenty-five per cent. for the benefit of the burgher estate. That
+official, who, by the way, had just returned from a gathering of country
+officials at Pretoria, sententiously replied &quot;that it was no more a
+question of any tribute, but of taking the mines altogether out of the
+capitalists' hands&quot;; and when another burgher interposed a doubt as to
+the fairness of such a proceeding, that official continued by saying,
+&quot;Fairness indeed! it is we who have submitted to unfairness only too
+long&mdash;<i>ons wil nou Engelse schiet</i> (we want now to go on the battue of
+Englishmen).&quot;</p>
+
+<p>When the Transvaal Government had secured the assent of both Volksraads
+to the seven years' <a name="Page_111" id="Page_111" />franchise measure it was thought desirable, as a
+matter of form and to gain time, to defer the formal passing of the law
+until after it had been referred to the burghers. This was not done till
+August last. A large section of the people were known to be against
+extending the franchise, but the Government had no misgivings about the
+result, counting upon the persuasive influence of the Volksraad members
+who were to preside at the plebiscite meetings, and had before been
+drilled up to their task. Their success was as desired, and the measure
+became law in due course. Those meetings in the different districts and
+wards of the State were characterised by almost uniform proceedings, so
+that the description of one of them can serve for all.</p>
+
+<p>The burghers assembled on the appointed day at the local Government
+Office. The Landdrost, or chief official of the ward, took the chair.
+There were four Volksraad members, who each in turn recommended the
+adoption of the seven years' franchise measure. The burghers were
+invited to express their views. The majority appeared dead against it,
+but were gradually appeased, and they finally assented to a motion of
+approval presented by the chairman, which also conveyed full confidence
+in the Government and their representa<a name="Page_112" id="Page_112" />tives to deal with the enactment
+and to modify it as they might consider appropriate.</p>
+
+<p>One of the burghers had in his speech stated in passionate terms that no
+dictation on the part of Uitlanders could be tolerated; they must either
+obey the laws or leave the State. The function and prerogative of making
+laws belonged to the burghers. They had been ill-used enough by the
+English; it would be still worse, he said, if they were invested with
+legislative rights. &quot;On the contrary, it is the Boer nation which is
+entitled to supremacy, not only in the Transvaal but right to the sea.
+The Cape Colonies,&quot; he continued, &quot;are ours by divine right, and so is
+Natal, and no Afrikaner may rest until we are reinstated.&quot; General
+approbation and stamping of feet followed that passionately rendered
+speech. Not a word of restraint or censure from any of the four
+Volksraad members. Some of these had addressed the meeting already, and
+the others in turn followed. Their speeches had one import, viz.,
+&quot;Burghers! The Government and the two Volksraads have carefully and
+prayerfully weighed this seven years' franchise measure. You may safely
+approve of it; it can result in no harm; it will strengthen our cause.
+We know that England wants our land because of the gold in it; <a name="Page_113" id="Page_113" />but this
+law will contribute to thwart her, though it will not avert war. We were
+a small nation when our fathers trekked to this side of the Orange
+River; we have become united and strong since. It will be soon seen that
+our people have to be reckoned with among the other nations of the
+earth; we have right on our side, and, with God's help, we are certain
+to prevail. Burghers, you may trust us as your representatives; we are
+all of one mind with you; you may safely approve of the proposed
+franchise law, and leave possible modifications in the hands of the
+Government.&quot; Then followed tumultuous approval from the great majority,
+motions of confidence and of thanks. Those burgher meetings were
+convened during July and August.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>President Kr&uuml;ger is famous for employing clever and original similes in
+order to illustrate a policy as he wants his people to understand it.</p>
+
+<p>It has already been noted that the Franchise Law of 1890 excluded
+Uitlanders from full burgher rights until after twenty-one years'
+probation. The reduction to seven years was proclaimed to be a
+concession to meet Mr. Chamberlain's demand. The simile, as addressed to
+the Volksraad and published in the journals, ran as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_114" id="Page_114" />First my coat was demanded of me, which I gave; next were asked my
+boots, vest, and trousers. I surrendered these as well; and now, as I
+stand in my bare shirt, my limbs are wanted besides.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The people were thus led to be unanimous in the resolve to oppose any
+further concession, and to view Sir Alfred Milner's unconditional
+insistence for a five years' franchise as a conclusive proof that
+England in reality wanted no less than the country itself. In this way
+the Boer mind was designedly fashioned into the conviction that war was
+inevitable, and that both President and people were absolved from all
+responsibility in it. Had the offered franchise of seven years and the
+subsequent one of five years been honestly meant, there should, indeed,
+have been little difficulty for adjusting in the one case the difference
+of two years; but it being so surrounded by impossible trammels that
+what purported to be an egg proved more like a stone, and even that was
+not intended to be given, it was a mere subterfuge to gain time for
+carrying out Bond designs.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ALLIANCE_OF_ORANGE_FREE_STATE_WITH_TRANSVAAL_SUZERAINTY" id="ALLIANCE_OF_ORANGE_FREE_STATE_WITH_TRANSVAAL_SUZERAINTY" />
+<a name="Page_115" id="Page_115" />ALLIANCE OF ORANGE FREE STATE WITH TRANSVAAL&mdash;SUZERAINTY<br />
+SQUABBLE&mdash;ARMAMENTS BEFORE JAMESON RAID</h2>
+
+
+<p>The project of alliance between the Transvaal and the Orange Free State
+had been mooted before 1890. After that came conferences between the
+respective Presidents and delegates for closer union as it was then
+styled. Mr. John G. Fraser, one of the noblest and most distinguished
+Orange Free State statesmen, was conspicuous among the few opponents.
+His arguments against federation were so logical and conclusive that it
+seemed for a while that the idea would have to be renounced. Among other
+grounds adduced against that alliance was the fact that England
+possessed claims of suzerainty over the Transvaal, and, the Orange Free
+State itself being entirely independent, the incongruity and
+incompatibility were obvious of joining a vassal State. There was
+trouble if not danger lurking behind it, if such two States were to join
+in an actual federation. Whatever was desirable for <a name="Page_116" id="Page_116" />mutual advantage
+might be attained without offensive and defensive alliance. The two
+Governments, however, knew how to manipulate matters. The closer union
+scheme was carried through before the Jameson incursion, and soon after
+that event an offensive and defensive alliance completed the federation.
+The Afrikaner Bond then had advanced another important stage.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. John G. Fraser's persistent objections to federation, upon the
+ground that the Transvaal stood under British suzerainty, had given that
+question a prominence operating against the Afrikaner Bond project,
+viz., that of gaining a strong Power as ally to its cause. It was felt
+that no Power could, with decency, enter into a connection with that
+State while such a claim was maintained. To overcome that obstacle the
+Transvaal Government proceeded to raise a controversy with England,
+taking up the position of repudiating the claim of suzerainty, and
+averring the complete independence of the State, subject only to the one
+clause <i>re</i> treaties with foreign nations. Another object would be
+gained, viz., of diverting England from Bond aims by that and similar
+controversies. To make a show of sincerity about it all, the opinions
+(foregathered, of course) of certain <a name="Page_117" id="Page_117" />eminent jurists in England and
+Holland were obtained, who refuted the claim in elaborate disquisitions
+and with that readiness of apparent conviction so peculiar to some
+advocates' affected faith in their clients' cause. Thus England was
+decoyed into a protracted tournament of words and phrases without any
+practical result, but gratifying and inspiring no doubt to certain
+well-paid <i>soi-disant</i> champions of the principle defined as the
+&quot;<i>perfection of justice</i>,&quot; who revel in a display of forensic erudition,
+which, however, only illustrates to the unedified lay mind how speech is
+adaptable to veil inward conviction, and how a mass of rhetoric can be
+employed to justify the breach of simple and well-understood
+engagements.</p>
+
+<p>It continues to be clumsily insisted upon in official and paid Press
+organs how the need of providing Transvaal armaments became realized
+only with that Anglo-capitalistic plot of 1895-96 against Boer
+independence, and that, in fact, Dr. Jameson was worthy of the Boer
+nation's lasting gratitude for opening their eyes to their helplessly
+unarmed and unprepared condition up to that time. In those papers it is
+declared with unblushing inexactness how the Transvaal at that epoch
+possessed only two hundred and fifty inefficient and ill-<a name="Page_118" id="Page_118" />equipped
+artillerists, with only a few cannons of various antiquated types, and
+how the burgher element had, up to that time, continued unarmed and in
+unsuspecting insecurity. To stamp these misstatements as false, it needs
+only to be considered that from the time of the Boer trek in 1835-38
+every Boer had been a hunter and guerilla soldier possessed of the best
+firearms then extant, ready at any sacrifice to provide still more
+effective weapons as inventions in arms of precision in turn progressed.
+His passion to be well armed only equalled that of his love for land.
+From 1881 every Transvaal and Orange Free State Boer without exception
+had, and was obliged to have, his Martini-Henry rifle. The Government
+arsenals were supplied with reserves of that up to recently unsurpassed
+weapon and with large stores of ammunition. The authorities supplied
+that rifle at &pound;4 each, and even gratis in the case of indigent burghers.
+At the frequent reviews (<i>wapenschouwingen</i>) each burgher had to appear
+mounted, with his Martini-Henry rifle and thirty rounds ammunition. To
+maintain proficiency in rifle practice, prizes and honours were
+distributed at Government expense in each ward, whilst there was plenty
+of private emulation encouraged among young and old in the science <a name="Page_119" id="Page_119" />of
+sharp-shooting, the Governments of both Republics contributing
+ammunition at below cost price.</p>
+
+<p>In about 1893 the Transvaal Government introduced about 10,000 new
+rifles of the Guede pattern, firing a steel-pointed bullet, but the
+issue did not become general, as the Martini-Henry rifle continued to be
+held more effective for game and for war. The Mauser rifle was only
+provided, after long hesitation and much diffidence, for its
+rapid-firing quality in war, whereas for game it is still considered
+inferior to the larger bored Martini-Henry.</p>
+
+<p>On the occasion of the Jameson incursion, the Transvaal had in readiness
+extensive parks of the most modern quick-firing Maxims and Nordenfeldts
+of various calibres, and breech-loading field artillery of the Krupp
+make. The Orange Free State hurried to their assistance with similar
+artillery, each burgher armed with a Martini-Henry rifle. Besides all
+that, there was the dynamite and explosives factory equipped to
+manufacture all sorts of modern ammunition as it does now, and this is
+why President Kr&uuml;ger described that factory as one of the corner-stones
+of Boer independence. In the face of these facts it is a most singular
+departure to say that the Transvaal only thought of arming when becoming
+alarmed for the future by <a name="Page_120" id="Page_120" />the Jameson attempt, and that statement could
+only have been intended to mislead the uninformed at a distance. &quot;<i>Qui
+s'excuse s'accuse</i>&quot; is applicable in this as well as in other ruses for
+hiding those sinister Bond aims and to pose as the guileless and
+victimized Boer nation. It was just the other way about&mdash;it was England
+who was unprepared and exposed to imminent risk of aggression on the
+part of the Boer combination.</p>
+
+<p>What had amazed and actually exasperated many Boers was the ludicrously
+puny attempt made by Jameson and the Johannesburg revolutionary concert.
+It was at the time thought that the invasion of some 700 men was only a
+first installment, and that much larger developments were in preparation
+to attack the State. It was for that reason that only a few batteries of
+artillery were despatched at a late moment to Doornkop under Commandant
+Trichaart to operate against Jameson's party, while the bulk was held in
+reserve with an extensive mobilization of burghers to resist other
+supposed opposition of an altogether more formidable but yet undefined
+character. When nothing further transpired, the feeling uppermost with
+the people was unbounded derision at that impotent fiasco, and a
+loathing contempt for the cowering Johannesburg rabble who betrayed and
+sacrificed <a name="Page_121" id="Page_121" />the insensate doctor. It was loudly asserted that the
+combined forces of the two Republics were competent to resist an
+invasion a hundred times stronger than the one so foolishly attempted;
+but, with cooler counsels, it was resolved to adopt the appealing
+attitude of the deeply injured party who miraculously and providentially
+escaped a great national peril. Upon these lines the raid incident
+afforded an immense advantage to Afrikaner Bond tactics, and an impulse
+to Bond propaganda which enormously increased Boer partisanship,
+inflicting at the same time a fatal check upon the diplomacy of England
+and upon the essential peace-preserving measures for safeguarding her
+South African interests. The circumstances, however, served to embolden
+many hitherto undecided sympathisers into openly declared and vehement
+Boer partisans, revealing the singular spectacle, among English people
+even, of a morbid cult apparently ready to sacrifice their nation just
+to vindicate their judicial dicta about Boer innocence and to parade
+their own darling sense of shocked and violated national honour.</p>
+
+<p>Quite other and more emphatic terms apply to the revolting sewerage such
+as the socialistic platform and other purulent nurseries for breeding
+wilful and hypocritical abettors, at so much a score, of misguided and
+treason-hatching Afrikanerdom.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_TRANSVAAL_DYNAMITE_AND_EXPLOSIVES_MONOPOLY" id="THE_TRANSVAAL_DYNAMITE_AND_EXPLOSIVES_MONOPOLY" /><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122" />THE TRANSVAAL DYNAMITE AND EXPLOSIVES MONOPOLY</h2>
+
+
+<p>The factory pertaining to this enterprise, situated near Pretoria, is
+recognised to be the most extensive and best equipped of its kind in
+existence. It is capable of turning out all the dynamite and similar
+blasting material needed for the gold and other mines of the State, also
+every description of explosive needed for modern ammunition.</p>
+
+<p>Its equipments include ateliers and laboratories under the conduct of
+eminent scientists and men of most advanced technical proficiency. The
+site is a farm named Modderfontein of about 8,000 acres near Pretoria.
+The industry provides employment for over 5,000 persons. In connection
+with this factory is a foundry at Pretoria for casting shells, etc. The
+various ingredients, such as sulphur, guhr, saltpetre, etc., are
+believed to be plentiful in the State, but their exploitation is found
+to be more costly than it is to import the pure articles from Europe.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123" />The investment is represented mostly by French and German shareholders,
+the Transvaal Government also possessing a portion of the shares. The
+contract with the State conveys a complete monopoly for the manufacture
+and importation of all descriptions of explosives, and is so framed as
+to base its subsistence upon international rights. One of the conditions
+is that the issue of ammunition is relegated to State control. In this
+manner burghers only get supplies, whilst Uitlanders are limited to very
+small quantities for sporting purposes by special permits.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="BOND_FIGHTING_STRENGTH_IN_BEGINNING_OF_1899" id="BOND_FIGHTING_STRENGTH_IN_BEGINNING_OF_1899" /><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124" />BOND FIGHTING STRENGTH IN BEGINNING OF 1899</h2>
+
+<pre>
+Efficiently          <i>Mounted Infantry.</i>   At least about             142,000
+ trained.<br />
+  15,000     Orange Free State, between 18-50 years        20,000<br />
+  25,000     Transvaal, between 18-50 years                30,000<br />
+  40,000     Cape Colonies, between 18-50 years            60,000<br />
+   2,000     Natal and elsewhere, between 18-50 years       2,000<br />
+  18,000     Of above, aged 16-18 and 50-60                30,000<br />
+ -------                                                  -------
+ 100,000             <i>Artillery</i>                                        2,000<br />
+
+     600     Orange Free State, including trained reserves    600<br />
+   1,400     Transvaal                                      1,400<br />
+ -------                                                    -----    -------<br />
+ 102,000                              Total at least about           144,000<br />
+</pre>
+
+<p>102,000 highly efficient, and 42,000 partly trained.</p>
+
+<p>The mounts are docile, hardy and nimble, with large reserves available.
+The above includes 500 Johannesburg Mounted Police, a picked body of men
+armed with carbine, revolver, and sabre.</p>
+
+<pre><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125" />
+               <i>Small Arms</i>                        About     250,000<br />
+    Martini-Henry rifles in Orange Free State }
+                                              } 100,000
+       "     "      "    in Transvaal         }
+    Guede rifles in Transvaal  . . . . . . . .   10,000<br />
+    Mauser rifles in Transvaal . . . . . . . .  120,000<br />
+    Revolvers in both States . . . . . . . . .   20,000<br />
+                                                -------<br />
+           <i>Artillery, both Republics</i>                           140<br />
+    Maxims and Nordenfeldts, modern                  50<br />
+    Field cannon and Howitzers  "                    70<br />
+    Siege and heavy guns        "                    20<br />
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="BOER_CONSERVATISM" id="BOER_CONSERVATISM" /><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126" />BOER CONSERVATISM</h2>
+
+
+<p>Rudyard Kipling truly said &quot;the Boers are the most conservative people
+on earth.&quot; Habits and views which had prevailed two hundred years ago
+with their forefathers are still tenaciously preserved by them. We see
+this in matters of language, religion, in certain antipathies, and even
+in attire. They are justly famed for hospitality, not only amongst
+themselves, but also towards strangers, and a very pleasing trait, no
+doubt handed down from the seigneurial Huguenots, is the genial
+politeness which a stranger will receive in an otherwise wholly
+uncultured Boer family.</p>
+
+<p>On his farm the Boer is chief and supreme after the patriarchal
+fashion&mdash;no thought of tolerating an equal or a rival in authority.
+Collectively also, as in governmental representation, he is extremely
+averse to the introduction of any foreign element; such a factor would
+meet with his undisguised suspicion and jealousy. It must be Boer
+supremacy, <a name="Page_127" id="Page_127" />and to this strangers must submit; the Boers to figure as
+the only caste or military aristocracy privileged to carry arms, very
+much like the Samouris nobles of Japan, who from of old until recently
+had represented the feudal estate, and had made quite a famous cult of
+personal bravery, chivalry and devotion to their Mikado and for their
+independent caste. Long intercourse and inter-marriage with a Boer
+family would ultimately remove the barrier. With such rooted
+exclusiveness it is only in accord with Boer nature to be reluctant in
+admitting Uitlanders to burgher franchise, and the greater their numbers
+and influence of wealth the more would they be viewed as an innovating
+menace and their admittance to political equality be resisted.</p>
+
+<p>Upon newly occupied farms a Boer will always seek to locate one or more
+squatters of his own nation upon allotments ultimately intended for the
+occupation of some of his own children as soon as they are grown up. The
+usual conditions for privileges of residence, grazing, and cultivation
+are that the squatter builds a dwelling and does all the other permanent
+improvements at his own cost, that he accounts to the owner for half or
+one-third of all products raised, and that he and his family should
+<a name="Page_128" id="Page_128" />render services whenever required. When the squatter acquires land of
+his own he will in turn adopt similar feudal methods to get it improved
+and to obtain services without expense. Should the conditions accorded
+to the squatter result in advantages which prove any way lucrative to
+him, the owner would in nine cases out of ten immediately impose more
+exacting conditions, upon the plea of making provision for his own
+children. Such dependants are otherwise treated with familiar equality,
+as are also other white employees, and are admitted at the common table
+like any of the family, but below the salt.</p>
+
+<p>To acquire farms is a Boer's greatest ambition. The love of land is his
+special passion, so that his children also may be independent owners of
+farms. Formerly such land acquisitions were made by encroachments upon
+the possessions of natives or by purchases from them and by barter, and
+failing those means, by conquest. Since 1885, however, the stipulations
+in connection with the Anglo-Swaziland settlement effectually barred
+expansion and encroachments in any direction. The Boers resent this
+check as an exceedingly sore point. There is not enough land for the
+sons who have since grown up. These cannot possibly compete with the
+<a name="Page_129" id="Page_129" />educated Hollanders in quest of good positions, nor are they taught any
+handicrafts, and the galling prospect is inevitable that they will have
+to content themselves with very humble stations in life, dependent even
+upon the more prosperous Uitlanders. No wonder these Boers fell an easy
+prey to the seductions and deceptive fallacies of the Afrikaner Bond
+doctrine of conquest, for dispossessing England of her Colonies, and to
+resume a free hand for expansion northwards as well.</p>
+
+<p>In connection with the stated inadequacy of spare land it is well to
+note that, of the two Republics, the Transvaal only possesses
+undeveloped Government reserve land. This is all situated in more or
+less low-lying and fever-stricken parts, large tracts being absolutely
+uninhabitable for that reason, especially in summer. Some of the rest is
+occupied on terms of lease by burghers, and has up to the present
+afforded scope for some of the less aspiring class. About one-quarter of
+the aggregate Transvaal farms are owned by Uitlander individuals or by
+companies who are mostly English. But the bulk of the land owned by
+burghers in both States has gradually become cut up by the process of
+succession into holdings so small as to admit of hardly any further
+division. There are, of course, numerous exceptions <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130" />of wealthy farmers
+who can still bequeath to each of their sons a whole farm of 6,000
+acres, or half a farm. In the face of these restrictive circumstances a
+scheme has been in preparation during the past years, promoted by the
+Bond coterie in Holland and the Governments of the two Republics, to
+effect a large emigration from Holland to those States. A company has
+thus been formed, called &quot;Nederlandsche Emigratie Maatschappy voor
+Transvaal en Oranje Vry Staat.&quot; The prospectus describes the objects as
+agricultural, pastoral, and industrial, but, as &quot;members,&quot; only such are
+invited as are disposed to join hands with the Boer cause. That scheme
+came into operation before the outbreak of the war. What else does it
+reveal but a thinly veiled recruiting device for auxiliaries against
+England?</p>
+
+
+<p>Education</p>
+
+<p>What has been said about the ignorance and illiteracy of the Boers may
+be admitted to apply to the great majority of the grown-up and of the
+more maturely aged population; those of youthful age have of late years
+had the benefit of a better education than had before been possible to
+provide. But the great drawback consists in the still very <a name="Page_131" id="Page_131" />imperfect
+knowledge of High Dutch, and it will take many years yet before a more
+general proficiency in that language will qualify the youth for more
+than purely elementary studies. There are numerous exceptions, however,
+of very creditably educated Boers, whose parents have been able to get
+them taught at Colonial schools, such as the Stellenbosch seminary, and
+even in Holland. Besides this, there are the children and grandchildren
+of the many educated Hollanders who have continued to stream into the
+Republics since 1854, and who had the advantage of learning High Dutch
+from their parents. Those, as a rule, bestowed great attention to their
+children's education, and in many cases sent them to Holland to complete
+their studies. The greatest factor of the educated Dutch element in
+South Africa consists of the mass of Hollanders itself, who have made
+their way to the Republics, and especially to the Transvaal, during the
+past eighteen years, among whom are many of highest European
+attainments, so that altogether a big muster is made up of
+well-instructed people, comparing well enough with other nations, and
+ample to meet all the exigencies of the two rapidly developing
+Republics. This educated contingent is being continuously supplemented
+by like arrivals from <a name="Page_132" id="Page_132" />Holland, including eminent technical experts and
+scientists. It is a well-known feature that many chief posts of the
+administration are filled by aged, uneducated burghers who are
+altogether without the qualification required for the exercise of their
+function, but this drawback is effectually remedied by the expedient of
+providing proficient Hollanders as working adjuncts and secretaries, in
+which manner all the branches of the administration are nevertheless
+efficiently and most creditably served. Hundreds of young Boers are
+admitted as supernumeraries into the various offices to prepare them for
+responsible positions later on.</p>
+
+
+<p>Dundee Secret Dossier</p>
+
+<p>The greatest stir was made upon the discovery of secret documents left
+behind by the British military at the hurried evacuation of Dundee
+(Natal).</p>
+
+<p>It was made public that those documents contained all the details of a
+plan of invading the Orange Free State, and that it furnished most
+incontestable proofs of British designs as early as 1896 against the
+independence of both Republics. It was promised to publish those
+details, but this has not yet been done. It appears, however, that no
+in<a name="Page_133" id="Page_133" />criminating details exist. Nevertheless, the matter has been made to
+serve calumniating reports on a considerable scale in the pro-Boer Press
+abroad, declaring that those documents conveyed absolute proofs of
+England's perfidious intentions of attacking the Orange Free State
+unawares, whilst all the time professing friendly relations and
+undertaking to respect the complete integrity of the Republican status
+of both States. What actually has transpired is that the whole thing was
+a mare's nest, simply and nothing more than military information under
+cover marked &quot;secret,&quot; giving topographical and other details upon the
+Orange Free State&mdash;a proceeding which is carried out by all military
+authorities of any pretensions to prudent activity in the information
+department, and no more construable into actual hostile intentions than
+are other geographical surveys for general instructions or for school
+use.</p>
+
+<p>The incident again shows the absence of tangible grounds for accusations
+against England when a foolish invention as the one cited must do duty
+for such, and to rekindle race hatred.</p>
+
+<p>The interest and the manipulation devoted to that fabrication by the
+pro-Boer Press have, however, scored another success to Bond propaganda
+in fixing the belief with Boer partisans, of England's <a name="Page_134" id="Page_134" />really
+predetermined designs to annex both Republics. Every Boer has since been
+more than ever so persuaded, the conviction fanning the fervour of
+patriotism and stimulating his eagerness to resist the would-be
+ravishers of his country.</p>
+
+<p>Considering, on the other hand, that the English Government had known
+much about the Afrikaner Bond menace, it is singular that precautionary
+measures had halted with that bare effort of making military
+observations. The only way to account for this apparent lethargic
+inaction is the assumption that a persevering patience and friendly
+attitude was expected in time to effectually dissipate all trouble in
+South Africa, and that a display of anxiety or of force would have
+frustrated such peaceable tactics. In refutation of the aspersion
+against England, it may be sufficient to point to the fact that during
+those very years (1896-7) both Republics were in a condition of complete
+helplessness through the rinderpest scourge which was then raging. If
+any hostile designs had in reality existed they could have been carried
+out with utmost ease then, as that scourge presented no obstacle to
+England. But it was the programme of peace which was pursued as
+undeviatingly then as since, with a constancy which refused to be
+foiled.</p>
+
+
+<p><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135" />Pamphlet entitled <i>A Hundred Years of Injustice</i></p>
+
+<p>A mass of so-called proof against England of her guilt in provoking the
+present war and justifying the Boer attitude was presented to the public
+in South Africa and abroad in November last in the shape of a voluminous
+pamphlet entitled <i>A Hundred Years of Injustice</i> (published both in
+English and Dutch, and later even translated into French). That
+production covers Boer history and its troubles with England up to 1881.
+It then travels over the diplomatic appeals of the Transvaal delegation,
+which resulted in the renewed convention of 1884. Then it wades through
+all the mire of academic squabble <i>re</i> suzerainty, etc. After exhausting
+the Jameson episode with bitter invective, and seeking applause for the
+Transvaal Government for its professed desire to conciliate and to
+propitiate England by the offer of a seven years' franchise, the reader
+is, in conclusion, 'treated to a literary display of pyrotechnic
+denunciations and prophetic burdens against wicked Albion, with appeals
+to divine justice for righting the cause of an innocent nation so foully
+driven to a war of pure self-defence.</p>
+
+<p>Lest he be taken unawares the reader of that <a name="Page_136" id="Page_136" />pamphlet would do well to
+note the significant fact in connection with those preferred accusations
+and aspersions that not a single act construable to the prejudice of
+England is adduced dating after the Anglo-Transvaal peace of 1881, that
+peace which had been mutually understood to close up all by-gones. But
+the recriminations all revert to previous history, nothing having
+occurred since 1881 to form real grounds for accusations. There had, on
+the contrary, been an exhibition of unwearied friendly endeavours on the
+part of Great Britain to maintain loyal peace with an ever-shifty and
+truculent Government, and to induce it to desist from scandalous
+intrigue against imperial interests in South Africa, and to adopt a more
+rational attitude towards Uitlanders, which in itself would have
+precluded troubles like that of the Johannesburg revolt and the Jameson
+raid.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="AN_OLD_FREE_STATERS_ADMONITION" id="AN_OLD_FREE_STATERS_ADMONITION" /><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137" />AN OLD FREE STATER'S ADMONITION</h2>
+
+
+<p>The doctrines of the Afrikaner Bond coterie have been so assiduously and
+deeply instilled into the Boer mind that demonstrations are utterly
+futile in shaking the national conviction of the divinely approved
+justice of his cause. The first occasion when I saw this illustrated,
+and also the people's unreasoning adherence to their leaders' opinions,
+happened about ten years ago at burgher meetings which had been convened
+to discuss the then projected law for restraining Uitlanders from
+admission to Transvaal franchise and other political topics.</p>
+
+<p>An old Free State burgher was led then and subsequently to express his
+views upon the subject in about the following strain: &quot;It is our duty to
+guard our nation against being swamped out or supplanted by strangers;
+they are in great force already, and their number will constantly
+increase, yet what attracts them, as you know, is our gold. That will
+give out eventually, when the majority will again depart. Those
+strangers, who then elect to remain with us, might be admitted to full
+burgher <a name="Page_138" id="Page_138" />rights. In the meantime it behoves us to reserve the full
+franchise, nor will many aspire to it if they are only treated well as
+strangers should be, as we should wish to be treated if we were in their
+place. This is what they expect from us, and it can well be done without
+giving full franchise, which they indeed do not need and will then not
+claim. They will be content if their own interests are not hampered or
+interfered with, and will be satisfied with such rights and privileges
+as are reasonably due to guests, and we may say welcome guests (for it
+is plain that the land is also largely benefited by their presence). In
+other respects let us support law and order to suppress evil, which they
+desire as well as we do.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does the Bible not say, 'The Lord loveth the stranger?' so also then
+must we; and again, 'Thou shalt not devise mischief against the stranger
+who dwelleth in peace with thee.' We are reputed as a God-fearing
+people. Is it not well that we should take great care to act in
+accordance? But I have observed with shame that instead of love and
+peace a spirit of hatred and strife has been allowed to gain upon us.
+Let us strive to expel that evil, lest we fall under God's displeasure
+and forfeit His favour. We cannot afford to lose that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139" />At this stage the speaker was interrupted by violent remarks about
+England's incurable perfidy and the like, when he added, prolonging his
+speech more than he had probably intended: &quot;Yes, we may not trust
+England, but what we must do is to trust in God. Did God not pull us
+through all along? was it not He who provided the peace of 1881 which
+restored our independence? And can that gracious Lord, if we only let
+Him act, not also protect us against any wiles and dangers if such
+should occur in the future? As yet none such have arisen. The Lord was
+with us in our battles for liberty; He was equally present and prompted
+the sense and conditions of that very convention of 1881, which the
+people were subsequently dissatisfied with and in their own wisdom
+sacrificed for that of 1884. It is just possible that that presumptuous
+act of wanting to improve upon the Lord's work will result in trouble
+and prove to our sorrow that we have simply tampered and tinkered with a
+good thing and spoilt it to our hurt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Thou shalt not provoke thy children to wrath lest they be discouraged
+and be tempted to do evil,' applies specially also to the duties of
+Governments. Our rulers need wisdom in this direction, and will be
+responsible if our strangers are subjected to un<a name="Page_140" id="Page_140" />fair laws. The older
+people here will call to mind, when the old voortrekkers were obliged to
+go hundreds of miles, as far as Pietermaritzburg, for their supplies,
+that we prayed for shopkeepers in our land so that we might be spared
+those long journeys. What was done soon after we had attracted strangers
+to establish businesses with us? We were seduced to deliberately attempt
+their ruin by starting those <i>nationale Boerenwinkels</i> (national Boer
+stores), supported by our own capital, but governed by Hollanders who
+eventually squandered our money. Was that dealing fairly by confiding
+strangers? Later on, again in response to our prayers, we got railways;
+skilled men and much capital from foreign countries, first to prospect
+for gold and then to develop and exploit the mines. Their labour and
+hard-earned money were risked when the return was still problematic.
+Shall we begrudge them their successes now, seeing that our whole land
+is equally enriched at the same time, and but for them and their
+enterprise the gold would still be lying uselessly hidden in the depths
+of the ground? There are now, in 1890, over 100,000 such strangers in
+the land, and probably over 200 millions capital invested. Shall they be
+treated in a manner to justify the accusation <a name="Page_141" id="Page_141" />that they were inveigled
+into our land with the object of despoiling them afterwards after the
+style of 'Come into my parlour, says the spider to the fly'? These
+people count upon our honest friendship, especially the many English
+among them who ground that confidence upon the honourable peace accorded
+us in 1881. Shall we deceive them? May we hate them for old questions
+which that peace was intended to bury for ever? Think of the Lord's
+dealings with our people&mdash;poor, wandering, and despised at first. He had
+blessings in store for the tried voortrekkers and their children. 'The
+beggar was raised from the dunghill [<i>asch-hoop, i.e.</i>, ash-heap, was
+the word he used] to sit with princes'&mdash;'a table laid for us in the
+sight of our enemies.' All this is literally fulfilled. Our President
+and others representing us have been to Europe and sat with princes, and
+we have a country full of riches enough to make any enemy to rage with
+jealousy at the sight. Who else but the devil is that enemy? It is he
+who persecuted our Dutch and Huguenot ancestors for their faith, and is
+pursuing us since. It is he and his army that rage the most at our
+unexampled blessings. It is he who wants us to forfeit them all and the
+Lord's favour as well. It emanates from the evil one that <a name="Page_142" id="Page_142" />so many among
+us are seduced into wicked political plans to subvert authority
+installed by God, to incite our brethren to sedition in the Colonies,
+wanting to dispossess the English. For the Queen's Government there is
+as much from God as are the authorities over us here and in the Orange
+Free State.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God saith by Solomon (Prov. xxiv. 21-22): 'My son, fear thou the Lord
+and the king; and meddle not with them that are given to change: for
+their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the destruction of
+them both?'&quot; and he finally warned them of the risk they incurred, after
+having been advanced and blessed in an unexampled way, of being flung
+back to their previous ignoble position upon the ash heap. There are
+plenty of respectable Boers in whose ears those expressions still
+tingle.</p>
+
+<p>The man, who is no speaker, was, nevertheless, apt to grow warm and
+impressive, drawn out probably by interruptions and opposing views. The
+speeches terminated on one occasion by one of the party saying in
+violent Bond fashion: &quot;The English hired the Zulus to massacre our
+people. They robbed us of Natal, and drove us from the Colonies. There
+can be no peace with them until we have our own. God helps them who help
+themselves. Whoever takes their part is against us and against every
+true Afrikaner.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="MODUS_VIVENDI_SUGGESTED_BY_OLD_FREE_STATER" id="MODUS_VIVENDI_SUGGESTED_BY_OLD_FREE_STATER" /><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143" /><i>MODUS VIVENDI</i> SUGGESTED BY OLD FREE STATER</h2>
+
+
+<p>As is known, the conference between Sir Alfred Milner and President
+Kr&uuml;ger, assisted by President Steyn, took place at Bloemfontein during
+the first days of June last (1899), and resulted in the refusal to a
+demand of a five years' franchise made on behalf of the Transvaal
+Uitlanders, which refusal was some time later modified by enacting a law
+admitting them to full burgher rights after a probation of seven years,
+but coupled with restrictive forms and conditions which made that
+measure unacceptable. Some time before that conference the old Free
+Stater already mentioned obtained several prolonged interviews with the
+hon. State Secretary Reitz, at Pretoria, with the object of dissuading
+the Transvaal Government from conferring with Sir Alfred Milner while as
+yet no sufficient friendly <i>rapprochement</i> had been reached and no
+advance had been made as to mutually <a name="Page_144" id="Page_144" />approved bases upon which to
+confer. He strongly deprecated the idea of granting &quot;full&quot; burgher
+rights to Uitlanders, but held that their needs and wishes could be met
+by allowing their interests to be amply represented without impinging
+upon the special privileges which should be reserved for the burgher
+status proper. He was finally invited by Mr. Reitz to submit his scheme
+in writing, with the promise that it should receive careful
+consideration. That old Free Stater complied, and supplied President
+Kr&uuml;ger with a duplicate separately as well. The scheme ran in substance
+as follows:</p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;<i>Modus vivendi</i>&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The population of the Transvaal to be divided into two classes, pending
+the continued presence of the large floating portion consisting of
+Uitlanders who derive their subsistence from the mining industries,
+viz.:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>1st Class.&mdash;The fixed or burgher estate.</p>
+
+<p>2nd Class.&mdash;The floating or alien estate or Guests.</p>
+
+<p>The 1st Volksraad to be elected by burghers only, and to represent the
+highest legislative and administrative powers.</p>
+
+<p>The 2nd Volksraad to be elected by Uitlanders and burghers, and to be
+vested with all such <a name="Page_145" id="Page_145" />reasonable legislative powers as will cover the
+domestic, industrial, and vocative interests of both burghers and
+guests.</p>
+
+<p>The Uitlander franchise shall be limited to representation in the 2nd
+Volksraad, and be extended under usual fair conditions of eligibility to
+all white persons after two years' residence, retrospectively reckoned.</p>
+
+<p>Aliens may be admitted to full burgher rights and vote for 1st
+Volksraad, President, and Commandant-General, after five years'
+residence, if approved of by two-thirds of the burghers of his ward,
+possesses landed property to the value of &pound;1,000, and has not been
+convicted here or elsewhere of any degrading crime.</p>
+
+<p>Members of both Volksraads and for public service shall be eligible
+without respect of creed.</p>
+
+<p>The exploitation of mines shall be subject to a tax of 25 per cent.,
+reckoned upon the yearly net profits, such revenue to be applied at the
+discretion of the 1st Volksraad solely for the benefit of the burgher
+estate&mdash;schools, hospitals, universities, pensions, by means of
+permanent endowments.</p>
+
+<p>The Government of the Transvaal undertakes:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>1. There shall be no identification or co-operation permitted, on the
+part of any of the Transvaal <a name="Page_146" id="Page_146" />people, with the association known as the
+Afrikaner Bond, or any such-like political complot.</p>
+
+<p>2. The recognition of British paramountcy over South Africa, including
+the Transvaal, in so far as it does not clash with the intentions and
+provisions set forth in the conventions of 1881 and 1884, and does not
+extend to interference with or curtailment of complete internal
+autonomy.</p>
+
+<p>3. Renunciation of indemnity claim <i>re</i> Jameson incursion.</p>
+
+<p>4. To regulate the question of coloured British subjects resident in the
+Transvaal upon a genial basis, irrespective of the Bloemfontein
+arbitration award upon that subject.</p>
+
+<p>5. Poll and war taxes shall be abolished.</p>
+
+<p>6. Dual rights equal with the Dutch language shall be accorded to the
+English language, similarly as is done in the Cape Colony for Dutch.</p>
+
+<p>7. The railways and dynamite factory to be expropriated as soon as
+possible&mdash;the loans required thereto to be amortized within twenty
+years, and pending those expropriations the freights upon coal and
+oversea goods shall be reduced 10 per cent, and the price of explosives
+20s. per case, these reductions to be met from the revenue accruing to
+the burgher estate from the tax upon mining profits.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147" />8. To join a general Customs union upon equitable conditions.</p>
+
+<p>9. Restore the High Court to independent power in terms of constitution.</p>
+
+<p>The sequel has shown that Bond counsels prevailed over the suggestions
+of that old Free Stater. As to the seven years' franchise offered under
+the pretence and colour of meeting Sir Alfred Milner's demand, it had
+clearly been intended to serve as a decoy and stop-gap pending the
+contemplated war of conquest, and to mask Bond duplicity while further
+preparations were to be completed in diplomacy abroad and in the
+seditious conspiracy in the Colonies. Natal was at that time swarming
+with Boer emissaries, and Transvaal artillery officers with Hollander
+engineers in disguise were seen inspecting Laing's Nek tunnel and other
+strategic points in that colony.</p>
+
+<p>Not knowing at the time that State Secretary Reitz was an inveterate
+Bondman, that old Free State patriot had roundly denounced to him the
+wickedness of Bond aims, and added the remark that the establishment of
+a united Boer Republic apart from British supremacy in South Africa was
+a deceptive dream. England has a mission in Africa&mdash;that of the Boers
+can only be subordinate to it. <a name="Page_148" id="Page_148" />It would need the aid of a powerful
+maritime combination to supplant England. The case of America does not
+present an analogy; there England only was actually interested, but here
+various other nations were concerned in their respective huge
+investments. They would have a voice in the business. Armed intervention
+would lead to a big European war and extreme misery to entire
+Africa&mdash;just what the devil wants, but not the investor. Indiscriminate
+franchise will cause the loss of national independence, and so might
+ultimately cosmopolize and obliterate their distinctive nationality, but
+so would also a war with England, with the total sacrifice of their
+independence into the bargain. Let the Government rather prove to
+England its sincere friendship and agree to deal well by the Uitlanders,
+treating them as privileged guests, then the unhappy strain in relations
+will cease. Above all, renounce that wicked Afrikaner Bond with its
+motto of conquest. The demand for franchise is England's device of
+self-protection against Bond designs. England will desist from that
+demand if we renounce the Bond and prove our friendship.</p>
+
+<p>That old Free Stater had moreover expressed his most earnest conviction
+that a <i>modus vivendi</i> upon the lines suggested would find ready
+consideration as <a name="Page_149" id="Page_149" />an alternative to the five years' franchise demand,
+and that the British Government would hail with the utmost satisfaction
+and relief any tentative towards a sound <i>rapprochement</i> based upon the
+contentment of the Boer people within the areas of their Republics and
+which would terminate Bond aspirations for Boer supremacy in South
+Africa. Had he been permitted, the old Free Stater would gladly have
+called upon the British agent at Pretoria, Mr. Conyngham Greene, and
+felt confident that the <i>modus vivendi</i> would lead finally to a complete
+cessation of British interference and to best relations and prosperous
+conditions for all instead. He also cautioned the Government at
+Pretoria, giving chapter and verse, against counting upon &quot;the arm of
+man.&quot; They would find they had trusted on reeds&mdash;it would be so in
+regard to any foreign help, and even in regard to men of their own
+nation in the Cape Colony.</p>
+
+<p>During one of the interviews Mr. Reitz had remarked that he had a
+special theory in regard to the situation; but it varied from that of
+the President, who, in reality, was King, and whose will overcame all
+opposition.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="MR_CHAMBERLAINS_POLICY_TO_AVERT_WAR" id="MR_CHAMBERLAINS_POLICY_TO_AVERT_WAR" /><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150" />MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY TO AVERT WAR</h2>
+
+
+<p>Seeing that twenty years of patient, loyal endeavours and friendly
+conciliatory proceedings following upon the rehabilitation of the
+Transvaal independence had utterly failed in advancing the object of
+uniting the English and Boer races, and that instead the existing gulf
+was ever widening through the spread of those fell Afrikaner Bond
+doctrines, it had become imperative, on the part of British statesmen,
+to employ special efforts to overcome the serious menace hanging over
+South Africa. The critical situation designedly brought about by the
+action of the Transvaal Government and by the influence of the Bond
+party indicated the remedy. A liberal franchise in favour of the
+Uitlanders would at one stroke correct that evil, and counteract the
+other impending danger as well. With a large accession of legitimized
+voters working in accord with England's desire for peace and progress,
+that good influence would be potent, first to shackle <a name="Page_151" id="Page_151" />Bond action and
+ultimately to reduce it to Colonial limits. The Transvaal would then no
+longer be the giant ally, the arsenal, and the treasury of the Afrikaner
+Bond, and that organisation would then be checkmated into impotence for
+evil.</p>
+
+<p>The success of such a remedial and defensive measure would naturally
+depend upon the adequacy of the franchise aimed at. Mr. Chamberlain and
+his colleagues were not a little sanguine in expecting that a five
+years' qualification for voting and a representation equal to one-fifth
+of the total number of seats in the Legislature would be effective for
+all that which was needed; nor could it be averred that the Transvaal
+burghers would be swamped out thereby.</p>
+
+<p>The Bond chiefs did not fail to at once penetrate the object when the
+demand for a five years' franchise was made, and in vain did Sir Alfred
+display that firm attitude and exhaust his arguments at the historic
+Bloemfontein conference. He had pointed out to President Kr&uuml;ger in a
+rudimentary fashion which was no doubt convincing enough&mdash;that it was
+incompatible with professions of concord and desire for peace while
+persisting in excluding from representation a large majority of the
+population accustomed to and expecting liberal treatment, and <a name="Page_152" id="Page_152" />which,
+moreover, held four-fifths of the wealth invested in the State. There
+could be no other result than a dangerous tension and alienation from
+the Government, instead of the peaceful co-operation so essential to
+security and progress. In these days of advanced ideas of personal and
+political liberty people will resist domination by a minority. They want
+to be consulted, and to have at least the opportunity of making their
+wishes known by means of representation. The right of petitioning could
+not meet that need, and in fact implied the recognition of an inferior
+status so repugnant to any one's sensibility. When people are ignored
+they resent even light impositions and taxes, but if allowed a voice
+will cheerfully submit to heavy burdens, because they then become, in a
+manner, self-imposed. Representation is the panacea against popular
+disaffection and for assuring governmental stability. To concede to
+Uitlanders one-fifth of the seats in the Legislature could not operate
+to the prejudice of burgher interests, but less would not meet the case.</p>
+
+<p>It was, however, not President Kr&uuml;ger alone who had to decide&mdash;it
+affected the Bond as a whole. The diplomatic contest so far proved just
+the thing to ripen conditions for the meditated Bond <i>coup <a name="Page_153" id="Page_153" />d'&eacute;tat</i>. An
+alternative offer of a seven years' franchise was interposed as a mere
+ruse. Never for a moment did the Afrikaner Bond leaders waver or quail
+in the face of resolute firmness, display of force, or even of moral
+pressure and notes of advice from imposing quarters, as Mr. Chamberlain
+had at first still fondly hoped. To the Bond it had all resolved itself
+to a mere question of time, of choosing the most opportune moment when
+to assume the aggressive. British attitude had only hastened the issue.
+Mr. Jan Hofmeyer had indeed been sent for from the Cape so as to assure
+that section of the Bond of Transvaal firmness, but he found no sign of
+flinching or of renouncing the common object laboured for so long and
+then so near fruition. The only difficulty was that British action had
+hastened the issue somewhat too fast. Hence the repeated hurried visits
+of the Bond leaders&mdash;Jan Hofmeyer, Abraham Fisher, and others&mdash;the
+frequent caucus meetings of the Executive in consultation with those
+delegates, the secret midnight sessions of the combined Volksraads and
+Executive, the prolonged telegraphic conferences between the two
+Presidents, and the final resulting word of &quot;ready&quot; which preceded the
+fatal war ultimatum. The Gordian knot had been in evidence many years
+ago; it is <a name="Page_154" id="Page_154" />now recognised with regret that England had deferred action
+for cutting it much too long.</p>
+
+<p>But why not agree to arbitration, it will be asked, that peaceable
+method so strenuously appealed for by the Transvaal Government and
+advocated by her partisans, to adjust all differences, of which the
+suzerainty claim and the Uitlander question appeared to be the principal
+ones? The reply is not that England was unwilling, but because the
+Transvaal was insincere, and the request was a cover for shameless
+duplicity, for, while it had been declared by the former that the claim
+to suzerainty would be left in abeyance and that infractions of
+convention which had been committed by the latter would be overlooked in
+consideration of future friendly relations and co-operation, the
+Transvaal Government in reality never for a moment meant to be content
+with less than British overthrow and complete Boer supremacy in South
+Africa, and efforts and intrigues were never relaxed, in concert with
+the Bond, to compass those objects.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="AFRIKANER_BOND_GUILT_IN_GRADATIONS" id="AFRIKANER_BOND_GUILT_IN_GRADATIONS" /><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155" />AFRIKANER BOND GUILT IN GRADATIONS</h2>
+
+
+<p>The promiscuous details and incidents, together with the circumstantial
+and <i>prim&acirc; facie</i> evidence thus far adduced in arraigning the Afrikaner
+Bond combination, point mostly to conditions existent before the war
+broke out. We had the smoke before the conflagration&mdash;it is a wonder how
+people could manage to ignore the menace. Now the war torch is over us
+in its full luridness.</p>
+
+<p>Ordinary fires, if not kindled, originate either from accident,
+spontaneous combustion, or incendiarism. With war the origin may be
+traced to similar causes either singly or in combination, or, when we
+cannot hit the exact diagnosis, we explain it with a handy word and call
+it evolution, as we may do in the case of the present Anglo-Boer
+conflict.</p>
+
+<p>We may for a moment review the material and then also the agencies and
+incentives which operated that evolution against harmony and peace, and
+to <a name="Page_156" id="Page_156" />which the conflagration is due. We have noted the legal acquisition
+of the Cape Colonies by Great Britain, the equally recognised occupation
+under treaties with England of the two Boer Republics, the English and
+Boer races in progress of friendly assimilation and in happy prosperity
+all over South Africa. This was essentially the position in 1881, until
+it became gradually marred by an invidious element. We have further
+noted the declining condition of Holland, its moribund language, and
+finally the prospects which South Africa presented for that nation's
+restoration to powerful significance, the English factor only standing
+in the way.</p>
+
+<p>The next aspect brings out the marring manifestations: greed of land and
+of conquest with the Pretoria-Bloemfontein combination; malignant
+sedition in the Cape Colonies, urged by lust to participate more
+directly in the wealth of gold and diamonds in the north and to share
+general plunder&mdash;both categories of covetousness merged into one
+purulent fester by men of conceited ambition, all cemented with
+collusion, but the whole of it devised, engineered, and operated by the
+most malignant agencies from Holland under the coaching of the evil one
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>The reader may be able to assess the degrees of <a name="Page_157" id="Page_157" />guilt of each
+category&mdash;of the Republican Boer aspirant for land, the Colonial Boer
+rebel seeking his particular profit, the accomplices who for ambitious
+ends lead the first two, and the insidious Hollander intriguers who
+seduced and actuated all in order to seize the lion's share of the
+spoliation.</p>
+
+<p>To sum up, the respective rewards which lured them all are: Plunder for
+the Boers and rebels, laurels and &quot;fat&quot; places for the Bond leaders, and
+a substantial harvest for entire Holland, with p&aelig;ans of praise for the
+coterie and Dr. Leyds from a grateful people for successfully restoring
+the good fortunes of the Dutch nation, and for effecting a retributive
+vendetta upon England, all under world-wide, gloating acclaims of
+gratified and vindictive jealousy.</p>
+
+<p>The Hollander coterie may plead patriotism which pointed to the duty of
+using the tempting opportunity presented in South Africa in saving
+Holland from national submersion and political extinction by means of
+the Boer nation, but against this stands the unparalleled vileness of
+expedients and the treacherous deceptions employed to attain that
+object. It involved the wholesale seduction of one section of that
+nation into sedition and rebellion against a most beneficent and just
+Government <a name="Page_158" id="Page_158" />under which they prospered and enjoyed the highest
+conceivable degree of liberty and even special privileges, and of
+pitting the other section into hostility and war against a Power which
+meant nothing else than peace and amity towards them, thus placing both
+into a position of risk to forfeit all their prosperity, apart from the
+inevitable horrors of a war evoked by their rapacious and murderous
+Hollander malice.</p>
+
+<p>The Bond scientists in Holland had fully persevered in their craftily
+laid programme. After having succeeded in producing race hatred between
+Boer and English, the next step had been to convince the Boer leaders
+and the people of the inevitableness of a contest for ensuring the
+supremacy of the Afrikaners, coupled with the absolute necessity of the
+complete expulsion of the entire British element. As arguments were
+adduced that the British element had proved itself unassimilable and
+irreconcilable, its retention in South Africa would necessitate
+continuous provisions to keep it in a state of subjection. The existence
+of such conditions would be inconsistent and incompatible with the true
+ideal liberty as intended for the whole of South Africa, and which must
+be linked with all-round equality and fraternity. The pres<a name="Page_159" id="Page_159" />ence of a
+British factor would be an unsurmountable bar to that consummation,
+hence the necessity of its total removal.</p>
+
+<p>The Bond leaders are the next in guilt; with these the incentive is
+principally ambition, which, by degrees, became mis-shaped into a
+specious patriotism. It is known how an ardently desired object pursued
+for a long period is apt to so monopolize and infatuate the mind as to
+totally vitiate and pervert the sense of discernment between right and
+wrong, both as to the legitimacy of the object and the means to be
+employed for its attainment. As the realization remains deferred and the
+efforts are increased, the object from being considered legitimate is by
+degrees invested with merit, a halo of virtue is added to the aspect,
+its pursuit is viewed as a duty by fair or by questionable means, the
+end justifying the latter. All, it is said, is fair in love and warfare.
+This diagnosis appears particularly applicable to President Kr&uuml;ger and
+State Secretary F.W. Reitz, both men of sincere piety (perhaps also to
+Mr. Schreiner), who would have abandoned their project and renounced and
+repudiated the Afrikaner Bond if ever they had doubted its legitimacy of
+principle. So also with most of the other Boer leaders and their clergy
+too. The <a name="Page_160" id="Page_160" />agencies must have been exceedingly subtle, and the jugglery
+and artifice superhuman, to operate such processes of reasoning, such
+deception and aberration in honest-minded and even godly persons.</p>
+
+<p>As to the bulk of the Boer people, they are simply led by their chiefs
+and superiors, in whom they repose unquestioning confidence. They go
+unreasoningly with the stream of opinion under the firm belief that all
+is divinely sanctioned, including rebellion and violence, and blindly
+obey their call, considering their cause analogous to that of the Jews
+of old, who were enjoined to spoil the Egyptians and then to pass over
+and conquer their land of promise. No papal bull of indulgence ever
+freed people's consciences more than the Boer people now feel in regard
+to the warfare in which they are engaged.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="RESUME" id="RESUME" /><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161" />R&Eacute;SUM&Eacute;</h2>
+
+
+<p>The Boers in the Cape Colonies have been prospering in a marked degree
+since the British accession in 1814, enjoying ideal liberty and good
+government upon perfect equality with the English colonists.</p>
+
+<p>The people of the Orange Free State fared equally well under best
+relations with the British Government up to the outbreak of the present
+war.</p>
+
+<p>In the Transvaal the Boers were more handicapped, being furthest removed
+from profitable Cape connections, and having to cope with powerful
+hostile tribes within their border. The most redoubtable, under
+Secoecoenie, was subdued during the British occupation in 1878. Then
+followed the short war of 1880, with the voluntary retrocession and
+peace of January, 1881. All appeared to progress remarkably well for
+about ten years after, until the irrational treatment by the Boers of
+British subjects in the Transvaal furnished the <a name="Page_162" id="Page_162" />first cause of
+friction, and engendered at last the Johannesburg crisis with the
+Jameson incursion, followed by four years' vain attempts on the part of
+England to bring about satisfactory and peaceful relations.</p>
+
+<p>The Afrikaner Bond had been inaugurated some thirty years ago, under the
+mask of a constitutional organization, professing loyalty to England;
+that body had succeeded in hiding its object, which was no less than the
+expulsion from South Africa of all that is English, and which object was
+brutally avowed since the outbreak of the war by declarations in the
+Press and by incendiary speeches of Colonial Bond leaders and members of
+the Cape Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>The British Government did not view very seriously the information it
+received regarding the Bond menace until the definite action of the
+Transvaal Government partially opened its eyes prior to the Johannesburg
+revolt. The hope was, however, still clung to in an undefined way that
+patience and forbearance would yet overcome Boer prejudice and disperse
+racial antipathies, and with characteristic self-confidence as well,
+things were allowed to drift rather out of hand.</p>
+
+<p>The two Republics had been <i>de facto</i> allied some <a name="Page_163" id="Page_163" />time before the
+Johannesburg crisis in 1895. Both were then already provided with very
+abundant armaments of up-to-date types, with equipments and preparations
+far and away above any conceivable needs except indeed for a <i>coup
+d'&eacute;tat</i> against British supremacy and to sustain a Colonial revolt.</p>
+
+<p>On the occasion of the Jameson incursion the Orange Free State promptly
+appeared near the scene with best equipped mounted Boer commandoes and
+artillery to assist the Transvaal if needed.</p>
+
+<p>Before 1881 and some time subsequently there had been continued progress
+towards the assimilation of the English and Boer races in South Africa.
+This was marred by Afrikaner Bond doctrines and intrigues proceeding
+from a Hollander coterie, the formula being &quot;Afrika voor de
+Afrikaners&quot;&mdash;the aims including the usurpation of British authority in
+the Colonies, supremacy of the Boer nation under one great Republican
+federation, and an affiliated status with Holland which should restore
+that people, all to the prejudice of England, to a political and
+economic significance and power surpassing its former epoch of European
+and Colonial eminence. As to the incentives to the Boer nation, these
+were principally the plunder of capital investments and land conquests,
+which the people had learnt to con<a name="Page_164" id="Page_164" />sider legitimate and in fact
+incumbent as a duty to themselves and descendants.</p>
+
+<p>The means employed in that conspiracy were a subtle, so to say, occult
+propaganda to seduce a simple people to false convictions, to induce the
+creation of gigantic armaments, a secret service employing at a vast
+cost journalism, emissaries, and agencies, to gain partisans and allies
+outside South Africa, the Transvaal mint to coin the sinews of war from
+the appropriation of the mines and their output, the dynamite factory
+(that Bond corner-stone for manufacturing ammunition<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11" /><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a>), a system of
+immigration from Holland towards supplanting the English factor and to
+introduce auxiliaries. Other such means were: laws for admitting
+auxiliaries to immediate full burgher rights and privilege to carry
+arms, from which Uitlanders were rigorously excluded, the rabid campaign
+proscribing the English language and fostering High Dutch instead (which
+was much less understood by the entire Boer people, and much harder for
+them to learn than English). To the above list of devices came the
+exhaustive efforts to obtain an <a name="Page_165" id="Page_165" />independent seaport for the Transvaal,
+first at St. Lucia Bay, then at Delagoa Bay (ostensibly with a German
+syndicate, and since by subsidizing Portugal or suborning Portuguese
+notables and officials).</p>
+
+<p>The climax of duplicity is reached when it is averred that the pursuit
+of such an organized programme during the past twenty years and more had
+meant peace only, never a thought of conquest, as Ambassador Leyds so
+innocently declared after failing to gain abroad the hoped-for support
+for the monstrous Bond enormity.</p>
+
+<p>The Afrikaner Bond leaders would have preferred the war to have been
+deferred a little longer&mdash;preferably to a moment when England might be
+embroiled elsewhere. It was also thought of importance that the
+Transvaal should first realize the auriferous &quot;underground rights&quot;
+situated around the Johannesburg mines, which Government asset was
+expected to net at least fifty million pounds sterling. The sales had
+already been advertised, and were in preparation when the outbreak of
+the war intervened. Upon the word &quot;ready,&quot; flashed from Bloemfontein,
+followed at once the fateful Pretoria ultimatum. The proceeds of those
+underground rights must now come in afterwards to defray the war bill.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11" /><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> President Kr&uuml;ger's reference to that factory is well
+known, styling it as one of the corner-stones of Boer independence.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_BOERS_NATIVE_POLICY" id="THE_BOERS_NATIVE_POLICY" /><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166" />THE BOERS' NATIVE POLICY</h2>
+
+
+<p>Boer views regarding coloured peoples are those retained from Dutch
+practices of a hundred and more years ago, when the Cape of Good Hope
+still belonged to that nation. Servitude, if not absolute slavery, was
+then generally recognised as the proper status for coloured aborigines,
+and that principle of differentiation continues to be upheld and applied
+in a modified form, it must be admitted, in all the Colonial possessions
+of Holland. The authority for this stand is sought from ancient biblical
+history, where the descendants of Ham appear marked out for servitude,
+and from that basis it is interpreted that people so marked are not
+designed for tuition or evangelization until after they have been
+subjugated. According to such a doctrine the injunction to preach the
+Gospel to every creature would be limited to civilized whites, and might
+only be extended to such coloured peoples who have been fitted, as is
+said, for the reception <a name="Page_167" id="Page_167" />of the Christian faith by being placed under
+the subserviency of whites, as their sponsors if not their actual
+masters, and requiring mundane tuition and education as essential bases
+to precede conversion.</p>
+
+<p>For the refutation of such monstrous doctrines it may be urged that,
+according to Scripture, savage as well as cultured peoples have a
+consciousness of guilt towards the Divine Judge. The object of the
+Gospel is to end the history of the culprit as such and to place him
+upon a new standing&mdash;&quot;the wind bloweth as it listeth&quot;: a new birth
+operated by the acceptance of the Gospel proclamation addressed to every
+creature, black as well as white. Growth and moral amendment properly
+&quot;follow&quot; that spiritual birth; neither is conceivable before, except
+purely human education, which is incapable of effecting a change, and in
+fact tends only to fortify the natural man in his implacable hostility
+against the newly implanted element, each lusting against the other.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12" /><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p>
+
+<p>History records how the Spanish and other early <a name="Page_168" id="Page_168" />explorers operated with
+the aborigines in the regions discovered by them. The territories with
+their inhabitants were declared possessions accruing to their respective
+sovereigns, whose main policy was the exploitation of all the wealth
+possible. The aborigines were dispossessed, treated as conquered
+peoples, and forced to do the exploiting labour. No other results could
+follow than the gradual diminution and final exhaustion of all the
+wealth and the partial, if not total, extinction of the aboriginal
+races.</p>
+
+<p>What retribution overtook those nations is also on record. Those
+enslaved peoples were forced to accept the religion of their conquerors.
+Can true converts be made to order by constraint, motives of
+self-interest, or by baptizing them <i>en bloc</i>? What else but deepest
+aversion and mistrust could a religion inspire which is professed and
+taught by a people who practise spoliation, murder, and other
+descriptions of wickedness abhorrent even to a savage mind? The
+aborigines would daily behold their own land and possessions enjoyed by
+usurpers and &quot;would be teachers,&quot; who subjected them besides to slavery
+and abject misery. Could the religion of such teachers ever find favour
+with their victims? How could doctrines of righteous<a name="Page_169" id="Page_169" />ness and love be
+understood when so glaringly violated by their preceptors?</p>
+
+<p>It presents a sad paradox to see that the Boers, who are in many
+respects consistently religious and even exemplary, could uphold
+principles which place coloured people out of caste, not only in regard
+to political rights but also as to the common religious standing before
+the Creator. It would be unjust to charge the Boers with actually
+barbarous practices towards the natives&mdash;what they do enforce is their
+submission to the condition of servants.</p>
+
+<p>The Boer people ever chafed against the restraining action of the
+British Government as to their practice of slavery, and they have not
+hesitated either to exhibit their hostility to missionary enterprise.
+The confiscation of Protestant mission sites in the Orange Free State is
+one of the instances; another was exemplified in a raid perpetrated
+about forty years ago by the Transvaal Boers upon the inoffensive
+Bechuana tribe, whose chief and many of his people had accepted the
+Christian faith through the teaching of Moffat, David Livingstone, and
+other evangelists. The pretext for that raid was a lying report that
+that Bechuana chief had bartered some 400 guns from traders to fight the
+Boers with. The Boers sent an ultimatum requir<a name="Page_170" id="Page_170" />ing the surrender of
+those weapons. Despite the protestation of the chief and his people that
+not more than eight guns had been bartered for hunting, which had later
+proved true, a commando was sent against them under Commandant Paul
+Kr&uuml;ger, now President Kr&uuml;ger. Many of the natives were slain, their
+villages burnt, their cattle seized, and great numbers of the tribe
+taken captive for distribution as servants among the Boer farmers in the
+Transvaal. That raid was further signalized by the total destruction of
+Moffat's mission station&mdash;church, school buildings, and industrial
+shops. These, after being looted, were all consigned to the flames, as
+also the missionary dwellings, among which was that of David
+Livingstone, with his furniture, books, and belongings. There are
+abundant records, besides that of the Bechuana nation, that barbarous
+and idolatrous peoples are amenable to Christianity without the prior
+influences of civilization or individual education, or that they should
+be subjugated first, as the Boers would have it. What indeed is of
+immense aid for moral and economic advancement is the operation of
+civilized and liberal governmental authority, repressing slavery, under
+which proprietary rights and justice are equally afforded to black and
+white, and where <a name="Page_171" id="Page_171" />the Gospel might have a free course without constraint
+and without inducements of material advantages.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed that such conditions were on the eve of eventuating for the
+rescue and disenthralment of darkest Africa. This is what Moffat,
+Livingstone, Coillard, and many other devoted servants of the Gospel had
+prayed for all their lives, what has been and still is the burden of the
+prayers (no doubt all inspired) of millions of Christians. The interior
+is no more a blank on the map. Much is done for the suppression of
+slavery. The whole continent is parcelled out among different nations,
+who have assumed the task of civilizing their respective spheres. The
+world's energy and capital stand available for the object, and it
+appeared that many souls were being seriously aroused to the
+responsibility of obeying the charge pronounced in Ezekiel xxxiii. 1-11.
+But sinister influences have not failed in attempts to bar beneficent
+dispensations. We have seen fanaticism resulting in the fierce revolt of
+Mahdism in the north, and are now awaiting the issue of the war brought
+on by Afrikaner Bondism in the south.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12" /><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> Another has aptly illustrated the change by comparing such
+a man's new condition to a hotel that has come under totally different
+and perfectly new management and controlling proprietorship.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ENGLANDS_NATIVE_AND_COLONIAL_POLICY" id="ENGLANDS_NATIVE_AND_COLONIAL_POLICY" /><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172" />ENGLAND'S NATIVE AND COLONIAL POLICY</h2>
+
+
+<p>Until the earlier parts of this nineteenth century England has been
+conspicuous among other nations in tolerating slavery in some of her
+possessions, and in permitting her people to engage in systematic
+man-hunts, with the accompanying atrocities and horrors of a regular
+slave trade. Manifestations of national abhorrence and condemnation of
+that inhuman traffic and of slavery in general appeared during the first
+quarter of this century. The nation hid its shame and contrition in acts
+towards remedying its share of the evil committed. These took the shape
+of expending some twenty million pounds sterling towards the
+emancipation of slaves and various other costly measures to repress the
+trade in human beings, and in proclaiming personal freedom for all
+slaves in her dominions. The desire to do justice to coloured races was
+further exemplified in the adoption, dating some fifty years back, of a
+totally altered colonial and native policy. <a name="Page_173" id="Page_173" />Up to then the practice
+with all colonizing Powers had been to utilize their foreign dominions
+as preserves for financial exploitation, involving the most crying
+injustice to aborigines. The departure then effected consisted in a
+policy of just laws instead, directed to ensure to those people
+equitable treatment and a recognition of their rights to fixed property
+and to a position before the law equal with that of white inhabitants.
+The revenues produced by the Colonies were thenceforward all to be
+devoted to the advancement of their own local prosperity. Free trade
+followed that <i>r&eacute;gime</i> of liberty and equity, and, as intended, such
+Colonial dominions began to partake of the character and were
+constituted off-shoots of the mother country, with a like status of
+liberty and enjoying the benefit of British protection at the same time.
+Many were the auguries that the experiment would result in political and
+economic failure, but the good results to all concerned proved to be so
+far-reaching as to startle even its most sanguine advocates. The
+extension of privileges and rights operated upon the natives as a
+magical incentive to labour and emulation for the improvement of their
+economic condition; people who had before preferred an indolent,
+semi-nomadic existence betook themselves more to agricultural <a name="Page_174" id="Page_174" />and
+sedentary habits, living in much greater comfort and steadily increasing
+in wealth.</p>
+
+<p>Civilization went on apace, and with it the moral improvement of the
+aborigines, paving the way as well for the spread of Christianity. All
+this was accompanied with an immense and ever-advancing expansion of
+trade with England and the recognition of British prestige as a
+successful colonizing power.</p>
+
+<p>Numerous other principalities courted the privilege of coming under the
+&aelig;gis of the English flag, their potentates and people readily submitting
+to the abolition of practices which were not in accord with humane and
+civilized usages and eager to share the benefits and advancement of
+civilization which were enjoyed under British rule. In not a few
+instances it was, however, not feasible to extend the protectorate so
+coveted.</p>
+
+<p>While other nations were engaged in wars during the past half-century,
+England had opportunities to largely expand and consolidate her Colonial
+dominions. At the same time British trade, industries and shipping
+advanced with gigantic strides, and that nation has since gained the
+foremost rank as a commercial and Colonial empire, governing over the
+choicest portions of the globe some four hundred millions of loyal and
+contented subjects, who enjoy <a name="Page_175" id="Page_175" />liberty and a degree of prosperity
+unequalled elsewhere as yet, the whole being protected by a navy which
+constitutes England as champion on sea as well.</p>
+
+<p>All this national success and example of liberal government have had a
+salutary influence upon the rest of the world in evoking wholesome
+competition and emulation. But another and very untoward effect is that
+widespread and deep-rooted envy and jealousy have also been aroused,
+which on occasion are apt to develop into pretexts for actual hostility,
+or hostile partisanship as is now the case.</p>
+
+<p>What signalises the beneficent reign of Queen Victoria more than
+anything else is the peculiarly devoted manner in which that august lady
+has personally acquitted herself of her duty and responsibility in
+regard to the elevation and rehabilitation of the hitherto socially
+enslaved condition of womanhood in her Indian empire; for it is well
+known how the philosophic religions of the East have been subtly adapted
+for establishing the political and social pre-eminence of certain
+classes of a population over its majority, at the same time dooming
+womanhood generally to the lowest rank of drudges, perpetual contempt
+and ignorance, refusing them education (as had been done in the case of
+the Roman <a name="Page_176" id="Page_176" />slaves)&mdash;specially despised if without a husband, and if a
+widow, immolated at last upon her husband's funeral pyre.</p>
+
+<p>Step by step, by means of strenuous and disinterested exertions,
+employing prestige and encouragements, by legislation and otherwise, a
+breach was effected which bids fair to break down that caste-fenced and
+chained thraldom, and to raise over a hundred millions of her humble
+subject sisters from unnatural degradation to occupy the honourable and
+responsible rank assigned by the Creator to woman as man's social help,
+meet for him, and to whom honour is due as to the weaker vessel.
+Millions of women have already found emancipation and recognition of
+their right position, to man's reciprocal joy and to the felicity of
+their families. Their sons and daughters in turn now form armies to
+complete the mission of liberty so zealously inaugurated by their
+beloved Empress, their own peculiar star of India.</p>
+
+<p>Maybe this and similar earnests evinced during that noble Queen's reign,
+among which the shelter afforded to the Jewish people, will come into
+remembrance in mitigation of visitations deserved by the nation for its
+previous complicity in the hideous traffic in African souls of men.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177" />It throws a light upon the credulity and simplicity of the bulk of the
+poor deluded peasant Boers when, in the face of most genial rule and
+almost an excess of liberty and privileges, Bond artifice could succeed
+in conjuring up contrary notions, and to poison them into the monstrous
+belief that they, the Boers, were an oppressed people, whose downfall
+was designed by rapacious England, and that no other remedy existed for
+preserving independence, religion and homes than to expel that wicked
+English people from African soil. This is, then, what Bond artifice
+effected in the absence of actual cause and in order to dissimulate its
+own nefarious objects. It was the work of twenty years' sedulously
+applied deception and calumnious machinations.</p>
+
+<p>The Hollander coterie has at last succeeded in its ardently desired
+purpose of pitting the Boer nation against England, and to bring about
+the present war. What is even more astounding is the success of those
+villainous artificers upon intelligent partisans of the Boer cause
+outside of Africa and in England even.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="OCCULT_OPERATIONS_AND_AGENCIES" id="OCCULT_OPERATIONS_AND_AGENCIES" /><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178" />OCCULT OPERATIONS AND AGENCIES</h2>
+
+
+<p>Will it be considered the mere fancy of enthusiasts, which admits the
+thought of occult forces of a sinister kind set in array to overturn
+beneficent dispensations, that the evil one, the father of lies, has
+been active in all this marring of peace? Had that personage or evil
+principle, if this term is more acceptable, not scored with his
+malignant skill of deception 6,000 years ago, and been walking up and
+down his domain ever since, intent upon undoing redemptive provisions
+and counteracting all endeavours to ameliorate the miseries of humanity?
+His malice would seem discernible against the Boer nation, the people
+who continued in the simple faith which had been kept by their ancestors
+despite the persecutions heaped upon them in France and by the oppressor
+of Holland; he must have viewed with growing rage the designs of a
+gracious Providence surrounding that very people with the blessings of
+security and peace and ac<a name="Page_179" id="Page_179" />cumulations of unparalleled riches, all
+construable as in compensation for the sacrifices so willingly submitted
+to by their forefathers and for their own fidelity to the faith. Would
+he tamely brook that&mdash;and not bend on all his artifices to reverse those
+provisions and to divert those rich dispensations in favour of his own
+devotees instead, or else rather cause them to be devoured by wasting
+war? He has so far succeeded in instigating the Boer nation to acts
+which involve the forfeiture of their special heirlooms. He would also
+thwart the programme of the world's nations for the civilization of
+Central Africa, and would gratify his malice against the people to whom
+is largely attributable the spread of governmental principles of equity
+and liberty. He would seek to stamp with failure those hitherto
+successful and self-rewarding methods, and so strike an effective blow
+against their further adoption as being goody-goody, weak and
+inefficient.</p>
+
+<p>We see civilized humanity congested with over-population, excess of
+energy and of production and suffering from a plethora of capital, the
+entire condition rife on the one hand with prodigal waste and on the
+other fraught with the cruel want of toiling and jostling millions
+vainly fighting for space and the most modest means of
+existence&mdash;conditions <a name="Page_180" id="Page_180" />which presage an inevitable and universal crash
+unless checked by a Malthusian or else by a beneficent and humane
+remedy. We know the right remedy for at least staving off the impending
+universal crisis lies in the manifold opportunities of creating outlets.
+These exist to the full in the vast fallow regions of Africa, and in the
+scope for industries and commerce in Asia and elsewhere. Each
+well-devised colonizing scheme, every railway built, and every other new
+investment would afford improved employment and relieve the general
+strain; every true convert gained by the spread of Christianity would
+become an obedient and reliable unit towards the menaced stability of
+authorized Governments. We see capital impelled to vast enterprises, as
+it were by secret forces;<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13" /><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> we are aware of the activity of nations
+singly and in co-operation in promoting and sustaining such projects.
+All those efforts and outlets would serve as safety-valves for the
+discontent of the ill-provided masses, and their success would render
+them governable at a lesser cost, and even admit the reduction of
+standing armies and other objects treated by the recent Peace Conference
+at the <a name="Page_181" id="Page_181" />Hague. The essential thing, indeed, is peace, and that in turn
+would consolidate security and progress. But the enemy is interested
+exactly the other way. His ascendancy is coincident, not with the
+mitigation of the conditions of human existence, but in accentuating the
+misery of the masses, driving them to desperation and to embrace illogic
+and deceptive maxims of socialism and violent anarchy. It is with those
+forces that he intends to uproot and usurp divinely instituted authority
+expressly set up to repress evil and to protect person and property. He
+wants by licence and not liberty to hasten the advent of that murderous
+political power prophetically depicted with the statue standing upon
+feet of clay and iron: supreme authority vested in the world's
+proletariat in unstable and uncohesive union with militarism, Satan
+himself the actual lawless animator.<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14" /><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> As to the scope for outlets in
+the East, it is more restricted to industries and commerce, but those
+enterprises, however brilliantly promising, are fraught with the risks
+incidental to hostile rivalries and political complications, while in
+Africa the openings are at least as vast and <a name="Page_182" id="Page_182" />inviting immigration on a
+huge scale as well, but all with much greater security, inasmuch as the
+spheres of operation are definitely apportioned to various nations, and
+where in the nature of things the success of each would be promoted by
+joint-solidarity, and thus afford a guarantee for the peaceable and
+prosperous development of the whole continent. Our common enemy would
+fain frustrate it all with his Afrikaner Bond device, and then finally
+gloat over the accomplished ruin of his deluded Boer victims.</p>
+
+<p>Africa has for some thousands of years been the enemy's favourite and
+undisturbed haunt for his gory orgies, for the hecatombs of millions of
+immolated victims each year, the teeming recruiting preserve for his
+contingents.</p>
+
+<p>Is he likely to surrender it all to an invading beneficent operation?
+Will he not rather continue a most determined and desperate resistance
+and oppose the most advanced of his subtle devices? The malignant power
+of his agencies is ever and anon manifest&mdash;if restrained in one
+direction his sway is doubly asserted in another. While the Boer war is
+proceeding a diversion upon a large scale is being effected in Asia
+which may result in deferring progress in Africa, or history may be
+brought to <a name="Page_183" id="Page_183" />repeat itself by the production of some African Attila or
+Grenseric or a Saladin or another Moselikatse or Mahdi, whose
+overrunning hordes will efface all the good work thus far done and
+restore conditions in accord with his murderous sway, whilst at the same
+time revelling over the ominous developments looming in Europe and
+America for the production of giant strikes and other imminent
+socialistic outbursts which could all be prevented, or at least staved
+off for a long time, if the existing immense spheres for civilizing
+outlets could only be peaceably utilized.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13" /><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> One of those enterprises is the railway which is to
+connect the Cape with Cairo.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14" /><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Pro-Boer Propaganda is persisting in designating England
+as answering to that prophetic image destined to signal destruction.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="RELIGION" id="RELIGION" /><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184" />RELIGION</h2>
+
+
+<p>The old voortrekkers who emigrated from the Cape Colony all belonged to
+the Dutch Reformed Protestant persuasion. With very little learning, the
+Bible, catechism, and the orthodox &quot;psalm and hymn-book&quot; constituted
+their sole means for building up their faith. The scope of their
+education was likewise limited to these simple aids during their
+chequered wanderings for nearly twenty years, proving ample, however, in
+preserving themselves and children from the tendencies of receding into
+barbarism. The Bible was the recognised reference and guide in private
+and public affairs, and it is so still. It is, indeed, notable with what
+wisdom and prudence those simple people managed to frame their treaties
+with native potentates, their conventions with the Portuguese and the
+British Governments, and, finally, in compiling their own constitutions.
+Their experiences teem with incidents of extreme sufferings, dangers,
+and reverses, <a name="Page_185" id="Page_185" />and also with many signal deliverances, which all
+operated in deepening religious fervour and dependence upon the
+Almighty.</p>
+
+<p>Their vicissitudes led them to make analogous comparisons with ancient
+Jewish history. This practice resulted in some erroneous conceptions,
+notably in regard to their relations with aborigines and general native
+policy, as referred to in previous chapters. It also imperceptibly
+fostered sentiments confounding legality with grace, and the by-product
+of that subtle corrupting leaven which is apt to see a splint in the eye
+of another whilst unmindful of the beam in one's own.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the whole, the religious status of the Boers may be fairly compared
+to that of the old American pilgrim fathers, only much less intolerant,
+fairly strict sabbatarians, and jealous in maintaining national and
+individual morality. About forty years ago a small group seceded from
+the Dutch Reformed Church and formed a separate connection under the
+name of &quot;Enkel gereformende Kerk&quot; (simply reformed Church), more
+generally known under the sobriquet of &quot;Doppers.&quot; This cult is identical
+with the parent Church, and differs only in a somewhat stricter church
+discipline and the rejection of the hymns from the common psalm <a name="Page_186" id="Page_186" />and
+hymn-book upon the ground that many of them are tainted with dangerously
+anti-scriptural doctrine.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15" /><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> These Doppers are really very worthy
+people, but noted for their strong conservatism and adherence to old
+habits and customs, even in the matter of dress. President Kr&uuml;ger is one
+of their prominent members and so is General Piet Cronj&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p>The devotional habits of the Boers form one of their national
+characteristics. The family collect at dawn for morning worship, led by
+the parent or else by the tutor&mdash;it consists of a hymn,
+Scripture-reading, and prayer&mdash;similarly before retiring at night,
+devout grace before and after each meal. These practices are not relaxed
+when travelling with their wagons or when in the field. On Sundays an
+extra (forenoon) service is added. Strangers and travellers receiving
+hospitality are always courteously and unostentatiously admitted to
+those family devotions. One may thus meet with one or more wagons camped
+in the wilderness and find a cluster of men, women, and children
+<a name="Page_187" id="Page_187" />engaged in happy devotions and singing psalms or hymns in the familiar
+old &quot;Herrenhut&quot; melodies, or one may come upon a scene where men just
+returned to camp, begrimed and still perspiring from a day's hunt or
+battle, join with husky voices an already assembled group in the
+customary service.</p>
+
+<p>Such practices of piety cannot fail to have a salutary effect upon the
+young, nor can it be with justice said that the bulk of the people are
+inconsistent in their conduct, though formality and insincerity are
+sadly frequent enough, and in late years a decadence in seriousness and
+an increase of frivolity instead have marked the present epoch,
+especially among those who are exposed to the pernicious influences and
+contaminations incidental to town life. The old Free Stater mentioned
+before expressed the expectation that the present war and trials will
+tend to check that declension, and in that way prove to have a
+compensating character for good. During my frequent travels it had been
+my privilege as a guest to make the acquaintance of numerous truly
+Christian Boer families, both well-to-do and poor. On one occasion I had
+to accept the hospitality at a farmhouse of one named Brits,<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16" /><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>
+<a name="Page_188" id="Page_188" />nicknamed &quot;vuil&quot; or dirty Brits. This was an old blind widower; his
+household was composed, besides himself, of an old brother, also a
+widower, and the family of a son-in-law. After the evening meal the
+service was led by the blind man, the daughter reading some chapters in
+the Bible indicated by him. The two old men and I occupied separate cots
+in one small side room. Happening to wake up at dawn the following
+morning, I saw those old men sit up facing each other, with their feet
+upon the floor, and begin their morning hymn of praise, after which the
+house resounded with younger voices from the other end with a similar
+song. I do not call to mind any special untidiness at that poor blind
+man's house to warrant his sobriquet; my recollections are, on the
+contrary, of the happiest, and I mentally called him clean Brits, clean
+every whit. In another part of the country I was privileged to meet with
+a family, which included a grown-up blind daughter,' who had St. John's
+Gospel in raised letters. While reading with her fingers her upturned
+face would shine with joy when repeating some of the salient, consoling,
+and sustaining verses. And how common are the records among those simple
+Boers of happy and triumphant death-bed scenes of old and young,
+<a name="Page_189" id="Page_189" />softening the grief of the bereaved believers. Frivolous education and
+advanced surroundings are accountable for a certain waning of the
+original habits of serious piety; this is to some extent more the case
+among the Cape Colonial and Orange Free State Boers, the declension
+appearing greatest with those residing in or in close proximity to
+towns. Among the men of exemplary and consistent piety in the Transvaal
+are conspicuous: President Kr&uuml;ger, State Secretary Reitz,
+Commandant-General Joubert, General Piet Cronj&eacute;, and others holding
+highest positions, and also many of the Volksraad members, including the
+late General Kock.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the occasion when the Transvaal Executive, with the assembled
+Volksraads, finally determined upon war, and the momentous matter had
+been considered of handing over the passports to Mr. Greene, the British
+agent, just before signing them, President Kr&uuml;ger was observed occupied
+in silent prayer for a few moments, while many of the others bowed their
+heads similarly engaged, after which the documents were firmly
+completed. When the first commandoes were about to depart for the field,
+the President addressed a farewell to the burghers, assuring them that
+God's aid could confidently be <a name="Page_190" id="Page_190" />implored for their just cause; he also
+quoted part of the Verse, &quot;Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall
+lose it,&quot; intending it as an exhortation for the timorous, warning them
+of the greater danger incurred by retreat or flight than when
+maintaining a manful stand. (The reader will know that the above
+quotation does not complete the verse, the rest being, &quot;But whosoever
+shall lose his life for my sake or for the Gospel shall preserve it.&quot;)</p>
+
+<p>It points to the operation of most persevering and subtle agencies and
+potent illusions that could mislead and carry away the chief men and the
+most intelligent of the Boer nation so far as to engender the erroneous
+convictions which caused them to court the present war and to consider
+it just. As to the bulk of the people, they are in turn led astray by
+their leaders' example and opinions as victims of the general delusion.</p>
+
+<p>These convictions, together with the acceptance of Afrikaner Bond
+doctrines, have developed into quite a national infatuation, a kind of
+Boer Koran, invested with similar fanaticism. Analogies are assumed as
+existing between the case of the Israelites brought by Moses through the
+wilderness, and led by Joshua into the conquered possession of their
+promised Canaan. Following those proto<a name="Page_191" id="Page_191" />types, Paul Kr&uuml;ger is held as
+having guided the Boer nation thus far through the mazes of political
+troubles, and so also is General Joubert,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17" /><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> now their leader in the
+conquest, South Africa in its entirety being considered as rightfully
+belonging to them. The Orange River stands for Jordan, dividing as yet
+the possessions of the people, and the analogy only needs completion by
+a Pisgah for President Kr&uuml;ger. That such hallucinations have taken deep
+root appears from the fact that the wife of President Kr&uuml;ger dreamt of
+the accomplishment of such a typical history, and that her husband had
+died at an early stage of the conquest. Such complete faith is attached
+to the prophetic import of that dream that the President was prevailed
+upon to permit its publication in full detail some time in November
+last. The President's death was anticipated within two months after. (I
+am far from referring to those incidents in a mocking mood, but rather
+to show the intense sincerity of Boer convictions, confounding the
+Christian's exalted calling with one which is temporal; and I fancy that
+those very Boers, if equally well instructed, might sadly eclipse some
+of us who have the privilege and <a name="Page_192" id="Page_192" />also the responsibility of enjoying
+correct teaching.)</p>
+
+<p>The writer has endeavoured to represent in a true light both the
+character of the Boer nation and its responsibility in regard to the
+origin of the present deplorable war. The reader will be able to judge
+whether that people is wilfully guilty, or whether the circumstances
+admit of generous, mitigating condonement, always considered apart from
+that horrible Hollander element which has been the root and instigating
+cause of all the evil.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15" /><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Some readers will recognise the significance, the
+protective competence, the keen and reliable instinct which enable
+untutored believers to discern and detect doctrinal leaven insidiously
+concealed in the garb of worship.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16" /><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> At Modder River, on the road between Bloemfontein and
+Kimberley.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17" /><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> At the time, December, 1899, when this was intended for
+publication.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PHYSIQUE_AND_HABITS" id="PHYSIQUE_AND_HABITS" /><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193" />PHYSIQUE AND HABITS</h2>
+
+
+<p>We have noted in former pages that the Boers' ancestry some two
+centuries ago was composed of about two-thirds of sturdy Dutch peasants,
+artizans, etc., while the other third consisted mostly of French
+Huguenots.</p>
+
+<p>It is known that the immigrant class, though generally somewhat poor,
+are uniformly men and women endowed with an adventurous, self-reliant
+spirit and with unimpaired health. Naturally none but robust persons
+were permitted to join the Dutch settlement at the Cape of Good Hope.</p>
+
+<p>We see in that combination the patient, resolute quality prevailing in
+Holland and the more ardent, vivacious, and chivalrous character found
+with the French people. The Huguenot refugees belonged undisputably to
+the cream of that impulsive nation&mdash;intellectual, educated, and
+fearless&mdash;whilst both portions were pervaded with deep-rooted religious
+fervour and habituated to moral and temperate lives.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194" />Those combined qualities and habits would naturally be transmitted to
+the progeny; prosperity and splendid climatic conditions tended still
+further to develop a virile physique of first order. The moral and
+physical standards were maintained by the practice of men and women
+marrying early in life, and by occupations which required the people to
+pass most of their time in the open. Educationally, there was
+unavoidably some retrogression, but there is always plenty of scope in
+the existence of colonists in a new country for the exercise of a
+vigorous mind in the study of nature, in overcoming difficulties and in
+cultivating the faculty of resourcefulness.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst missing the intellectual benefits of advanced civilization, the
+people escaped the dangers of its vitiating tendencies, thus preserving
+a healthy mental calibre as well as robust physical health. In addition
+may be mentioned a very notable fecundal power, which accounts for the
+phenomenally rapid increase of the people. All those conditions have
+continued to be maintained with the successive generations up to now.</p>
+
+<p>Those who joined in the exodus north of the Orange River in 1835 and the
+years following comprised the most indomitable and best endowed of <a name="Page_195" id="Page_195" />that
+stalwart race. Twenty years of a nomadic life after that and until they
+got somewhat settled down served to weed out the weaklings among them;
+since then their mode of life accorded well to keep up the highest
+physical standard, not pampered with many comforts, inured to hardships
+and to out-of-door exercise, with a diet consisting very largely of meat
+and venison, coupled with energetic exercise of mind and body (the women
+sharing in the less arduous duties). All this constituted a regimen and
+training which did not fail to keep the people in a constant condition
+of high efficiency and equipoise for the performance of tasks and for
+surmounting difficulties needing more than usual strength, endurance,
+and fortitude.</p>
+
+<p>The rough labour all over South Africa is done mostly by Kaffirs and
+other coloured people. A Boer farmer will have from two to ten or more
+Kaffirs (men and women) employed for out-of-door work and for domestic
+drudgery. Often absent from home on hunting trips and sometimes on
+commando, the men entrust their work on such occasions (as is now the
+case during the present war) to the care of their wives and daughters,
+assisted by some younger sons, if the family includes any, or else
+simply with the aid of Kaffir servants. Sometimes <a name="Page_196" id="Page_196" />they are without any
+such help, when they take a pride in doing it alone.</p>
+
+<p>Girls as well as boys learn to ride on horseback when quite young. It is
+quite a usual thing to see women riding astride fashion, collecting
+sheep and cattle, or driving their horse carts and spiders (carriages),
+unattended by males, over distances of over twenty and thirty
+miles&mdash;women spanning in ox-teams to their travelling wagons, driving
+them with long whips on journeys occupying one or more days. During the
+Kaffir wars the Boers used to trek (travel) in bodies with their wagons,
+which would serve to form a laager or fort, their families and
+belongings being placed in the centre. During an attack the women would
+attend to the men's wants, reload their rifles, and even take a more
+active part in repelling the enemy, many of them being also crack shots.
+The above-stated efficient and hardy habits with men and women apply
+more to the people in the two Republics, and particularly so to those of
+the Transvaal, while the Colonial Boers on the whole have had no such
+experience, but instead have lived in uninterrupted peace and comfort
+for generations, and may be classed with farmers of any other
+well-governed and protected country or colony. The Boer farmers in the
+<a name="Page_197" id="Page_197" />northern portions of the Cape Colony, however, approximate to those of
+the Orange Free State in hardy habits and ability to fend for themselves
+when in difficulty. But with the Transvaal Boers the training incident
+to wars, hunting, and nomadic movements has been more sustained, and
+they are thus in best form and fitness of efficiency compared with all
+the rest.</p>
+
+<p>In the Orange Free State nearly every man above fifty years of age has
+had the experience of the three years' Basuto war in 1865-67, and almost
+all above forty are very expert huntsmen and crack shots. Quite a good
+number have also taken part in the Transvaal war against the English in
+1880; the rest have been trained by the elder veterans, and, though not
+so well seasoned, are good horsemen, expert with the rifle, and
+competent in the field. As to the Transvaalers, the men have all had
+plenty of field practice before the previous war with England and since,
+in subduing formidable Kaffir rebellions, the last being the operations
+against the Magato chief, which terminated just before the outbreak of
+the present Anglo-Boer war.</p>
+
+<p>Besides this, game had continued longer in abundance in the Transvaal,
+and is still hunted with success in the northern low veldt and in the
+adjacent <a name="Page_198" id="Page_198" />Portuguese territory. Added to this, the young Boers in the
+Cape Colony, Natal, Orange Free State, and Transvaal have been
+encouraged to attain proficiency in rifle practice and competence in the
+field, ostensibly for the gratification of keeping up old traditions,
+but in reality to be prepared for the struggle against England meditated
+by the Afrikaner Bond.</p>
+
+<p>About thirty odd years ago the Orange Free State and Transvaal were
+still swarming with all sorts of game. Venison was the staple diet.
+Lions and leopards also infested those States, but these and the game
+have been pretty well extirpated since, except in some of the lower
+parts of the Transvaal. In the earlier days ammunition was costly and
+hard to procure, and the use had to be husbanded accordingly. It became
+thus a practice never to pull a trigger unless with intense aim and the
+certainty of an effective shot. A man would go out stalking for an hour
+or so with perhaps but one or two charges, and would rarely fail in
+bringing home the kind of game wanted&mdash;either a springbock, blesbock, or
+wildebeest (gnu). In hunting lions, the lads would form part of the
+company for the purpose of being taught. The boys would learn that if a
+lion meant to attack he would approach to within <a name="Page_199" id="Page_199" />twenty or thirty
+yards, and then straighten himself up before making the final charge. It
+was during that short halt that the disabling or killing shot would have
+to be delivered. Father and son would then be standing ready&mdash;the son to
+fire first; if unsuccessful, the animal would be brought down by the
+father. If there were a larger party and the lions numerous, the lessons
+would be learnt so much better by way of emulation. The boys soon
+realized that a lion, means business only when he advances silently and
+with smoothed gait, but that bristling up and roaring is a sure prelude
+to his skulking off. What we read of the terror-inspiring roar is to the
+Boer stripling pure romance and non-sense; but what he does realize is
+that he must hit the animal in a vital spot at the right moment or else
+run the risk of being clawed and bitten. The confidence, however, which
+he has in his gun gives him all the requisite nerve, and mishaps are of
+very rare occurrence. Those lion hunts used to be very profitable, not
+only for the valuable skins, but especially when a number of young cubs
+were also caught, which would realize considerably high prices from
+menagerie purveyors.</p>
+
+<p>At the age of about eight years a boy would be taught to ride on
+horseback; when twelve years old <a name="Page_200" id="Page_200" />he would be an expert horseman and a
+deadly rifle shot as well; at sixteen he would be able to perform all
+farm duties and rank with pride and confidence as an efficient burgher
+to take the field against any enemy. His brain is not addled with school
+lore, but is thoroughly versed and taught from nature's book. Hardened
+to the fatigue of long rides over unfamiliar country in search of stray
+cattle, the Boer youth has often to subsist upon a bit of dried biltong
+(junked beef or venison), endure at intervals scorching heat and
+drenching rains, swim rivers, and pass the night with a stone for a
+pillow and his saddle as the only shelter, while his horse, securely
+hobbled, feeds upon the grass around. Never will he lose his way; if
+landmarks fail him and clouds hide moon and stars, he is guided by wind,
+the run of water or his horse's instincts. Accustomed to wide horizons,
+he can promptly distinguish objects at a distance, which, to an
+ordinarily good eyesight, would need careful scanning through a
+field-glass.</p>
+
+<p>He is expert in finding and following any trail, and can promptly tell
+the imprint from whatever animal it might be, or of whatever human
+origin; an ideal scout and unsurpassed as a pioneer. When travelling
+over roadless country the Boer's instinct <a name="Page_201" id="Page_201" />will direct him in tracing
+the most practicable route for his wagons, and with his experience he
+can foretell what kind of topography he will in succession have to
+traverse, avoiding unnegotiable spots and unnecessary detours, and when
+about to halt, a surveying gaze will locate the safest and most suitable
+position for his temporary camp. Such capacities serve with obvious
+advantage in defensive and offensive war tactics. Prompt in seizing an
+advantage and in avoiding danger, he has also learnt to be an adept in
+ruses to decoy and mislead an enemy, and as for self-help and
+resourcefulness, there is hardly a situation or difficulty conceivable
+which will not be successfully surmounted. The usual Boer can also fend
+for himself and cope with the minor perplexities of every-day life in
+the field, which would strand a less initiated man. He can cook, bake
+bread, mend clothes, make boots, repair saddles, harness, and vehicles,
+and is full of expedients and able to make shift. Most of them know how
+to shoe their horses, whilst many of them are expert also in working
+wood and metals and similar handicrafts. In short, the Boers make ideal
+scouts and are unique as colonizing pioneers. In their nomadic
+wanderings and frequent wars, the Boers have gained much useful
+experience in tactics, strategy, and in the wiles of <a name="Page_202" id="Page_202" />diplomacy too.
+They also learnt to adopt methods of organization, of cohesion, combined
+action, and a certain amount of discipline among themselves.</p>
+
+<p>They elect as subordinate and chief leaders men whose abilities and
+influence have commended them for such responsible appointments. Before
+committing themselves to any very important step these leaders would
+first confer with the people, who in turn would generally be easily
+swayed to their opinions, and who found by experience that it was safest
+to follow their judgment. It thus also became a habit to leave the main
+thinking over to those leaders, which enhanced unanimity and led to a
+self-imposed obedience and discipline recognised as necessary for the
+common welfare and also indispensable for common safety.</p>
+
+<p>So prevalent had the practice become of deferring to the opinions of
+their leaders that it engendered an apathy among the people against
+considering political and public matters which were not altogether of
+engrossing importance. Public meetings would be poorly attended, and at
+elections not half the votes were recorded. &quot;Let the elected heads see
+to it; they are paid for doing the controlling and thinking work&quot;&mdash;that
+used to be the general feeling. But during the past twenty years public
+interest <a name="Page_203" id="Page_203" />has by degrees been successfully aroused by the activities of
+the Afrikaner Bond; the former apathy and distaste to the consideration
+of public concerns have given place to a more lively identification even
+with politics, but the tendency of being swayed by men of influence of
+their own kind remains unchanged.</p>
+
+<p>The Boers are great smokers&mdash;tobacco appears to have no hurtful effects
+whatever upon them, but seems rather to serve as a grateful sedative.
+The first thing offered on meeting a Boer is his tobacco pouch, and if
+one is a guest at his house, this is followed by one or more cups of
+coffee. This is drunk by men and women in large quantities, often
+without sugar, but very weak. The people are justly famed for cordial
+hospitality to strangers, and the pleasing tact and unostentatious
+correct politeness met with from the most ordinary and uneducated Boer
+are only accountable for on the theory that that particular culture of
+manners has been transmitted from his noble French ancestry of a couple
+of hundred years ago.</p>
+
+<p>In stature the men near the average of six feet (say five feet ten
+inches)&mdash;full-bearded, brawny-limbed, and of stalwart build, suggesting
+a homeric capacity for aggression and resistance. They present <a name="Page_204" id="Page_204" />a
+standard of sturdy and active manhood, which would have delighted the
+critical eye of Frederick the Great for the formation of his very best
+regiments. What is really singular is the infinitesimally small
+proportion of ineffective and sickly men found left behind when all the
+commandoes are called out, and also the considerable number of hale old
+men above sixty who voluntarily join the field. And when the hardy
+training and general high efficiency are considered down to the youth of
+sixteen, one may estimate the formidableness of such a foe, all well
+mounted on tough and nimble horses, well provisioned and provided with
+the best weapons extant, guided by very competent chiefs and European
+advisers&mdash;withal self-reliant and conscious of a superior aggressive and
+defensive capability for repeating their splendid ancestral records of
+prowess. Add to this inbred patriotism stimulated to an enthusiasm
+approaching fanaticism by a mind fashioned to the belief that their war
+is against an unjust usurper destined to be overthrown; it all sums up a
+long way towards balancing numerical inferiority and inexperience in the
+science of modern warfare. As to military science, they are apt to
+become quickly tutored into proficiency by daily observation and
+experience, and by the coaching of <a name="Page_205" id="Page_205" />the numerous military officers who
+have joined their ranks.</p>
+
+<p>Another advantage upon the Boer side consists in complete
+acclimatization and perfect knowledge of the country. Lastly, but by no
+means less important, is the rational practice of always going as light
+and unencumbered as at all possible, preferably with stripped saddle,
+and to subsist mostly upon meat when in the field, both serving to
+enhance staying power and to provide a reserve of stamina and of energy
+for occasions of supreme effort, which often decide the fate of battle
+against combatants, however courageous, who are fagged out with marching
+on foot, and through being overladen with accoutrements and pack and a
+lumbersome diet as well. What can such panting, unsteadied men do in
+conflict with Boers who are fresh and in well-preserved form, and whose
+steady sharp-shooting simply results in Calvaries for their opponents,
+however brave, disciplined and well equipped they may be?</p>
+
+<p>Yet to be noted is the small commissariat needed for Boer horses and
+mules. These are accustomed to subsist altogether on grass, and when it
+is plentiful, during summer and fall, to keep in good condition, working
+six to ten hours daily, if only allowed to graze during the rest of the
+time. They <a name="Page_206" id="Page_206" />are then usually knee-haltered, <i>i.e.</i>, one foreleg tied to
+the halter, with about eighteen inches space between. A few feeds of dry
+mealies (maize) will be amply supplementary when the pasture is
+inferior, or if the animals have to be picketed much.</p>
+
+<p>As said before, alcoholism does not prevail among the Boers, and any
+tendency to it is sedulously checked by legislation and public
+reprobation. President Kr&uuml;ger is an absolute abstainer from intoxicants,
+and even at banquets he will sip water only when joining in a toast. His
+contention is that the effects generally go beyond a harmlessly
+exhilarating point; the action of alcohol unbalances the nervous
+equilibrium, producing in most cases an excitement above the normal
+level, followed by a corresponding depressive reaction below it,
+creating an appetite for repeating the potation, with exactly similar
+and progressively aggravated results. Then man's moral standard and
+general efficiency and dignity become impaired, to the serious damage of
+his own welfare and involving the common weal as well. When at the
+outbreak of the war the sale of intoxicants became totally prohibited
+the measure was received with willing submission and hailed with general
+approval, which speaks volumes for the burgher population and without
+doubt also tends to preserve their efficiency and stamina.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PRESIDENT_KRUGER" id="PRESIDENT_KRUGER" /><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207" />PRESIDENT KR&Uuml;GER</h2>
+
+
+<p>Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kr&uuml;ger is about the most accessible President
+on record. Every morning&mdash;except Sundays and holidays, after family
+worship, that is to say, from 5.30 in summer and 6 in winter to 8
+o'clock&mdash;he gives audience to Boer and Uitlander, rich or poor alike,
+and also on each afternoon, from 4 to 6 and even later. His residence in
+the west end of Church Street, Pretoria, is quite an ordinary modest
+building of the bungalow type. The only distinction observable is two
+crouching lion figures, life size, on pedestals about three feet high,
+at the balustrade entrance to the front verandah. A lawn of about thirty
+feet across extends to the street limit, where at a very unpretentious
+gate two armed burgher guards are constantly stationed. These will
+receive an intending visitor's name, an unarmed domestic guard will then
+come forward, who, after a short scrutiny, if the person is a stranger,
+will report to the President <a name="Page_208" id="Page_208" />and will immediately return to conduct you
+to that dignitary, who may be sitting under the front verandah or in the
+adjoining reception-room. There the President will readily shake hands
+and point to a chair, rather near by because he is slightly hard of
+hearing, the domestic guard standing or sitting between, but a good way
+back. By his questions and final remarks one feels assured that the
+topic introduced has been attentively listened to and fully grasped.
+While conversing, other audience-seekers would drop in, and, while
+waiting their turn, coffee would usually be served to all. The manners
+observed are devoid of any stiffness of etiquette, but rather marked
+with a cordial decorum approaching intimacy, most assuring to the
+simplest and humblest visitor.</p>
+
+<p>The only leisure the President enjoys is the interval from 12 to 2,
+between his official labours at the Government buildings, which are
+about half a mile distant from his house. He drives there and back in a
+modest carriage attended by a guard of mounted policemen. His Honour is
+invariably dressed in black cloth, with the usual tall silk hat. Six
+feet high, with a slight stoop, broad shouldered, deep-chested, with
+well-developed limbs, arms rather long, the President presents a
+stately, burly figure, <a name="Page_209" id="Page_209" />portly without obesity. When younger he was
+noted, as something like a Ulysses, for personal strength and prowess as
+well as for sagacity. Although seventy-five years old now, Mr. Kr&uuml;ger
+has still a remarkably hale bearing and an intellect of undiminished
+quality. His eyesight, however, has been suffering of late, rendering
+the attendance of an oculist necessary. His Honour is in his fifth term
+of presidency, and has held the office twenty-two years. His salary is
+&pound;8,000 per annum, of which he probably does not expend &pound;1,000, his
+habits being exceedingly simple and frugal, Mrs. Kr&uuml;ger being equally
+conservative and thrifty, preferring rather to expend money for her
+children and in unostentatious benevolence than in superfluities.</p>
+
+<p>President Kr&uuml;ger is an exemplary Christian, an earnest student of the
+Bible since his youth, ever ready to employ his gifts to strengthen the
+faith of his people and to maintain their religious standard. He often
+occupies the pulpit, and on other occasions gives exhorting discourses.
+Upon the completion of the imposing Johannesburg synagogue his Honour
+was requested to preside at its dedication. It was an impressive
+function, and withal so anomalous and unrabbinical a departure&mdash;the head
+<a name="Page_210" id="Page_210" />of the State, a devout Christian, opening the edifice for Jewish
+worship and addressing a discourse to the thousands of assembled
+Israelites. In his zeal and concern Mr. Kr&uuml;ger could not refrain from
+adverting to their blessed Messiah, the God-man of Jewish stock,
+rejected through ignorance by their forefathers, exalted since, but who
+loved His people nevertheless, as typified by Joseph's narrative when he
+revealed himself to his brethren in Egypt. He adjured them to a
+prayerful reading of their Old Testament, and he invoked God's mercy to
+remove the veil which obscured from their eyes their own and also the
+Gentiles' glorious Immanuel. The ceremony was concluded with perfect
+decorum, despite the surprise that the address had drifted into an
+impassioned Gospel sermon.</p>
+
+<p>This grand old Boer is the very personification of noble patriotism and
+devoted concern for the welfare of his nation. While admiring and loving
+the man, what sorrow on the one side and indignant execration on the
+other do not overwhelm one, seeing that such a pattern and leader of men
+should have become the victim of that heartless Hollander coterie! One
+cannot but marvel at the same time at the alert skill and wily patience
+which must have been employed during the many years past to hold
+<a name="Page_211" id="Page_211" />President Kr&uuml;ger with State Secretary Keitz and President Steyn in the
+Afrikaner Bond leash ready to let loose with unshaken convictions upon
+the supreme contest designed for them and their people by the
+machinations intended for upraising Holland at the risk of immolating
+the victimized Boer nation.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PEACE_ADJUSTMENTS" id="PEACE_ADJUSTMENTS" /><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212" />PEACE ADJUSTMENTS</h2>
+
+
+<p>Upon this topic a few remarks may be placed under the assumption that
+the arch enemy's triumph in the present war will be circumscribed by the
+havoc and the bereavements created by it, and by the forfeiture
+inflicted upon the poor deluded Boers of their special heirlooms. One of
+the considerations would be the war cost and its recoupment, and another
+important one is the measures needful to prevent a repetition of a Bond
+revolt.</p>
+
+<p>As to the war indemnity: it is well understood on all hands that the
+supremacy of Great Britain, when once established as the result of the
+war, will greatly enhance the value of all existing capital
+investments&mdash;10 to 50 per cent., and many even 100 per cent. It is not
+to be denied that capitalism has evinced decided eagerness that English
+supremacy should be asserted, and it is in a manner amenable together
+with the Afrikaner Bond, for secretly striving to bring about the
+contest each independently in its own way, but without the least concert
+with each other. It appears therefore <a name="Page_213" id="Page_213" />equitable that capital should
+become contributable to the cost of the war which will eventually result
+in so largely enhancing its invested values.</p>
+
+<p>A tax of 2-1/2 per cent. upon the aggregate investment values and a
+royalty upon the mining industries of 25 per cent. of the net profits
+would appear reasonable.</p>
+
+<pre>
+The 2-1/2 per cent. tax might bring a sum of        15 millions
+The royalty could be reckoned at capitalized value  50   "
+The confiscations might reach                       10   "
+And the underground rights around the Johannesburg
+    mines might realize                             50   "<br />
+</pre>
+
+<p>Thus together 125 millions, possibly not sufficient to cover the entire
+war cost if pensions are to be included. It is a sad reflection to note
+that the entire wealth which constituted the national heirloom of the
+Transvaal will have been wasted, and comes far short to cover the actual
+war expenditure. In regard to preventive measures against another Bond
+war, nothing appears clearer than the necessity of applying the <i>lex
+talionis</i> upon the Hollander element in South Africa (though not in that
+inhuman fashion as was practised upon the English refugees before and at
+the commencement of the war).</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214" />Whilst not so guilty to the same extent of enormity as the coterie in
+Holland, who devised all the Bond mischief at a safe distance, the
+Hollanders in South Africa were nevertheless their eager abettors and
+sedulous henchmen. It will be remembered that the Bond cry had been
+&quot;Drive the English into the sea, out of Africa,&quot; and that the first
+earnest in carrying out that fiat was practised some months before the
+outbreak of the war upon the unaggressive coloured British subjects,
+traders, merchants, etc., whose removal from their residences and
+businesses to ghettos outside the towns practically compassed their ruin
+and expulsion from the Transvaal. This was followed, first by a
+voluntary and afterwards by the forced exodus of Uitlanders at the rate
+of thousands per day&mdash;men, women, and children packed in uncleansed coal
+and cattle trucks, together with Coolies, Kaffirs, and Hottentots, and
+hustled over the Portuguese border, dumped down at that death-trap
+Komati Poort if unable to pay the railway fare for fifty-three miles
+further to Delagoa Bay. Those refugees were obliged to abandon or
+sacrifice their belongings&mdash;they had no time allowed to realize them; it
+meant their financial ruin.</p>
+
+<p>That Hollander element comprises the most <a name="Page_215" id="Page_215" />insidious menace, and, like a
+cancer, must be unsparingly excised from South Africa, unless
+encouragement is intended to be given for an attempt to go one better
+next time, with a repetition, or rather an aggravation, of the horrors
+of war and the cost in life and treasure, turning the sub-continent into
+a second vast Algeria, with perhaps such another &quot;Abd El Kadr&quot; to
+subdue, and without any reserve asset, as now, to fall back upon towards
+reimbursing the expense. Their expulsion should, however, not be
+effected without giving some fair notice affording them time for the
+realization of their estates. As to the Dutch language, it will not
+entail any excessive hardship if it is equally banished as an official
+language, seeing that English is on the whole not more unfamiliar to the
+bulk of the Boer people than pure High Dutch is, and seeing that the
+dual right was accorded to Dutch as an official language under this
+almost inconceivable feature, that it admittedly had yet to be learnt to
+become of any practical use or utility other than as an instrument for
+keeping the races apart and to facilitate the Bond objects of usurpation
+and revolt.</p>
+
+
+<p>FINIS</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed
+(2nd ed.), by C. H. Thomas
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diff --git a/15106.txt b/15106.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed (2nd
+ed.), by C. H. Thomas
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed (2nd ed.)
+       The Conspiracy of the 19th Century Unmasked
+
+Author: C. H. Thomas
+
+Release Date: February 18, 2005 [EBook #15106]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIGIN OF THE ANGLO-BOER WAR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Garrett Alley, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE ANGLO-BOER WAR REVEALED
+
+The Conspiracy of the 19th Century Unmasked
+
+By C.H. THOMAS
+
+of Belfast Transvaal formerly Orange Free State Burgher
+
+
+SECOND EDITION
+
+LONDON: HODDER AND STOUGHTON
+
+27 PATERNOSTER ROW MCM
+
+_Butler & Tanner The Selwood Printing Works Frome and London_
+
+
+
+
+NOTICE
+
+
+The present book had been intended for publication in South Africa
+before the end of 1899, with the object of laying bare the wicked and
+delusive aims of the Afrikaner Bond combination, to which the Anglo-Boer
+war alone is attributable, and to counteract its disastrous influences
+so far as then still possible. But until quite lately circumstances had
+conspired so as to prevent the writer from leaving the Transvaal, and
+when he at last obtained the required passport to Lourenco Marques he
+was there denied a permit to visit a colonial port. He therefore sailed
+for London in order to publish this book without more loss of time.
+Though too late to serve as a deterrent, the contents may be effective
+towards showing up the really guilty parties--the instigators and
+seducers of the deluded Boer nation, and so pave and widen the avenue of
+peace and of conciliation between Boer and Briton who were duped and
+victimized alike.
+
+The exposure of the actual culprits and originators should also operate
+favourably, and in mitigation in behalf of the much less guilty Boers,
+so as to dispose the victors to the exercise of magnanimous
+consideration. In exposing the villainy of the Dutch coterie in Holland,
+the writer is far from impugning the honourable character of that
+nation, the better part of whom, when once undeceived, will be the first
+to reprobate and disown those arch-plotters who sacrificed the peace of
+South Africa for personal and national advantage.
+
+Some other information regarding the Boers and South Africa will be
+found interspersed in this study, which will be found of use to the
+uninitiated and to intending emigrants to that sub-continent. As the
+reader proceeds with the examination of this book it will suggest
+comparisons and even analogies which may commend themselves as
+singularly apposite and instructive in relation with the study of the
+presently budding Eastern question.
+
+C.H. THOMAS
+
+
+NOTE TO SECOND EDITION
+
+     The issue of a Second Edition has afforded an opportunity to
+     correct a few linguistic blemishes, but the work has only been
+     very slightly revised.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+                                                                   PAGE
+NOTICE                                                                V
+
+INTRODUCTION                                                          1
+
+CURSORY HISTORY OF THE BOER NATION                                    6
+
+PROSPERITY OF BOERS AND POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND UP TO 1881  16
+
+TRANSVAAL HISTORY--SUZERAINTY                                        21
+
+TREATMENT OF UITLANDERS, FRANCHISE, VENALITY, BRIBERY                25
+
+MONSTER PETITION, JAMESON INCURSION, ARMAMENTS                       37
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN CONFERENCE, BOER ULTIMATUM                              43
+
+BOER LANGUAGE                                                        52
+
+THE DUTCH COTERIE, ITS SEAT IN HOLLAND                               57
+
+AFRIKANER BOND--OUTLINES AND PROGRAMME                               62
+
+PACIFIC POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN                                      70
+
+PRESS PROPAGANDA--SECRET SERVICE--TRADE RIVALRIES                    72
+
+DISLOYALTY OF COLONIAL BOERS                                         82
+
+PORTUGUESE TERRITORY--TRANSVAAL LOW VELDT--MALARIA--HORSE SICKNESS   89
+
+CLIMATE AND TOPOGRAPHY                                               95
+
+BOER PREPAREDNESS FOR WAR                                           108
+
+ALLIANCE OF ORANGE FREE STATE WITH TRANSVAAL--SUZERAINTY
+    SQUABBLE--TRANSVAAL ARMAMENTS PRIOR TO JAMESON RAID             115
+
+THE TRANSVAAL DYNAMITE AND EXPLOSIVES MONOPOLY                      122
+
+BOER FIGHTING STRENGTH                                              124
+
+BOER CONSERVATISM, EDUCATION, DUNDEE DOSSIER, ANTI-ENGLISH
+    PAMPHLET ENTITLED "A HUNDRED YEARS' INJUSTICE"                  126
+
+AN OLD FREE STATER'S ADMONITION                                     137
+
+MODUS VIVENDI SUGGESTED BY OLD FREE STATER                          143
+
+MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY TO AVERT WAR                               150
+
+AFRIKANER BOND GUILT IN GRADATIONS                                  155
+
+RESUME                                                              161
+
+BOERS' NATIVE POLICY                                                167
+
+ENGLAND'S NATIVE AND COLONIAL POLICY                                172
+
+OCCULT OPERATIONS AND AGENCIES                                      178
+
+RELIGION                                                            184
+
+PHYSIQUE AND HABITS                                                 193
+
+PRESIDENT KRUeGER                                                    207
+
+PEACE ADJUSTMENTS                                                   212
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+Apart from the progress of the present Anglo-Boer war a world-wide
+interest has been excited also upon the question of its actual origin.
+Much disparity of opinion prevails yet as to how it was provoked and
+upon which side the guilt of it all lay.
+
+English statesmen of noblest character and best discriminating gifts are
+seen professing opposite convictions; one party earnestly asserting the
+complete blamelessness of their Government, whilst the other, with
+equally sincere assurance, denounces the responsible Ministry for having
+provoked a most unjust war against a totally inoffensive people, whose
+only fault consisted in asserting its love of freedom, and for thus
+plunging the entire British nation into blackest guilt deserving
+universal reprobation, a blot and stigma upon Her Majesty's reign.
+
+In following the course of the arguments which have led to those
+opposing verdicts, one is impressed with the paucity and the clashing
+character of the information adduced. The marked reticence on the part
+of the British Cabinet in regard to its diplomatic proceedings tends
+further to mystify the inquirer, and leaves the bulk of the British
+nation in a painful state of suspense without conclusive data for
+judging whether the war is really justifiable or not.
+
+Nor do the various pamphlets and Press articles furnish sufficient light
+for exploring the maze and producing an approximate unanimity of
+conviction.
+
+It is hoped that the succeeding pages will be found to supplement the
+material so essential for diagnosing those grave questions with some
+degree of certainty, and to locate the guilt more precisely.
+
+Since my youth I have passed nearly forty years in uninterrupted and
+intimate intercourse with all classes of Boers, resulting in a sincere
+attachment to that people, with no small appreciation of its many good
+traits and character. Besides making myself familiar with the earlier
+portion of that nation's history, I have had leisure and opportunities
+to closely follow up its later interesting phases up to the present
+moment. These presented a more perplexing aspect during the last decade,
+adding a zest to my endeavours for unravelling them, and happening to
+be a good deal in the know I felt that I might not remain quiet.
+
+Being anything but anti-Boer, nor an Englishman, but a foreigner, born
+of continental parents and brought up in Europe, these facts should
+exempt me from a supposition of bias in exonerating England. It is with
+real grief that I must record my convictions against the Boer nation as
+solely and entirely guilty, but with this qualification, that its
+responsibility is much attenuated by the fact, as I will endeavour to
+show, that the bulk of that people has been unconsciously decoyed as
+tools of a gigantic intrigue, a conspiracy which was originated some
+thirty years ago by an infamous Hollander coterie, and operated since by
+its product and engine, the now well-known "Afrikaner Bond Association,"
+with its significant motto of "Afrika voor Afrikaners"[1]--its object
+being no less than the eviction of all that is English from South
+Africa, and to substitute a federation of all South African States into
+one free and independent Republic, the affiliation to be with Holland
+instead, and Dutch the common and official language, other nations, in
+return for afforded aid, to participate in the trade and other
+advantages wrested from England.
+
+I only regret that my ability falls so much short for the task of
+demonstrating all this in an approved style--for doing justice to the
+subject. Its investigation embraces a wider range of details to serve as
+evidence than may, upon first thought, be held as relevant; but I
+believe that a willing study will show their connection as serviceable
+for arriving at an independent and unhesitating verdict.
+
+A very strong and convincing case is indeed needed for remodelling
+opinions where there is preconceived Boer partisanship, and where party
+spirit or else foreign jealousy have already warped judgment and
+established bias.
+
+It would be no small relief to every honest-minded person, especially in
+England, to be clear upon the subject that England is free of
+guilt--equally so to the soldier who is called upon to fight her
+battles. But other objects of no less importance are in view, viz., to
+open the eyes of the misguided Boer people to the wicked artifices by
+which it has been seduced from friendly relations with England into an
+unjustifiable war, to deter the still wavering portion from joining the
+ranks of sedition, and, lastly, the grounds for palliation being
+recognised, to pave the way to an early termination of the war by
+adjustments which could restore mutual goodwill and respect between the
+contending parties, and so bring about a speedy return of South African
+prosperity and progress.
+
+The writer is fully prepared to give data and names of the incidents
+adduced in this paper in support of their authenticity.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: Africa for white African citizens.]
+
+
+
+
+CURSORY HISTORY OF THE BOER NATION
+
+The two principal elements of the Boer nation were the settlers of the
+Dutch trading company at the Cape of Good Hope, sturdy farmers and
+tradesmen belonging to the proletarian class of Holland, and a
+subsequent contingent of French Huguenot refugees and their families who
+joined as colonists soon after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. I
+mention below the names still existing which form a large proportion of
+the present Boer nation of Huguenot descent:--
+
+Billion     Blignaut  Bisseux   Delporte
+Du prez     Du Toit   De la Bey Durand
+Davel       De Langue Duvenage  Fourie
+Fouche      Grove     Hugo      Jourdan
+Lombard     Le Roux   Roux      Lagrange
+Labuscaque  Mare      Marais    Malan
+Malraison   Maynard   Malherbe  De Meillon
+De Marillac Matthee   Naude     Nortier
+Rousseau    Taillard  Theron    Terblanche
+De Villiers Fortier   Lindeque  Vervier
+Vercueil    Basson    Pinard    Duvenage
+Celliers    de Clercq Leclercq  Devinare
+
+Men of the best French stock, noted for honour, energy and
+perseverance, rather than recant their Protestant faith, abandoned
+seigneurial homes, high positions and lucrative callings to carve out
+fresh careers, and even to become humble farmers wherever they found
+asylums and tolerance, men who became very valuable accessions to the
+nations who received them and a correspondingly significant loss to
+France. To those two main elements were added sparse accessions from
+other nations at later intervals, and also a strain of aboriginal blood,
+of which a more or less faint tinge is still discernible in some
+families, an admixture which many deplore and others consider as most
+serviceable, supplying a subtle piquancy for perfecting the general
+stock.
+
+The early Cape Governors aimed at the prompt assimilation of those
+French people with their own colonists--to make Dutchmen of them. Among
+other drastic enactments to enforce that object, no other language but
+Dutch was permitted to be used in public of pain of corporal punishment.
+Not a few noble Frenchmen were subjected to that indignity for
+inadvertent breaches of that draconian law, but, as conscientious
+observers of biblical commands which enjoin subjection to all
+governmental rule, they willingly submitted and obeyed. Intermarriages
+with their Dutch fellow-colonists further promoted assimilation into one
+cohesive community. At the same time the Huguenot faith was transmitted
+to their descendants, and had a marked influence in sustaining common
+religious fervour and consistency. They did not look for a reward or
+compensation for the sacrifices endured, for the sake of faith, by those
+refugees, though a gracious providence, as the sequel showed, held in
+store a most ample restitution--magnificent heirlooms for their later
+descendants, heirlooms which are now unhappily staked in this present
+war.
+
+In 1814 a payment of six millions sterling received by the Prince of
+Orange closed the transfer of the Dutch Cape settlement to Great
+Britain. Immigration of English settlers followed and the area of the
+colony soon largely extended. As under the Dutch _regime_, the practice
+of slavery had continued until its abolition in 1833 by the ransom
+payable by the English Government to the owners of slaves. The Boer
+colonists deeply resented that act, and especially the next to
+impracticable condition which provided that payments could only be
+received in England instead of on the spot. Many were cheated of all
+their emancipation money by their appointed proxies or agents, or else
+had to submit to exorbitant charges and commissions; a great number
+voluntarily renounced all in disgust.
+
+By that time the existence had become known of promising tracts of
+country lying north of the Orange River beyond the confines of the
+British colonies, and a large number of Boers combined with the
+intention of establishing an independent community northwards free from
+British restraint.
+
+The British authorities appeared at that time not to fully realize that
+that movement was rife with future dangers and complications to their
+own colonial interests, that it meant the creation of a nucleus of a
+people openly averse to the English, and who would independently carry
+out practices in near proximity, especially in dealing with aborigines,
+which would seriously compromise them and become a standing menace
+against peaceful expansion and civilization.
+
+It was, on the other hand, anticipated that the movement could only end
+in disaster, the people being too few to make a successful stand against
+the numerous hostile Kaffir tribes. The Government, therefore, refrained
+from preventive measures, and confined its efforts to discouraging the
+emigration and to reconcile the malcontents. Those efforts, however,
+proved fruitless; the people held to their project with resolute
+fearlessness and self-confidence, and were even content to sacrifice
+their farms and homesteads, their sale being in some cases forbidden by
+special enactment.
+
+The terms of "Boer" and "Boer nation" do not convey or mean anything
+disparaging, rather the contrary. Boer simply means farmer, as a rule
+the proprietor of a farm of about 3,000 to 10,000 acres, who combines
+stock-breeding with a variety of other farming enterprises as well,
+according to the soil and locality. As a national designation, the term
+"Boer" conveys the distinction from the recently arrived Dutchman, who
+is called "Hollander." Hollanders, again, delight of late to claim the
+Boer nation as their kith and kin, but prefer to ignore the existence of
+the French Huguenot factor.
+
+The great "trek," with families and movables, as the emigration movement
+is called, occurred in 1836; some families started even before, and
+other contingents followed shortly afterwards. After many vicissitudes
+and nearly twenty years of wanderings, and a nomadic life attended with
+untold hardships and dangers, intermittent conflicts with native tribes,
+and at times also contests with British forces, they were eventually
+permitted, under treaty with England, to settle down and to constitute
+the independent Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics. That was in
+1854 and 1852 respectively.
+
+But, until then, progress in the British colonies and peaceful relations
+with the several Kaffir nations had at times been sadly impeded by the
+aggressive native policy pursued by the Boers after the pattern adopted
+from the previous Dutch _regime_, which admitted of slavery, whilst
+English law had abolished and forbade that practice as contrary to a
+soundly moral method of civilizing natives and inimical to prosperous
+and peaceable colonial progress. Broils and wars between Boers and
+Kaffirs had been almost incessant, and intervals of peace only proved
+their mutually latent hostility. Besides being occasionally engaged in
+unavoidable wars with neighbouring tribes themselves, it became
+frequently incumbent upon the British military authorities to intervene
+in conflicts induced by the Boers, alternately protecting them against
+natives and natives against the Boers, and all that at the unnecessary
+expenditure of much blood and treasure.
+
+The Boer occupation of Natal was found to be wholly prejudicial to
+British interests on aforesaid accounts, and was, besides, contrary to
+the express declaration of the Boer emigrants at the time of their
+exodus from the Cape Colony, which was that their new settlements should
+be located north of the Orange River. Stepping in to the eastward and
+claiming part of the littoral constituted a rivalry in conflict with
+that understanding, and England therefore considered it within her
+rights to expel the Boers from Natal, and to proceed with the
+colonization there with British settlers instead. That temporary
+occupation of Natal had been fraught to the Boers with most stirring
+episodes--some of the most melancholy description, and others
+representing records of really unsurpassed heroism, which can but arouse
+deepest emotions and admiration in any reader of their history. There
+was the treacherous massacre of Retief and Potgeiter and his party by
+the Zulu king Dingaan at his military kraal, followed by other wholesale
+massacres of men, women, and children at Weenen and other Boer camps in
+Natal. Then came the punitive expedition of 450 Boers, armed with
+flint-locks only, who utterly defeated Dingaan's most redoubtable impi
+of 10,000 warriors, and resulted in the complete overthrow of that Zulu
+monarch.
+
+When that punitive Boer commando was about to start upon its mission it
+was solemnly vowed to observe a day of national thanksgiving each year
+if Divine aid were vouchsafed to accomplish the object. That brilliant
+victory had occurred on the 16th December, 1838, and the day has ever
+since been religiously observed as had been vowed. The celebrations in
+the Transvaal take place at Paarden-kraal, near Johannesburg, and some
+other accessible and central camping grounds, where the burghers with
+their families congregate in thousands--a sort of feast of tabernacles,
+lasting three days, undeterred by the most boisterous weather. The
+declaration of independence fell on that same date at Paarden-kraal in
+1879, and it was also in December of the succeeding year that the Boers
+proved victorious over the British troops in Natal, after which the
+Transvaal had its independence generously restored by the Gladstone
+Ministry (subject to treaty 1881).
+
+On those anniversaries stirring speeches would be made by the elder
+leading men, rehearsing the events of the nation's history so as to
+grave them upon the minds of the younger, and to revive the thankful
+memories of the elder people. It is only in human nature that
+unsympathetic feelings against the English would intrude upon the
+thanksgivings on those occasions, especially as it continues yet to be
+averred that the British authorities had incited the Zulu king Dingaan
+to those massacres. Nevertheless, except in instances of implacable
+natures, the predominant sentiments at those gatherings were those of
+gratitude to the Almighty and good-will towards all men. After the peace
+of 1881, it used to be publicly recognised that the English were
+entitled thenceforth to a first place in the nation's friendship, and
+that the retrocession put a term to all recriminations applying to
+previous dates.
+
+The sequel has shown that soon afterwards another spirit was allowed to
+intrude to displace those good and just sentiments, and that without any
+reason or provocation and despite a persistently loyal and sincere
+attitude of friendship and confidence observed towards the Boers by the,
+British Government and the English people in South Africa. As instances
+may be cited: (1) England's conceding spirit in assenting to a
+modification of the convention of 1881 and agreeing to that of 1884; (2)
+genial treatment of the colonial Boers on perfect equality with English
+colonists, sharing in the privileges of self-government, the Dutch
+language also raised to equal rights with English; (3) most harmonious
+relations with the Orange Free State; (4) reduction of transit duties
+for goods to the Republics to 5 per cent, and later to 3 per cent.; (5)
+unrestricted privilege for the importations of arms and ammunition to
+both Republics. In lieu of friendly reciprocity the return began to be
+rancorous mistrust and revival of hatred.
+
+In the course of our study to account for this sad and unwarrantable
+change on the part of the Boers we will be following the trail of the
+serpent and track it right up to its Hollander lair and to its at first
+unsuspected product, the Afrikaner Bond.
+
+
+
+
+PROSPERITY OF BOERS AND POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND UP TO 1881
+
+
+A period of about twenty-five years following the establishment of the
+Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics was marked with much progress
+and prosperity in the Cape Colonies and Natal, both Republics also
+having cause to rejoice over similar advancement.
+
+The evil influence which aimed at rending good relations between Boer
+and English became more apparent after 1881. During the preceding era
+the two races actually had been in a fair way towards friendly
+assimilation. Mutual appreciation was further stimulated by the
+reciprocal benefits arising from trade and economic relations.
+Intermarriages became more frequent under such friendly intercourse, a
+respectable Englishman being truly prized in those days as a Boer's
+son-in-law. The English language also largely advanced in favour and
+prestige not only among the Cape Colonial and Natal Boers, but also in
+both Republics, and anti-English sentiments were fast being supplanted
+by amity and goodwill.
+
+The principal event in the Orange Free State during that period was a
+three years' exhaustive war with the Basuto nation, which ended in the
+latter's defeat in 1867. Their chief Moshesh then appealed for British
+intervention. The Basutos thus came under England's protection, and a
+peace resulted which has ever since continued, through British prestige
+and authority as well as good government. The Orange Free State gained a
+large tract of the territory conquered by that State, but had to
+renounce the rest.
+
+Then, in about 1870, came the discovery of the diamond-fields, situated
+on the then still ill-defined western limits of the State. According to
+a boundary line claimed by Great Britain, those diamond-fields fell
+outside Free State territory. That State received L90,000 compensation
+for improvements and expenses incurred during its short occupation of
+that disputed strip of diamondiferous ground. The diamond-fields at
+Jagersfontein and Koffyfontein were subsequently discovered and lie deep
+within the confines of the State. President Brand had proved his
+sagacity and discretion in concluding the negotiations with England
+upon the question of the peace with the Basutos and then again in
+submitting to the boundary delimitations, it being contended even yet
+that the Orange Free State had the weightier arguments in its favour in
+both instances.
+
+The people of that Republic proved however to be the ultimate gainers in
+those adjustments; they did not miss the more solid advantages attending
+the discovery of the diamond-fields. Believed of the grave
+responsibility involved in governing a turbulent population of foreign
+diggers, the geographical position of the Kimberley fields secured to
+the Free State farmers an almost entire monopoly in the supply of
+products; trade also flourished apace, all tending to enrich the
+inhabitants and the State revenue as well.
+
+But the Orange Free State derived a permanent advantage, quite unique
+and more than compensating the apparent set-back suffered by the loss of
+the diamond-field territory and by British intervention in the Basuto
+war matter, in that the method of those procedures saddled England with
+the responsibility of guaranteeing the internal safety of the State from
+those hitherto unprotected borders "altogether at her own cost." The
+Keate award completed the British cordon around the Free State,
+excepting only in regard to the Transvaal frontier. No need thenceforth
+for costly military provisions for the protection of the State--it was,
+as it were, walled and fenced in at British expense, and the State
+revenue was thus for ever relieved of a very heavy item of expenditure,
+which could be devoted to the increase of the national wealth instead--a
+peaceful security accompanied with an intrinsic gain constituting a
+veritable and permanent heirloom for the people of that State.
+
+It is notable that the position of the Orange Free State, without any
+other access to the sea-board than from colonial ports, made its status
+and welfare entirely dependent upon the friendly and loyal good faith of
+England. Up to the present unhappy war that State enjoyed unaltered the
+best relations without being ever subjected to even a trace of chicanery
+from the part of Great Britain.
+
+By what illusion, it may well be asked, could that hitherto friendly
+people have been deluded to risk all in a disloyal breach with England
+by joining the Transvaal in a "Bond" issue against her best friend?
+Towards the Transvaal also had England proved her earnest desire to
+maintain an intercourse on the basis of sincere amity, desirous only of
+reciprocity, which indeed could be expected in willing return, seeing
+that England took upon her own shoulders to provide for the protection
+and welfare of the entire area of South Africa by sea and land, whilst
+both Republics freely participated in all the great benefits so derived.
+These considerations should substantially disprove the wicked aspersion
+lately made that British policy aimed at the subversion of republican
+autonomy in those two States. All that Great Britain needed and
+confidently expected in return for her goodwill was friendly adhesion,
+and a willing recognition of her paramountcy in matters affecting the
+common weal of South Africa as a whole, and also such reciprocity and
+mutual concern in the welfare of all as consistently comport with common
+interests. How fell and malignant the "influence" which operated a
+treacherous ingratitude and hostility instead!
+
+
+
+
+TRANSVAAL HISTORY--SUZERAINTY
+
+
+The references made to the history of the Transvaal so far reach up to
+the rehabilitation of its independence and the convention of 1881. Some
+of the conditions of that treaty, especially the subordinate position
+imposed by the suzerainty clause, were found to be repugnant to the
+burghers. Delegates were therefore commissioned to proceed to England in
+order to get the treaty so altered as to place the State into the status
+provided by the Sand River convention, which conceded absolute
+independence. Mr. Jorrison, a violent anti-English Hollander, was the
+chief adviser of the members of that delegation.
+
+To that the English Ministry could not assent, but sought to meet the
+wishes of the people by agreeing to certain modifications of the
+convention of 1881. This was effected with the treaty of 1884. The
+delegates had specially urged the renunciation of the suzerainty claim,
+but that claim appears not to have been abandoned, to judge from the
+absence of such mention in the novated treaty. Had its renunciation been
+agreed to, as has been since averred, it is quite certain that the
+delegates would not have been content without the mention in most
+distinct terms of that, to them, so important point. It may therefore be
+assumed as a fact that the negotiations did not result in an active
+suspension of the relations as set forth in the convention of 1881, and
+that the Transvaal continued in a status of subordinacy to England, but
+only with a wider range in regard to conditions of autonomy. To most lay
+minds it therefore appears perfectly clear that the Transvaal delegates
+had well understood and accepted, and so had also their Government, that
+the convention of 1884 was _de facto_ a renewal of that of 1881, with
+the only difference that it provided an enlarged exercise of autonomy,
+but without in the least abrogating the principles of respective
+relations, which were left intact, or at least latent.
+
+It has been averred and a strong point made in the theory of repudiating
+suzerainty or over-lordship that Lord Kimberley had given the assurance
+that the right of Transvaal autonomy and independence was meant to equal
+that of the Orange Free State. This need not be contested, as that
+Minister obviously relied upon a similar observance of staunch adhesion
+towards England which that State had shown during a period of thirty
+years previous; the fact that the Transvaal was quite differently
+situated as to adjoining territory imposed the necessity, if only as a
+matter of form, to preserve the written conditions of Transvaal
+vassalage.
+
+Lord Kimberley, in 1889, intimated the readiness of his Government to
+afford advisory and other co-operation with the Transvaal Government in
+order to cope with the new element of foreign immigration, resulting
+from the discovery of the rich gold-fields, and to provide appropriate
+relations with a new floating population, without materially altering
+the status of Transvaal authority, or the methods of government then in
+practice.
+
+The Transvaal Government, however, preferred to ignore that loyal offer,
+and to be guided by Bond principles instead. That circumstance affords
+another proof that England did not then see the necessity, as has
+subsequently been the case, of strengthening her position against Bond
+aggression by imposing a demand of general franchise for Uitlanders.
+
+One aspect of the prolonged controversy _re_ suzerainty forced upon
+England would be to denote a lack of honour, which is not of unfrequent
+occurrence when one party to a contract seeks by cavil and legal quibble
+to evade compliance with some of its conditions, simply because the
+written terms appear to afford scope for doing so. But the principal
+reason of the Transvaal contention proceeded from the project of gaining
+over some strong foreign ally who would see an obstacle, if not
+scruples, in joining common cause whilst England's claim of
+over-lordship remained unshaken. But for that consideration the
+Transvaal Government inwardly viewed the whole of the treaties as waste
+paper, since it was not only intended to violate them all, but also to
+bring about, at an opportune moment, a hostile severance from England.
+In the meantime, the academic squabble was to serve as a decoy to hide
+Transvaal identification with any such sinister objects, and to divert
+attention and suspicion.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSVAAL HISTORY--TREATMENT OF UITLANDERS--FRANCHISE
+
+
+To resume the cursory history of the Transvaal. Mr. Burger, during his
+Presidency in the early seventies, went to Europe with the mission of
+attracting capital to the development and exploitation of gold, etc.,
+then already authentically discovered; also, to provide for the building
+of a railway connecting with Delagoa Bay. The Transvaal Boers were at
+that time exceedingly poor, and without a sufficient revenue for
+properly maintaining the administration. Beyond creating a lively
+interest, his success was confined to an agreement with a company in
+Holland for building a section of that railroad, which, however, fell
+through, because the Transvaal proved ultimately unable to furnish its
+quota of the necessary funds. The present President fared better. A
+Dutch company styled "The Nederlandsch Zuid Afrikaansche Spoorweg
+Maatschappy," abbreviated "Z.A.S.M.," undertook the work and completed
+it in 1887, from the Portuguese border to Pretoria. The line from
+Pretoria to the Natal border was soon after built, as also several
+extensions around the Wit-waters Rand, and that from Pretoria to
+Pietersburg. The section connecting Delagoa Bay as far as the Transvaal
+border had previously been completed by McMurdo, and is the subject of
+the present Berne arbitration.[2]
+
+The contract conferred to the Dutch Company a monopoly, and most
+advantageous financial terms as well. By that time great strides had
+been made in the development of the Transvaal gold-fields, especially at
+the Wit-waters Rand (Johannesburg); and immigration on a large scale
+from all parts of the world had set in, and was constantly increasing
+with vast amounts of investments in mercantile and other enterprises, as
+well as in mining industries. At first, equitable laws governed burghers
+and Uitlanders alike, administered by an independent judiciary. All
+desirable security was afforded for person and property, with confidence
+in the safety of investments, and great general prosperity kept pace
+with ever-increasing activities and enterprise.
+
+It was a great satisfaction to Uitlanders that the peace of 1881, and
+the reinstatement of Transvaal independence, had restored harmony
+between Boer and English, and that a policy was being followed to
+preclude friction between the respective Governments. Those facts
+largely stimulated investments and enhanced confidence. By 1887 the
+alien population had already exceeded 100,000, and the capital
+investments L200,000,000 sterling, and the desire so ardently
+entertained by the people of the land, for twenty years back, was
+gratified at last. The burghers shared in the prosperity to a very large
+degree, and in lieu of former poverty, competence and wealth became the
+rule, and many of them became exceedingly rich. It was not unusual to
+hear Boers expressing undisguised gratitude, not merely for the natural
+gold deposits, but specially also that people had come to prospect and
+to invest capital, without which the wealth of the land would have
+remained unexploited and lain fallow. Harmony and cordiality were the
+proper outcome between foreigners and Boers. The influx of capital and
+of immigrants continued to increase, but not so the happy conditions.
+These were gradually getting marred by a spirit of variance, no one
+seemed to know how. The study of this paper will reveal it. The variance
+between Boers and Uitlanders began to be specially discernible from 1887
+and had been increasing like a blight ever since. This was noticeably
+coincident with the numerous arrivals of educated Hollanders employed
+for the railways and the Government administration.
+
+In the earlier period of the Transvaal Republic, one year's residence
+was first held sufficient for acquiring full franchise or burgher rights
+and voting qualifications. The condition was successively raised to two,
+three, and five years; but in 1890 laws were passed which required
+fourteen years' probation, with conditions which virtually brought the
+term to twenty-one years, and even then left the acquisition of full
+franchise to the caprice of field-cornets and higher officials.
+Englishmen and their descendants were at one time totally and for ever
+excluded and disqualified just merely because of their nationality
+whilst Hollanders were admitted in very large numbers without having to
+pass any probation at all or only comparatively short terms. The English
+language became a target for hostility and as good as proscribed;
+impracticable and ludicrous attempts even were made to exclude its use
+in Johannesburg, where hardly any Uitlander understood Dutch, whilst
+every Boer official was well versed in English: market and auction sales
+were to be conducted only in Dutch; bills of fare at hotels and
+restaurants were also to be in full-fledged Dutch only--and all this, it
+must be remembered, some years before the Jameson incursion took place.
+
+The judiciary, which, according to the "Grondwet" (Constitution), was
+the highest legal authority, was by one stroke of enactment rendered
+subservient and subordinate to the First Volksraad. The then Chief
+Justice (Kotzee) was ignominiously deposed for honourably contending
+against the grave departure from right and justice in subverting the
+sacred prerogative due to the highest tribunal, which Boer and Uitlander
+alike relied upon for independent justice.
+
+A new system of education was next introduced which admitted only High
+Dutch as the medium of instruction in public schools. As only Hollander
+children could benefit by such tuition, and whereas those of other
+immigrants could not understand that language, the effect was that
+parents of English and other nationalities had to combine in
+establishing private schools or else to employ private teachers at their
+own expense--whilst paying, in the way of taxation, for Hollander public
+schools as well. That oppressive system was subsequently somewhat
+modified in a manner which admitted the English language as a medium for
+a portion of the school hours, the proportion so accorded being larger
+in Johannesburg and other such wholly English-speaking centres than in
+other parts of the State; but the amelioration did not take place until
+after much irritation and expense had been occasioned, nor did it meet
+the case of hardship more than half-way. I may here place the remark
+that the public educational department is conducted without stint of
+expenditure in providing from Holland the amplest and best school
+equipments and highly salaried Dutch professors and teachers.
+
+Irritating class legislation began to be systematically resorted to, to
+the prejudice of Uitlanders (the majority of whom, it will be borne in
+mind, were English), which painfully pointed to a fixed determination on
+the part of the Boers to lord it over them as a totally inferior class,
+allowing them no representation, and to treat them, in fact, just as a
+conquered people placed under tribute and proper only to be dominated
+and exploited.
+
+Boers could walk or ride about armed to the teeth, whilst Uitlanders
+were forbidden to possess arms under penalty of confiscation and other
+punishments (except sporting-guns under special permit). The like
+irritations became rampant by 1890 already.
+
+The alien population were at first too much occupied with their
+prosperous vocations to combine in the way of protesting against such
+prevailing usage. The Press was, however, eventually employed, and the
+Government was approached with respectful petitions praying for redress
+of the most glaring causes of discontent; but those were invariably
+either disdainfully rejected or ignored, or, if some matter was
+relieved, other more exasperating enactments were defiantly substituted.
+They were cynically told that they had come to their (the Boer's)
+country unasked, and were at liberty, and in fact invited, to leave it
+if the laws did not please them. This was said, well knowing that to
+leave would involve too great sacrifices of homes and investments. The
+Uitlanders could not, however, be brought to the belief that the
+Government of a conscientious people could persist in dealing with them
+as if a previous design had existed--first to inveigle them and their
+capital into their midst, with the object of goading and despoiling them
+afterwards. The course of petitioning and respectful remonstrances was
+therefore persevered in, but all to no purpose. Indignation and
+resentment were the natural result of those failures. There appeared no
+alternative but to submit or else to abandon all and leave the country.
+
+It is true that numerous Uitlanders acquired competences, and some were
+amassing fortunes, but such prizes were comparatively few. The majority
+just managed, with varying success, to reap a reasonable return for
+their outlays and energies, or only to live more or less comfortably.
+The fashion of luxurious and unthrifty living, so prevalent among the
+"_nouveaux riches_" and the section who vied with them, impressed the
+Boers with the notion that all were getting rich, and that soon there
+would be nothing left for them in the race. In their Hollander Press
+they were reminded that the gold, in reality belonging to them, was
+rapidly being exhausted, and the wealth appropriated by aliens, whose
+hewers of wood and drawers of water they would finally become. All this
+galled them to the heart, and the Government readily lent itself to
+proceedings intended to balance conditions in favour of their burghers,
+as the process was described. I will adduce a few instances. As is well
+known, it is only burghers and some privileged Hollanders who are
+employed in Government service, from President down to policeman. There
+are very few exceptions to this rule, which also applies to the
+nominations of jurymen, who are well paid too. The salaries of all,
+especially in the higher grades, had been largely augmented; the
+President receiving L8,000 per year, and so on downwards.
+
+For Government supplies and public works the tenders of burghers only,
+and perhaps of some privileged persons, are accepted. In many instances
+the tenderers are without any pretence of ability for the performance of
+the contract, but are nevertheless accepted, performing only a _sub rosa
+role_. One such instance occurred some years ago when a burgher who did
+not possess L100--a simple farmer and a kind of "slim"
+speculator--received by Volksraad vote the contract for building a
+certain railway.[3] The price included a very large margin to be
+distributed in places of interest--as douceurs of L1,000 to L5,000 each,
+and L10,000 for the _pro forma_ contractor and his Volksraad
+confederates; all those sums were paid out by the firm for whom the
+contract was actually taken up.
+
+Similarly in contracts for road making, repairing, and making streets,
+etc., etc. On one occasion a rather highly placed official obtained a
+contract for repairing certain streets in Pretoria for L60,000. The work
+being worth L20,000 at most, the difference went to be shared by the
+several official participants.
+
+One of the first instances of glaring peculation occurred about fifteen
+years ago in relation with the Selati railway contract obtained by Baron
+Oppenheim.[4] The procedure was publicly stigmatized as bribery. It had
+transpired that nearly all the Volksraad's members had received gifts in
+cash and values ranging each from L50 to L1,000 prior to voting the
+contract, but what was paid after voting did not become public at the
+time of exposure.
+
+The acceptance of those gifts was ultimately admitted, in the face of
+evidence adduced in a certain law case; denial became, in fact,
+impossible. The plea of exoneration was that those gifts had been freely
+accepted without pledging the vote. The President publicly exculpated
+the honourable members, expressing his conviction that none of them
+could have meant to prejudice the State in their votes for the contract;
+and as there had been no pledge on their part, the donor had actually
+incurred the risk of missing his object. From that time the practice of
+obtaining and selling concessions or of sinecures and other lucrative
+advantages grew quite into a trade; and receiving douceurs became a
+hankering passion from highest to lowest, but happily with not a few
+exceptions where the official's honour was above being priced.
+
+There was nothing shocking in all this venality to the bulk of the
+Johannesburg speculator class and others of that category. The rest
+assessed official morality at a depreciated value, but hoped the
+blemishes might be purged out with other and graver causes for
+discontent, if Uitlanders, were only granted some effective
+representation in public matters. That appeared to be the only
+constitutional remedy. But this continued to be resentfully refused,
+even in matters which partook of purely domestic interest, such as
+education, municipal privileges, etc. The latter were opposed upon the
+specious argument that such extended rights would constitute an
+_imperium in imperio,_ and thus a condition incompatible with the safety
+and the conservation of complete control.
+
+In the usual intercourse with burghers and officials a great deal of
+exasperating and even humiliating experiences had often to be endured,
+Uitlanders being treated as an inferior class, with scarcely veiled and
+often with arrogant assumption of superiority.
+
+I witnessed a field cornet enjoying free and courteous hospitality at a
+Uitlander's house, while being entertained by his host and others in the
+vernacular Dutch, peremptorily object to the conversation in English in
+which the lady of the house happened to be engaged with another guest at
+the further end of the table. His remark was to the effect "that he
+could not tolerate English being spoken within his hearing"; this was in
+about 1888.
+
+No wonder that under such conditions and ungenial usage Englishmen and
+other Uitlanders were put in a resentful mood, and many of them
+bethought themselves of methods other than constitutional to improve
+their position.
+
+Identification was resorted to with the Imperial League, a political
+organization called into being in the Cape Colony to stem Boer
+assertiveness there and to restrain Bond aspirations. It was also
+seriously mooted to obtain the good offices of Great Britain as an
+influence for intervention and remonstrance.
+
+It was not that the Transvaal Government was unaware of its duty and
+responsibility to remove causes which produced discontent and resentment
+among by far the larger section of the people under its rule. It seemed
+rather that the Uitlanders were provoked with systematic intention.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 2: The Berne award has, as is well known, since been given.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The Ermelo-Machadodorp branch.]
+
+[Footnote 4: These very details were since made public in the Belgian
+Law courts in the recent _cause celebre_ of "The Government of the South
+African Republic _versus_ Baron Oppenheim."]
+
+
+
+
+MONSTER PETITION--JAMESON INCURSION--ARMAMENTS
+
+It was at this stage in May, 1894, that a monster petition with some
+25,000 signatures was presented to the Volksraad, setting forth the
+entire position, and praying for a commission to be appointed to examine
+the merits of the Uitlander complaints, and to frame a programme of
+reforms, the interests of the mining community needing such in a most
+urgent degree, not only for the sake of its own prosperity, but for the
+welfare of the entire State. A commission was indeed appointed, who
+reported in favour of the petitioners, and suggested a series of
+reforms; but the final Volksraad vote resulted in an angry rejection of
+the petition and denunciation of its organizers.
+
+As on the occasion of previous memorials, some few abuses were
+redressed, but those benefits were made worse than nugatory by
+enactments in other directions of a still more galling nature. The
+petitioners found themselves snubbed and in the position of humiliating
+defeat.
+
+
+Treatment of Coloured British Subjects
+
+A glaring instance of oppression practised by the Transvaal Government
+was its cruel treatment of coloured British subjects who had been
+admitted into the State. Among these figured some thousands of educated
+Asiatic traders, including numerous cultured Indian and Parsee merchants
+with large stakes in the State and well-appointed residences, people
+whose very religion exacted the most scrupulous cleanliness and who had
+all proved themselves obedient and law-abiding. These were classed under
+one rubric with the vastly inferior coolie labourer, with Kaffirs and
+Hottentots, and actually compelled to abandon their stores and
+residences to reside in one common ghetto upon the outskirts of the
+towns, a measure which entailed great losses apart from the gratuitous
+humiliation--to many it involved ruin and in fact meant their expulsion.
+
+It will be remembered that some years before already the English
+Government had felt it incumbent to advocate the cause of coloured
+British subjects and to remonstrate against their ill-usage. The matter
+was ultimately submitted to arbitration at Bloemfontein, under the
+umpireship of Sir Henry de Villiers, whose award, contrary to
+expectation, was adverse to the coloured people. Here was indeed a
+unique occasion for the Transvaal Government to exercise geniality upon
+a point sorely felt by the British Government; but the very contrary
+course was adopted under the aegis of that notorious award, and upon the
+untenable plea that sanitation and regard to public health necessitated
+that measure of segregation.
+
+Despite the fact that no royalty was yet exacted upon the gold output,
+probably to please French, American, and German investors, there seemed
+to exist a veiled hostility against the representatives of mining
+capitalists, as if the Government regretted to have allowed the
+exploitation of the mines to fall into private hands and would welcome
+an opportunity to take them under State control altogether.
+
+The Uitlander Press vented public sentiment and denounced the Government
+attitude in unmistakable terms; there were besides some angry public
+demonstrations. It was an alarming time of impending crisis, rife with
+signs of open revolt; the Government looking calmly on awaiting
+developments. It was then that the President's since famous saying was
+pronounced, viz., "that the tortoise must first be allowed to put out
+its head before it could be struck off, and that he was ready for any
+emergency."
+
+The situation had a truly anomalous aspect. More discoveries of gold and
+even of diamonds followed apace, and the scope for mining, commercial
+and industrial enterprises expanded to an incalculable magnitude. All
+that was needed was a stable and good Government to encourage the
+needful investments. A most tantalizing picture indeed, based upon
+undeniably well-grounded facts.
+
+As it was, the situation was one of alarm for capital already
+invested--a stake then of over 300 millions sterling in a country where
+more than half of the population were in almost open revolt against a
+Government commanding very large repressive forces, and resolved to
+maintain its stand.
+
+British intervention appeared to be the only means of salvation to
+restore security, and to give a fillip to the brilliant prospects of the
+country, for the good of the burgher estate as well as for the sake of
+Uitlanders.
+
+As the Government continued deaf and obdurate to representations, other
+means were sought for. No wonder the Uitlanders longed for a change,
+not by any means with the object of altering the style of Republican
+status, but to get the Augean stable of misgovernment cleansed, to
+escape oppressive and rapacious Boer domination.
+
+The farcical failure of Dr. Jameson was the outcome of those endeavours.
+The unspeakable cowardice of his Johannesburg confederates was the chief
+feature of that puny attempt. Laurels, like those gained by Lord
+Peterborough, Warren Hastings, or Lord Clive, were not decreed to that
+ill-advised emulator.
+
+Nothing could have been more propitious than that very Jameson incursion
+to fan race hatred and to advance the projects of the Afrikaner
+Bond--"Afrika voor de Afrikaners," for, whilst no one acquainted with
+the facts can for a moment doubt the guilt of the Transvaal Government
+for having systematically provoked that attempt at revolution, "Bond"
+propaganda and paid journalism had a rare chance to set up the theory
+that annexation on behalf of Great Britain had been foully planned--the
+Prince of Wales even being an abettor of the attempted _coup d'etat_
+purely to gratify the lust of greed for the gold and diamonds of the
+poor innocent Boers. No terms were too vituperative to denounce the
+enormity. Millions of honest persons all over the world were
+deluded--there was a bitter cry of almost universal indignation. The
+Boer Government posed as innocent; the designs of the Afrikaner Bond
+were not even suspected--its ranks, in sympathy with those delusions
+sped on filling up faster than ever, and the father of lies was scoring
+another very sensible triumph.
+
+In lieu of reforms, Bond projects and armaments were secretly pursued
+with redoubled vigour towards the climax which should install
+Afrikanerdom supreme in South Africa, financially as well as
+politically.
+
+
+
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN FRANCHISE CONFERENCE--BOER ULTIMATUM
+
+Capitalists had already begun to feel nervous about the final security
+of their investments; operations and credit became restricted, fresh
+projects were abandoned and a persistent withdrawal of capital set in.
+Trade and prosperity were progressively waning, accompanied with still
+more ominous portents for the Uitlanders' future. It all meant a very
+extensive weeding out of investments under enormous losses, except such
+as stood in relation with dividend-paying mines. England, though
+apparently apathetic and inactive, was not inattentive to the situation.
+Whoever had a stake, whether in South Africa or abroad, looked to Great
+Britain as the Power upon whom the duty devolved to provide a peaceable
+remedy. The suzerainty controversy was then followed by other questions
+of diplomatic difference, among which that of the franchise reform.
+Upon this matter English intervention took an insistent form. It clearly
+turned all upon that--and once it were satisfactorily arranged, the
+amicable solution of other questions might in turn be expected to
+follow. As to suzerainty, that claim appeared relegated to remain in
+abeyance. A conference was convened at Bloemfontein early in June, 1899,
+for the discussion of those topics between the Colonial Governor, Sir
+Alfred Milner, and the Presidents of the two Republics. The outcome was
+a final demand for the right of representation of the Uitlander
+interests in the legislative bodies of the Transvaal, amounting to
+one-fifth of the total aggregate of members, the voting qualifications
+to consist in the usual reasonable conditions and a residence in the
+State of five years, operating retrospectively.
+
+We may here consider whether such a demand contained any real feature of
+unfairness to warrant refusal.
+
+Three-fifths of the entire white Transvaal population were Uitlanders,
+the majority of them English. They own four-fifths of the total wealth
+invested in the State. About half of them have been domiciled, with
+house and other fixed property, for periods of from five to ten years
+and more.
+
+The preponderance is not only in numbers and wealth, but also in
+intelligence and in contributing at least four-fifths of the total State
+revenues.
+
+Is it right or prudent to exclude such interests and such a majority
+from legislative representation?
+
+Could a minority of one-fifth, that is to say, twelve Uitlander members
+against forty-eight Boer members, be said to constitute a menace to the
+status or to the conservative interests of State?
+
+Do Uitlanders not deserve equal recognition with the burghers in respect
+to intrinsic interest in the land, seeing that the former supplied all
+the skill and the capital to explore and exploit the mine wealth, all at
+their risk, and without which it would all have remained hidden and the
+country continued fallow and poor?
+
+Though one-fifth would be so small a minority, it would at least have
+afforded the constitutional method of declaring the wishes of
+Uitlanders, and have done away with the disquieting and less effective
+practices of Press agitations, public demonstrations, and petitions. The
+measure could also have been expected to open up the way towards
+reconciling relations between the English and Boer races, beginning in
+the Transvaal, where it was hoped that the burghers would be gained over
+as friends, and so to stand aloof from the Afrikaner Bond. These were
+the supreme objects for peaceful progress and not for annexation. Solemn
+assurances from highest quarters were repeatedly given that no designs
+existed against the integrity of the Republic, that nothing unfriendly
+lurked behind the franchise demand, but that necessity dictated it for
+general good and the preservation of peace. Nor were other diplomatic
+means left unemployed to ensure the acceptance of the franchise reform.
+In addition to firmness of attitude and a display of actual force, most
+of the other Powers, including the United States of America, were
+induced to add their weight of persuasion in urging upon the Transvaal
+the adoption of the measures demanded by England for correcting the
+existing trouble. It may be urged that the display of force in sending
+the first batches of troops would have afforded grounds for
+exasperation, and be construed by the Transvaal as a menace and actual
+hostility, tending to precipitate a conflict which it was so earnestly
+intended to avoid. To this may be replied that the 20,000 men sent in
+August were readily viewed as placing the hitherto undermanned Colonial
+garrisons upon an appropriate peace effective only; but not so with
+respect to the army corps of 50,000 men despatched in September--this
+was felt as an intended restraint against "Bond" projects, to enforce
+the observance of any agreement which the Transvaal might for the nonce
+assent to, and above all it was tending, unless at once opposed by the
+Bond, to weaken its ranks by producing hesitation and ultimate defection
+from that body; the die was thus to be cast, duplicity appeared to be
+played out--the ultimatum of 9th October was the outcome; and England,
+though unprepared, could not possibly accept it otherwise than as a
+wilful challenge to war.
+
+As the pursuit of our study will show, the success of Mr. Chamberlain's
+diplomacy to avert war depended upon the very slender prospects that the
+Transvaal Government might have been induced to waver, and finally to
+break with the Afrikaner Bond--a forlorn hope indeed, considering the
+perfection which that formidable organization had reached. Its cherished
+objects were not meant to be abandoned. The advice of "Bond" leaders
+prevailed. War was declared and the Rubicon crossed in enthusiastic
+expectations of soon realizing the long-deferred Bond motto: "The
+expulsion of the hateful English."
+
+It is true the Transvaal had made a show of acquiescence to British and
+foreign pressure. This first took the shape of an offer of a seven
+years' franchise, and then one of five years, exceeding even Mr.
+Milner's demands as to the number of Uitlander representation. That of
+seven years was so fenced in with nugatory trammels and conditions that
+it had for those reasons to be rejected; whilst that at five years was
+coupled with the equally unacceptable conditions that the claim of
+suzerainty should be renounced, and that in all other respects the
+Transvaal should be recognised as absolutely independent in terms of the
+Sand River Convention of 1852.
+
+Those offers could hardly have been made in sincerity, but rather as a
+temporary device and to meet the susceptibilities of the advising
+Powers, for all the time preparations for war were never relaxed for a
+moment, but were pushed on with extreme vigour. On the other hand, the
+British programme seeking to ensure peace by the franchise expedient had
+been strictly followed without deviation. When the Transvaal Government
+professed irritation over the disposition of some British troops too
+near the Transvaal border, they were promptly removed to more remote and
+less strategic positions, rather than incur the risk of rupture. During
+the month preceding the outbreak of the war, some large continental
+consignments of war munitions were, as usual, permitted to reach the
+Republics unhindered through several Colonial ports, portions being
+actually smuggled over the Colonial railways as merchandise addressed to
+a well-known Pretoria firm, but on arrival were secretly delivered,
+under cover of night, at the various forts and arsenals. These
+proceedings were carried out with the connivance of the Colonial Bond
+authorities, and though known to the British Governor, it was all winked
+at rather than hazard the momentous objects of peace by the introduction
+of another knotty subject. To sum up the situation, it was a diplomatic
+contest on the part of Great Britain aiming at peace and to safeguard
+her possessions and prestige, while the Afrikaner Bond, on the other
+part, continued active in the work of sedition and preparing for a war
+of usurpation. Every one must admit that the demand of the British
+Ministry for an immediate and adequate representation proceeded from the
+necessity and the desire to overcome the South African crisis in a just
+and pacific way. The measure was counted upon to effect conciliation
+between the Uitlander and burgher elements, and as a further result was
+earnestly hoped to bring about the secession of the Transvaal from the
+Afrikaner Bond, and so reduce that dangerous confederacy to a somewhat
+negligible impotence. To discover other objects of a sinister sort
+lurking behind needs a more than inventive genius. A united Afrikaner
+Bond, persistent to carry out its fell project, definitely meant war
+sooner or later. Its first step in launching out to it was that
+notorious ultimatum, which was tantamount to snatching back the feigned
+offers of the seven and five years' franchise. According to original
+programme, the very next step to accomplish the _coup d'etat_ was the
+immediate seizure of all Colonial ports, and to complete a general and
+irrevocable Boer rising all over the Colonies.
+
+All the while the old device had been put into practice of hiding Bond
+guilt by accusing England of designs against the integrity of the Boer
+Republics. But directly after, in the exultation of victorious
+invasions, the mask was shamelessly dropped, and Boerdom stands out
+defiantly and nakedly self-confessed, aiming at conquest and supremacy
+over all South Africa. Will the ensuing century have in store an
+instance to match that record plot of artifice and dissimulation, and
+see half the world duped into partisanship with it--by journalistic
+craft?
+
+It may well be imagined that Mr. Chamberlain and his noble colleagues
+had anything but beds of roses whilst pursuing the diplomacy adopted to
+checkmate the Bond. They had to gain national support without divulging
+their own proceeding, and were at the same time reduced to a situation
+which imposed a spartan fortitude in concealing and repressing
+involuntary perturbation in the presence of an impending national
+crisis, and also the stoical endurance of bitter recriminations on the
+part of an opposition comprising a large and honourable but poorly
+informed section of the English nation.
+
+
+
+
+BOER LANGUAGE
+
+
+We come now to the topic of language, which will be found relevant,
+showing Hollander and Bond influence in using that also as a hostile
+weapon. What the Boers still speak is a vernacular or dialect so far
+removed from High Dutch as to be unintelligible to the uninitiated
+Hollander. It took its form from the dialects brought to the Cape of
+Good Hope by unlettered Dutch colonists and a large admixture of locally
+produced idioms, with a slight trace of the structure of the French
+language in expressing negations. In the two Republics High Dutch rules
+for official purposes, but in common intercourse the vernacular Dutch is
+still about the same as it had been a hundred years ago. For an
+English-Dutch interpreter the thorough knowledge of the vernacular is
+essential. Preachers and teachers have to adapt their speech by
+combining High Dutch with the dialect, the one or the other
+predominating according to the capacity of the hearers. Hollanders
+follow the same method when learning the vernacular Dutch.
+
+In towns and villages, not only in the Colonies, but also in both
+Republics, English is almost exclusively used. The Boers, and especially
+the younger generation, have a much greater aptitude and penchant for
+learning English than for High Dutch; and generally it has been held
+more important by the parents that their children should become
+proficient in English, that language being more easily acquired and of
+vastly greater use than Dutch. The latter, it was truly averred, would
+be learnt as they grew up quite sufficiently for all purposes.
+
+The feeling thus existed some twenty years ago that English would become
+general, and ultimately oust both Dutch and the vernacular. Numerous
+Boer patriots then devised the remedy of preserving the vernacular by
+raising it to the standard of a written and printed language for
+official as well as common use. The Rev. du Toit, later appointed
+Minister (or Superintendent) of Education in the Transvaal, worked
+tenaciously towards making that movement a national success. He had the
+co-operation of many other educated patriots likewise. The _Paarl
+Patriot_, a journal published in the vernacular, is one of the
+surviving efforts. Vocabularies, school books, etc., etc., were printed
+in that dialect, and the translation of the Bible had also been brought
+to an advanced stage, when the project had to be abandoned, principally
+through Hollander influence, aided by some of the Republican leaders and
+Bond men. Dr. Mansfeld, the present Superintendent of Education in the
+Transvaal, was subsequently appointed--a very able Hollander, but also a
+very strong advocate in the general Hollander Bond movement for
+proscribing the use of the English language, and making High Dutch the
+compulsory medium of instruction. Since then, and during the past ten
+years, considerable progress has been made by the average Boer children,
+and even the grown-up people, in approaching a better knowledge of High
+Dutch. Before 1880 hardly any Boer cared to read a newspaper except,
+perhaps, the _Paarl Patriot_, the vernacular journal referred to. High
+Dutch and English papers were equally beyond his ready knowledge, but
+since then the interest in politics gave an impulse to a reading
+tendency, and at this moment the majority of the Boers manage to read
+and understand fairly well what is presented in simply written High
+Dutch by the local Press. They also are fond of simply written books of
+travels, and especially of narratives of a religious trend. With the
+Bible they are most familiar from childhood, but literature in High
+Dutch is beyond them as yet. Greater pains have of late years been taken
+to qualify Boer sons for the administrative service of the Republics,
+where imperfect knowledge of High Dutch is an obvious bar to
+advancement, and Hollanders would otherwise continue to monopolize the
+better positions.
+
+Taking the fairly educated Free State and Transvaal youth, the average
+proficiency in English compared to that in High Dutch is as two to one,
+whilst many possess even a literary mastery in English whilst quite poor
+in the other language.
+
+In the Cape Colony the above comparison among the Boer section is still
+more in favour of English.
+
+It may be judged what an important _role_ the educated Hollander group
+can take in those Republics, and are yet aiming at in the Colonies.
+
+It is also worthy of reflection why and how the Dutch language has been
+raised to equality with English in the Cape Colony, seeing English was
+more generally understood by the Boers there than High Dutch, and none
+of the Boer legislators or members of Parliament even now know more
+than the Dutch vernacular, the High Dutch language having actually yet
+to be learnt by the Boer population--an important step thus gained by
+Afrikanerdom under the indulgent aegis of self-government, the thin end
+of another wedge to nurse sedition and treason introduced by that odious
+Bond under pretence and veil of Boer patriotism and loyalty.
+
+As one of the world's languages, Dutch figures under a very sorry _role_
+indeed. It had been ignored everywhere outside of Holland and her
+distant Colonies. The consequence to Hollanders is that they are of
+necessity subjected to the ordeal of learning several other continental
+languages for commercial intercourse, and in order to keep at all
+abreast with the progress of science, literature, and culture. Dutch is
+in the moribund stage; its salvation from imminent extinction consists
+in the expansion of its sphere. Boer successes in South Africa would
+just accomplish that.
+
+
+
+
+THE DUTCH COTERIE: ITS SEAT IN HOLLAND
+
+
+As has been shown, the conditions of the two Boer Republics, with High
+Dutch as the official language, lent themselves to favour the
+immigration into those States of educated Dutchmen (Hollanders, as they
+are styled, to distinguish them from the old-established Boer Dutchmen).
+These were indeed indispensable, as none of the Boers possessed the
+competence in High Dutch requisite for the conduct of the more important
+portion of the clerical work in the administration. The professional
+branches were recruited from Holland likewise, in natural sequence. They
+were men of high attainments and possessed of energy and astuteness and
+of various qualifications--doctors, lawyers, editors, clergymen,
+teachers. Those who did not receive Government appointments quickly
+found lucrative positions in their vocations. The scope increased as
+time went by and as those States developed with the growth of the
+populations and the establishment of numerous towns and villages,
+especially after the discovery of the diamond-fields in 1870. Every year
+brought fresh contingents from Holland, including also the commercial
+class, artisans, and even servants of both sexes, and agriculturists.
+Preserving a constant intercourse with their native country, those
+Hollanders also maintained cohesion and clanship among themselves in
+their newly-adopted homes. Nor did Holland fail to realize the great
+advantages accruing to that country and its people from the new South
+African outlets--regular preserves with almost unlimited scope for
+further extension and for increasing permanent, profitable connections.
+A formidable barrier presented itself in the gradually ascendant
+tendencies of the English language and English trade, with corresponding
+neglect of the Dutch factors. Regretful forebodings aroused energetic
+efforts to check rival interests. The prize was too valuable, and
+increasing each year in importance. A dyke needed to be erected to stem
+the English encroachments and to preserve and consolidate the Hollander
+position of vantage. The ablest men in Holland and South Africa
+exercised themselves with that task with an ardour impelled by jealous
+hatred against the English and intensified by successive revelations of
+more startling discoveries of gold and other mineral wealth in the
+Transvaal. It was then, about thirty years ago, that a well-informed,
+influential and unscrupulous coterie in Holland devised the fell
+projects which developed into that potential association since known as
+the Afrikaner Bond.
+
+The building of the Transvaal railway lines brought other large
+accessions of educated Hollanders, and as they were completed some
+thousands more were added to serve as permanent staff. Dutch influence
+was thus attaining strength to assert and consolidate its interests with
+an expanding impulse. The monopolized railway company promoted
+immigration from Holland by largely increasing the salaries to such of
+the staff who were married. The Transvaal Government, under the advice
+of their educational chief, Dr. Mansfeld, provided similar premiums to
+secure married teachers from Holland and by raising the salaries of
+married Hollander officials already placed. The Hollander population
+attracted to the Transvaal since 1850, and which did not number above
+500 in 1870, had increased by 1898 to fully 12,000, representing, as
+ranged with the Boers, by far the largest factor of educated
+intelligence, attached to and dependent upon the Government and its
+staunch allies. The men received full burghership as a rule soon after
+arrival, exempt from the formalities and probation prescribed by law.
+
+Holland being the locality of the inception, I may say the ingestion, of
+the Afrikaner Bond, one's thoughts are apt to retrace, by way of
+contrast, that little nation's creditable past. The view presents those
+dykes, monuments of labour's heroism; then that glorious resistance
+against the mighty persecutor of religion, those unsurpassed
+performances in the arena of culture, arts, and sciences, and that long
+epoch of success in exploits of colonization, finance, and commerce.
+
+    "But view them closer, craft and fraud appear;
+    Even liberty itself is bartered here."--_Goldsmith_.[5]
+
+One notes the placid landscapes intersected by those still but
+deep-flowing rivers and canals, scenes so conducive to mental
+exercise--the Dutch patriot mourning over the transition of former
+national prestige to present condition of decadence presaging complete
+national submersion, but at the same time courageously employing his
+fertile brain in devising far-reaching projects of remedy over distant
+perspectives so as to stem that tide of decadence and declension and to
+erect a firm barrier against that menace--to gain (by inspiration from
+the titular genius of commerce and craft so conspicuous in that famed
+art representation[6] exhibited in his Bourse) a dazzling prize for his
+nation by one fell swoop and, so to say, with folded arms, just by
+pitting against the English his almost forgotten and long-neglected
+clan, the Boer nation, inciting them to usurp Great Britain in South
+Africa, Holland sharing the spoils. See here the master mind exulting in
+the conception, gestation, and birth of the Afrikaner Bond conspiracy;
+note the Hollander patriot's glitter of satisfaction at the vista of
+realizing the restoration of Holland to a position excelling its former
+glory, of a moribund language revived to significance, and of witnessing
+besides a sweet vendetta operated upon England, the old enemy and
+despoiler of his nation, to compass the humiliation and disintegration
+of the British Empire. Patience, dear reader; preserve judicial
+composure. Evidence is following on the heels of the charge.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 5: This is of course not directed against the nation as a
+whole. See also notice, page vi.]
+
+[Footnote 6: Oil painting in the Amsterdam Exchange building
+representing Mercurius.]
+
+
+
+
+AFRIKANER BOND--OUTLINES AND PROGRAMME
+
+
+The late Mr. Jan Brand, that noble President who was succeeded by Reitz
+and now by Steyn in the presidency of the Orange Free State, appeared to
+have had early intimations, or at least presages, as to the true nature
+of the Afrikaner Bond, for during the early eighties that association
+had yet posed as a harmless body, intended to preserve old Boer
+traditions upon perfectly constitutional lines. President Brand and some
+others then already suspected more, as the following incident will show.
+In 1883 President Brand officially opened the new wagon-road bridge over
+the Caledon River at Commissie drift, near Smithfield, Orange Free
+State. Towards the conclusion of the ceremony, one of the other
+speakers, Mr. Advocate Peeters, member of the Volksraad for Smithfield
+district, in the course of his speech formally suggested that President
+Brand should accept the leadership of the Orange Free State section of
+the Afrikaner Bond. The President, addressing the burghers and all
+present, replied in about the following terms: The proposal just then
+made by Advocate Peeters had pained and offended him; the festive event
+would be marred by that incident were it not that it afforded him the
+opportunity, which he otherwise would have missed, of telling them all
+what he thought of the Afrikaner Bond--that it was an evil thing; he
+could not find terms strong enough to warn the people against its subtle
+seductions. The Afrikaner Bond professed its objects to be peace and
+harmony, but it really contained the pernicious seeds of division and
+strife, to set up enmity between English Afrikaners and Boer Afrikaners.
+He pointed out the sincerity of friendly relations on the part of
+England towards both the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Republics.
+The peace which restored to the Transvaal its independence a few years
+before was one big proof; his Government had many proofs of England's
+good will, too. It suited both parties to maintain harmony--it behoved
+every Afrikaner to be one-minded in friendly reciprocation. Through a
+gracious Providence both Republics were prosperous and enjoyed
+independence. All over the world the prosperity of States depended upon
+good relations with their neighbours--this was especially so as regards
+the Orange Free State. They knew what kind of bond the Bible enjoined.
+It was the bond of peace and concord; and he concluded by declaring his
+well-grounded fears that the Afrikaner Bond was a device of the devil
+directed against the well-being of the entire Afrikaner nation. Instead
+of being encouraged, it should, like the "Boete Bosch"[7] (_Xanthium
+spinosum_, burr weed), be extirpated from the soil of South Africa.
+
+
+MEMORANDA OF BOND PROGRAMME, EMANATING FROM HOLLAND (TRANSLATION FROM
+GLEANINGS).
+
+The Afrikaner Bond has as final object what is summed up in its motto of
+"Afrika voor de Afrikaners."[8] The whole of South Africa belongs by
+just right to the Afrikaner nation. It is the privilege and duty of
+every Afrikaner to contribute all in his power towards the expulsion of
+the English usurper. The States of South Africa to be federated in one
+independent Republic.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond prepares for this consummation.
+
+Argument in justification:--
+
+(_a_) The transfer of the Cape Colony to the British Government took
+place by circumstances of _force majeure_ and without the consent of the
+Dutch nation, who renounce all claim in favour of the Afrikaner or Boer
+nation.
+
+(_b_) Natal is territory which accrued to a contingent of the Boer
+nation by purchase from the Zulu King, who received the consideration
+agreed for.
+
+(_c_) The British authorities expelled the rightful owners from Natal by
+force of arms without just cause.
+
+The task of the Afrikaner Bond consists in:--
+
+(_a_) Procuring the staunch adhesion and co-operation of every Afrikaner
+and other real friend of the cause.
+
+(_b_) To obtain the sympathy, the moral and effective aid of one or more
+of the world's Powers.
+
+The means to accomplish those tasks are:--
+
+Personal persuasion, Press propaganda, legislation and diplomacy.
+
+The direction of the application of those means is entrusted to a select
+body of members eligible for their loyalty to the cause and their
+abilities and position. That body will conduct such measures as need the
+observance of special secrecy. Upon the rest of the members will
+devolve activities of a general character under the direction of the
+selected chiefs.
+
+One of the indispensable requisites is the proper organization of an
+effective fund, which is to be regularly sustained. Bond members will
+aid each other in all relations of public life in preference to
+non-members.
+
+In the efforts of gaining adherents to the cause it is of importance to
+distinguish three categories of persons--
+
+(1) The class of Afrikaners who are to some extent deteriorated by
+assimilative influences with the English race, whose restoration to
+patriotism will need great efforts, discretion, and patience.
+
+(2)The apparently unthinking and apathetic class, who prefer to relegate
+all initiative to leaders whom they will loyally follow. This class is
+the most numerous by far.
+
+(3) The warmly patriotic class, including men gifted with intelligence,
+energy, and speech, qualified as leaders and apt to exercise influence
+over the rest.
+
+Among those three classes many exist whose views and religious scruples
+need to be corrected. Scripture abounds in proofs and salient analogies
+applying to the situation and justifying our cause. In this, as well as
+in other directions, the members who work in circulating written
+propaganda will supply the correct and conclusive arguments accessible
+to all.
+
+Upon the basis of our just rights, the British Government, if not the
+entire nation, is the usurping enemy of the Boer nation.
+
+In dealing with an enemy it is justifiable to employ, besides force,
+also means of a less open character, such as diplomacy and stratagem.
+
+The greatest danger to Afrikanerdom is the English policy of Anglicizing
+the Boer nation--to submerge it by the process of assimilation.
+
+A distinct attitude of holding aloof from English influences is the only
+remedy against that peril and for thwarting that insidious policy.
+
+It is only such an attitude that will preserve the nation in its simple
+faith and habits of morality, and provide safety against the dangers of
+contamination and pernicious examples, with all their fateful
+consequences to body and soul.
+
+Let the Dutch language have the place of honour in schools and homes.
+
+Let alliances of marriage with the English be stamped as unpatriotic.[9]
+
+Let every Afrikaner see that he is at all times well armed with the
+best possible weapons, and maintains the expert use of the rifle among
+young and old, so as to be ready when duty calls and the time is ripe
+for asserting the nation's rights and be rid of English thraldom.
+
+Employ teachers only who are animated with truly patriotic sentiments.
+
+Let it be well understood that English domination will also bring
+religious intolerance and servitude, for it is only a very frail link
+which separates the English State Church from actual Romanism, and its
+proselytism _en bloc_ is only a matter of short time.
+
+Equally repugnant and dangerous is England's policy towards the coloured
+races, whom she aims, for the sake of industrial profit, at elevating to
+equal rank with whites, in direct conflict with scriptural authority--a
+policy which incites coloured people to rivalry with their superiors,
+and can only end in common disaster.
+
+Whilst remaining absolutely independent, the ties of blood relationship
+and language point to Holland for a domestic base.
+
+As to commerce, Germany, America, and other industrial nations could
+more than fill the gap left by England, and such connections should be
+cultivated as a potent means towards obtaining foreign support to our
+cause and identification with it.
+
+If the mineral wealth of the Transvaal and Orange Free State becomes
+established--as appears certain from discoveries already made--England
+will not rest until those are also hers.
+
+The leopard will retain its spots. The independence of both Republics is
+at stake on that account alone, with the risk that the rightful owners
+of the land will become the hewers of wood and drawers of water for the
+usurpers.
+
+There is no alternative hope for the peace and progress of South Africa
+except by the total excision of the British ulcer.
+
+Reliable signs are not wanting to show that our nation is designed by
+Providence as the instrument for the recovery of its rights, and for the
+chastisement of proud, perfidious Albion.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 7: Literally "bush of fines" (fines imposed on landowners
+where the burr weed was not eradicated).]
+
+[Footnote 8: Africa for the African citizen or African-born whites.]
+
+[Footnote 9: It is notorious that from about 1890 such marriages were
+denounced from the Boer pulpits and on the occasions of the Independence
+day anniversaries (16th December).]
+
+
+
+
+PACIFIC POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN
+
+
+During the period of, say, twenty-five years after the inception of the
+Afrikaner Bond, and while its organization and development were secretly
+kept at full pace with occurring events, the British Government
+consistently and openly pursued the policy of bringing about the
+unification of South Africa. Mr. Froude, a speaker of rare gifts, was
+sent to lecture upon the topic: this was in about 1873. The Colonial
+Governor, Sir Bartle Frere, strenuously advocated that union. The lines
+suggested were a general federation under one protective flag,
+self-government in the Colonies, and the continuance of uncurtailed
+autonomic independence in the two Republics. The benefits which such a
+coalition promised to all concerned in South Africa are obvious. It
+would guarantee harmony between the two white races without involving
+the least sacrifice of liberty with any party--it simply meant
+coincident peace, prosperity and security, and would relieve England of
+a considerable burden of anxiety. The scheme promised to find all-round
+acceptance, but, unaccountably, except to Bond men, its greatest
+opponents were the Cape Colonial Boers. It was, however, confidently
+hoped that, with patience, opposition and indifference would be
+overcome, and in view of this no opportunity was lost to prove England's
+loyal sincerity by genial treatment, by conciliating the various
+interests, and gratifying the wishes of the Boer communities, and so to
+ensure the desideratum of complete _rapprochement_ between the white
+races.
+
+Conferences were convened with the objects of coming to agreements for
+the establishment of a general South African Customs Union, and for
+adjusting railway tariffs upon fair bases and a more reliable permanency
+of rates suggesting reciprocal terms advantageous to the Republics.
+These efforts also proved fruitless through similar opposition.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond party, as the reader will understand, had ranged
+itself against all such attempts, whilst successfully masking its own
+object all the time.
+
+Other differences, which, with a friendly and united spirit, were
+capable of easy adjustment, were welcomed by that party as grist to its
+mill in order to widen the gulf and to increase the tension.
+
+Besides the chagrin over the failure of its peace policy, the British
+Cabinet had finally to admit itself confronted with a very real and
+ominous national peril, face to face with the South African Medusa,
+Afrikanerdom, defying Great Britain in preconcerted aggression and
+revolt. That apparition was all the more startlingly disquieting because
+of the suddenness with which the magnitude of the menace and its wide
+perspectives had begun to expand into clearer view. It was interesting
+to note how the English ministry responded to the call upon its
+fortitude; the terrifying apparition did not seem to petrify that body
+of men, despite the galling handicapping consequences through the
+opposition of part of the nation, which was indeed tantamount to
+encouraging South African rebels and usurpers.
+
+
+
+
+BOND PRESS PROPAGANDA--SECRET SERVICE--TRADE RIVALRIES
+
+
+The Bond leaders in Holland and South Africa had at an early stage acted
+upon Stuart Mill's recognised saying, "that conviction in a cause is of
+more potent avail than mere interest in it." Among those leaders there
+was no lack of men of erudition and of psychological science, than whom
+no one knew better the prime importance of ensuring uniformity of
+convictions among the Boers and their partisans, and that the public
+mind needs to be framed and trained so as to view the Boer cause as just
+and that of the English as odiously wicked. They knew how indispensable
+the Press is for attaining those objects, how journalism is capable of
+plausibly representing black as white and to convince people so--that,
+in fact, it is on occasion an agency of persuasion more potent than
+armies are. Its needs are unscrupulous pens and ample payments. For
+money is the sinews of journalism as well as of war, whether the
+projectiles be charged with lyddite or with lies, whether it is bullets
+or throwing dust into people's eyes.
+
+We have seen how a few articles (for which a leading French paper
+received L100,000) were instrumental in enabling the Panama Canal Co. to
+swindle the French public of forty million pounds sterling, and more
+recently, where through Press agency it became feasible to a combination
+of Jesuitism and militarism to seduce by far the greater portion of the
+noble French nation into frenzied agitation and anti-Semitic excesses,
+and load the entire people with almost ineffaceable guilt in the matter
+of that unfortunate Dreyfus. In its Press campaign the Afrikaner Bond
+employed several leading Colonial organs--the Bloemfontein _Express_,
+the Pretoria _Volksstem_, the _Standard and Diggers' News_ of
+Johannesburg, and numerous papers of note abroad as well. These were
+coached, in the usual masterly manner, sophisticating and perverting
+truth. Whenever a lull occurred in treating one or other of the more
+salient questions, those South African papers would invariably
+contain--especially in their Dutch columns--aspersive articles, coupled
+with invective comments to prejudice the Boer mind and to reawaken
+anti-English sentiments. It is notable as a proof that the Bond party
+lacked all occasions for recriminations, so that those papers had to
+resort for material for their vituperation to distorted incidents of
+Transvaal history prior to the peace of 1881. There would, for example,
+be dished up falsely rendered and dramatically coloured and perverted
+selections, such as the treacherous massacre of Retief's party in 1838,
+averring that the Zulu king, Dingaan, had been incited thereto by the
+British authorities; tragic descriptions of events, coupled with the
+massacres by Zulu impis soon after at Weenen and Blaauwkrantz, averred
+also to have taken place at the instance of the English Government, and
+ever and anon references and full tragic descriptions of the
+Slachtersnek execution in 1816, omitting to state that the Boer culprits
+were hanged after fair and open trial and conviction by a "Boer" jury
+for high treason in conspiring with Kaffirs against the Government,
+which crime had led to bloodshed, and that their relatives had been
+ordered to witness the execution because they had been abettors and
+privy to the crime.
+
+Books teaching the history of South Africa were adapted for school use
+wherein denunciations against the English appear in almost every
+chapter. Poetry in the vernacular Dutch and pamphlets teeming with like
+burdens and calumnies also did their share in inspiring race hatred.
+
+Pro-Boer journalism in England and elsewhere abroad had assumed such
+dimensions, especially during the past decade, as to bring the Secret
+Service expenditure on that head during recent years to over L100,000
+per annum. Dr. Leyds, the Transvaal ambassador, now (December, 1899) in
+Europe, is known to some to have with him some L250,000 to defray Press
+expenditure, etc., apart from the millions to which he is authorized to
+engage his Government in diplomatic projects, such as procuring allies,
+or to create embroilments and diversions to the prejudice of England.
+
+To sum up the success achieved by anti-English propaganda, we find the
+Boer nation, from the Zambesi to the Cape, unanimous in convictions as
+to their fancied claims, their own absolute innocence, and the
+immeasurable guilt of the British Government, abetted by
+capitalism--guilt which cries to heaven for retribution; and those
+convictions take with each man the form of a resolute patriotism wherein
+mingled fanaticism and religious fervour in their cause form a
+powerfully sustaining part.
+
+Partisanship outside of Africa counts by millions of individuals and
+entire peoples; with these it is not so much conviction, but rather
+persuasion induced by political hatred and the souring effects of
+jealousy and unsuccessful rivalry. This feature is, of course, most
+accentuated in Holland, where, with the eyes set upon the loaves and
+fishes in South Africa, that nation has for some time been "publicly
+praying" for Boer victory over England. These are instances of mere
+interest in lieu of genuine convictions. In England the spectacle is
+more varied. There we see interest where there are paid agencies, and
+persuasion more or less pronounced induced by political party spirit and
+also by real convictions. It is in regard to the latter category where
+perverted journalism triumphs most and stabs deepest, where men of
+honour and patriotism have adopted views which clash against public
+interest, and convictions which torture their own minds with grief and
+shame under the supposed idea of England's unjust attitude towards the
+Boer people, assuming that a Government majority allows itself to be
+actuated by base motives.
+
+Is it not attributable in a large proportion to misguided as well as to
+venal journalism that the Boer cause has so heavily scored?
+
+Was all this not manifest in the divisions of England's counsels, in the
+hampered progress of her diplomacy, her fateful hesitancy and delay in
+providing appropriate preventive and protective measures in South
+Africa?
+
+And as regards the tenacity of those convictions, it is with them as it
+is in plant life. The longer a tree is in maturing, the harder is it to
+uproot it.
+
+The activities of Bond propaganda have been in continuance for many
+years, and the prejudices fostered so long are correspondingly
+deep-rooted.
+
+Bond patriotism was not long subjected to the strain of individual
+contributions and unpaid performances. When the Transvaal revenues
+advanced with such giant strides the Afrikaner Bond leaders in that
+State contrived arrangements by which the financial requirements were
+supplied from State receipts. Nor was the least compunction felt in
+doing so. Was the revenue of the State not chiefly derived from the
+Uitlander element--from Uitlander investments, which all throve from the
+nation's own buried gold wealth? No scruples existed to provide from
+those sources the armaments and all else needed for the common cause of
+conquest.
+
+A secret service fund of some L40,000 per year only was placed upon the
+budget list. But this amount was vastly exceeded by the growing
+requirements of the Afrikaner Bond for expenditure in South Africa
+alone. It was easily contrived to divert, _sub rosa_, large State
+receipts to supply the remaining financial needs. Among these figured,
+besides the heavy outlays in journalism abroad, gratuities, etc., a
+large bill also for secret agencies, spies, and the like.
+
+The entire expenditure was under the direction of a few only of the
+trusted leaders and audited by the chiefs, all being kept otherwise
+undivulged.
+
+The Transvaal thus became the treasury as well as the arsenal of the
+entire Afrikaner Bond.
+
+Hundreds of agents were in constant employ in the Cape Colonies and
+Natal suborning the Boer colonists; many of them occupied positions in
+various branches of the Colonial Government, and were able to supply
+information upon any subject and even to influence elections.
+
+There were numerous permanent agents drawing large emoluments in Europe
+also, and emissaries to different places abroad, some touring in
+America, England, and the Continent, as the Rev. Mr. Bosman did
+recently, and also the P.M.G., Isaac van Alphen.
+
+Much energy and money were also devoted to electioneering campaigns, as
+had notoriously been done in the Cape Colony towards bringing in a Bond
+majority. Large sums are spent in the diplomatic arena in Holland to
+propitiate foreign statesmen, soliciting sympathy, and in coquettings
+for Transvaal allies. One of these attempts that failed had been with
+Germany. It would appear that some progress had been feasible some years
+ago in temporarily luring Emperor William to favour a Holland-Transvaal
+combination, but when that sovereign had at last penetrated the infamous
+business that lay behind it all, he, as a true "_Bayard_" promptly
+washed his hands clean of it, preferring to forego obvious brilliant
+advantages for his people than to sully Germany's fair fame in a
+connection amounting to no less than abetting a foul conspiracy.
+
+The readers of the Johannesburg _Standard and Diggers' News_ will
+remember among the staple attacks upon capitalism quite a series of
+articles intended to decoy mining artisans and operatives to Boer views.
+Secret agents were also employed for that purpose, and to induce the
+belief that the Government was the enemy of capitalism, and would
+champion its victims (the mining operatives) in the State. It would
+support miners and the working class generally against attempts to
+curtail the just rights of labour, and to parade its sincerity actually
+passed a law constituting eight tours a legal day's labour. With such
+coquettings it was hoped to gain the miners' confidence and adhesion.
+Those men were, however, not to be taught by quasi-socialistic
+professions of concern, and when, some months later, the exodus prior
+to the war occurred, they nearly all left, much to the disgust and
+discomfiture of the Government, which had counted upon them to stay to
+work the mines for its own account when the moment should arrive.
+
+The appropriation of gold mines and their exploitation for Government
+benefit bring about a singular anomaly for a nation engaged in war,
+viz., that of a plethora of gold and a scarcity of paper currency, the
+Transvaal mint coining the sinews of war at the expense of its victims,
+but the plundered gold after all not equalling commercial paper values.
+
+In connection with the foregoing remarks the following may also be said.
+States professing neutrality still permit themselves to trade with the
+Transvaal to a large extent. It is notorious that that State possesses
+no funds available for payments except the gold derived from the
+misappropriated mines. The output is seized in its entirety, and not
+limited to the extent accruing to British scrip holders only. The
+hustling rivalry of doing business with the Transvaal thus involves
+receiving stolen money in payment of trade accounts. We see the
+receivers eager to stand upon the same platform as the thief, thus not
+only as his political partisans, but also as his accomplices.
+
+
+
+
+DISLOYALTY OF COLONIAL BOERS
+
+
+The Boer section in the Cape Colonies represents nearly one-half of the
+white population there. Their representatives in the administration were
+ever profuse and assertive in professions of loyalty to the Queen and to
+the English Government, and any aspersions to the contrary were always
+indignantly and stoutly repelled. The Afrikaner Bond was averred to
+include nothing to clash with loyal sentiments, no severance from
+England, but, on the contrary, that its principal objects were to
+strengthen the lines of amity and joint solidarity in view of a general
+federation of South Africa upon Imperial bases. In support of such
+sentiments one of the first acts of the Bond party when recently come
+into power was a vote of L30,000 per year towards British naval outlays,
+and in grateful recognition of naval protection; it was at the same time
+mooted, in fact almost pledged, that the Transvaal would similarly offer
+L12,000 as well.
+
+The sequel has proven these to be Athenian gifts, for no sooner had the
+Republican commandoes invaded the Cape Colonies in November last than
+those identical men enthusiastically welcomed the Queen's enemies as
+their friends and deliverers from hateful English dominion. There they
+stood--self-avowed and unmasked traitors. Members of the Legislative
+Assembly met those Boer invaders with addresses and speeches, assuring
+them of their own and of every other true Afrikaner's aid and fidelity
+in their common cause. "The star of liberty," they said, "had arisen at
+last--it had been the nation's desire and prayers during the past
+fifteen years." "He could thank God with tears of joy for having granted
+those prayers." Such were the words of Mr. van der Walt, M.L.A., uttered
+at Colesberg. Mr. de Wet, M.L.A., Mr. van den Heever, M.L.A., and other
+colonial notables were spokesmen in similar terms of enthusiasm on other
+occasions as the invasion advanced. All this is sadly notorious, but
+still it seems a hard task to convince people who prefer to remain blind
+or only see a presumptuous adversary in any one who seeks to enlighten
+them upon this glaring and premeditated treachery.
+
+October and November were months of unrestrained exultation to the Boer
+party, to judge from letters and articles which appeared in the
+_Standard and Diggers' News_, Johannesburg, dated 22nd November, 1899,
+and in the Pretoria _Volksstem_, dated 20th November, 1899.[10] There
+one sees the mask off, in language of defiant insult and of scurrilous
+mendacity against all that is English, avowing that the present
+Anglo-Boer War has been the outcome of preparations during the past
+thirty years. That letter is not all suitable reading for the tender
+sex, but should serve as evidence to the still unconvinced sceptic that
+the Boers are fighting for something more than their mere independence
+and liberty, viz., for conquest and the domination of Afrikanerdom. His
+Excellency Dr. Leyds may deny all those too previous intentions with
+his placid effrontery of assumed innocent calm. He may denounce Mr.
+Chamberlain, Rhodes, Jameson, and even the Prince of Wales, and he may
+use the old device of posing as innocent by accusing others. The
+detected robber, however, does not always escape with his booty by
+running off himself, whilst shouting "Stop, thief!"
+
+Something refreshingly analogous to such attempts of screening and
+exculpation has been extemporized in Cape journals of late. There, in an
+ingeniously pretended dissertation, it is invented how ill founded the
+aspersions are against Mr. Premier Schreiner, and that the acts, upon
+which he was so wrongly suspected as an amphibious helmsman, are really
+attributable to another person--by the way, to one at a safe distance,
+viz., to Mr. F.W. Reitz, the Transvaal State Secretary; whilst this
+gentleman again, when lecturing at Johannesburg in July last, naively
+deplored the confusion of people's ideas who see anything wrong in the
+Afrikaner Bond, adding: "Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they
+do or talk about."
+
+"The peace of South Africa is only possible under Boer supremacy," is
+the Bond shibboleth. The end justifies the means, even to sedition, to a
+war of conquest and the wholesale plunder of investors.
+
+Many of the younger Boers in the Cape Colony and Natal had shown a
+singular ardour in joining the several volunteer corps. They were
+equipped with uniforms and best weapons, were drilled into efficiency,
+received pay, and all went on well until the oath of allegiance was to
+be tendered. This they refused, preferring to resign and to provide arms
+from other sources--Mauser rifles by preference. This happened some
+considerable time before the outbreak of the war.
+
+
+Boer Arguments Denying Uitlanders' Complaints
+
+Many plausible arguments are proffered to prove that Uitlanders'
+grievances and irritations are purely fictitious, but few, I venture to
+say, will bear examination. Taxation, for example, is stoutly averred to
+fall alike upon burgher and Uitlander, but a glance at the long rubric
+of articles specially taxed will show that the selection is contrived to
+hit the latter and to spare, or even to protect and benefit, the burgher
+section.
+
+The gold industry is not charged with a royalty as is customary in other
+gold-producing countries, but with 5 per cent. only upon the net
+profits; but here an intolerant and corrupt domination proves much more
+prejudicial than a heavy royalty would be.
+
+Proper representation would be the remedy and afford contentment, even
+with higher taxation, but that is refused upon Bond principles.
+
+The Anglo-Boer War is attributed to base motives on the part of the
+British Government, operating in collusion with capitalism--to England's
+passion for annexation, her rapacious greed for the Transvaal gold, her
+inordinate ambition to universal commercial supremacy, etc. What a
+confusion of assertions and of self-refuting contradictions!
+
+Would England really acquire the Transvaal gold by the annexation of
+that State, seeing that its mines are already capitalized and as good as
+expropriated in favour of the host of shareholders, some of whom are
+English, but the greater portion German, French, and of other nations?
+
+What advantage would accrue to shareholders? Would England, in case of
+forcible annexation, not be under the necessity of incurring a heavy
+charge in the increase of her South African garrisons, and so be
+justified in levying a considerable royalty upon the output, which would
+materially reduce the dividends? What advantage would arise to England
+by substituting an unproductive and costly war in South Africa for
+conditions of peace and prosperity, which alone can yield her commerce
+profit? England can only derive profit from wars waged between other
+peoples. And as to the incentive of commercial supremacy, England, while
+possessing that to a large extent already, freely and voluntarily allows
+all comers from other nationalities to share the benefits with her by
+her principle of free trade.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 10: Extract from Pretoria _Volksstem_, 20th November, 1899,
+from a long letter averred to have appeared in the London _Times_, dated
+12th October, 1899, said to have been signed by a well-known Cape Boer,
+then in England:--
+
+"We have desired delay, and we have had it, and we are now practically
+masters of South Africa from the Zambesi to the Cape. All the Afrikaners
+in the Cape Colony have been working for years past for this end.
+
+"For thirty years the Cape Dutch have been waiting their chance, and now
+their day has come; they will throw off their mask and their yoke at the
+same instant, and 200,000 Dutch heroes will trample you tinder foot. We
+can afford to tell you the truth now, and in this letter you have got
+it."]
+
+
+
+
+PORTUGUESE TERRITORY--TRANSVAAL LOW VELDT--MALARIA--HORSE SICKNESS
+
+
+Between the north-eastern borders of the Transvaal and the coast lies
+the Portuguese colony Mozambique. Its frontier railway station, Ressario
+Garcia, is near that of the Transvaal, viz., Komati poort, which is 53
+miles from Delagoa Bay. A low-lying country extends from the coast about
+100 to 200 miles inland, and is tropical. Except some elevated spots,
+the whole of it is almost uninhabitable in summer by whites on account
+of malaria. During some specially bad seasons natives even succumb to
+that malady. The only comparatively safe months are from June to
+November. Marshy localities, and wherever there is shaded rank
+vegetation in low-lying parts, are dangerous all the year round; in such
+places the water is deadly at all times unless first boiled.
+
+This malarial poison is distinct from that which produces yellow fever
+in America, and is so far unlike it as it is not contagious. The theory
+is that the poison is produced below the surface by decaying vegetable
+matter in low and dank parts during the more inactive but still warm and
+sunny winter season and during the hot months preceding the summer
+rainfall. Upon the first rains the malarial poison escapes through the
+then softened crust in the shape of vapoury miasms. This happens during
+the night, after the surface of the earth has been cooled off. Those
+miasms are dissipated or neutralised by the action of the sun. The dewy
+grass retains the poison until it is thoroughly dried to the root. All
+surface water is liable to that poisonous impregnation. Malarial
+manifestations occur all over South Africa, but in progressive degrees
+of virulence with the advance to warmer latitudes, and with the descent
+from the high table-lands to the coast levels. On the Transvaal high
+veldt, for example, a mild form is developed which, in midsummer, to a
+small extent, affects and kills sheep. It is called _blaauwtong_, and
+does not affect horses. Descending further, this danger to sheep
+increases and begins earlier. Below 5,000 feet altitude in the Transvaal
+the summer season is dangerous to sheep, and horses and mules are
+subject to horse sickness; whilst lower still the same malaria attains
+sufficient virulence to attack human beings, and becomes very deadly
+upon levels nearing the coast. Komati poort, the frontier railway
+station already mentioned, is dreaded as a still worse death-trap than
+even Delagoa Bay, where it is very unsafe, say, from December to end of
+April. The season of horse sickness terminates upon the appearance of
+the first sharp frost in May. The safeguards for human beings consist in
+avoidance at night and early morning of low-lying localities, or such
+elevated places even which are subject to be invaded by miasmatic
+emanations produced on and wafted from dangerous lower levels. Drink no
+unboiled water except that from deep wells or rain-water; maintain
+careful and moderate diet, active habits, but avoiding extreme exertions
+and excitements; a very sparing use of alcoholic drinks, preferably
+taken with the regular meals, is admissible.
+
+Donkeys, horned cattle, and goats are exempt from malarial risks.
+
+For horses and mules no certain remedy appears as yet to be known. The
+best research, on behalf of the Transvaal Government, by specially
+requisitioned French bacteriologists, assisted by that famous
+microbe-hunter, Dr. Theiler (Dr. Theiler is the Transvaal veterinary
+surgeon and chief of the Medical Laboratory, Pretoria, a noted Swiss
+savant, who, with the aid of the said French experts, discovered the
+rinderpest inoculation remedy), has failed to find the bacillus of horse
+sickness. Barely five per cent, of the horses attacked recover, and
+about ten per cent, of mules. These are then called salted, and are
+immune from horse sickness; they can after that be safely used in the
+worst localities, and are correspondingly more valuable. They are,
+however, liable periodically to light after-attacks, when it is safer to
+exempt them from work for a day, or for a few hours at least.
+
+Some proprietors of mail coaches are in the habit of administering doses
+of arsenic to their horses and mules, which are said to operate in
+lessening the death rate and to favour the salting process.
+
+As safeguards for horses and mules, the following rules have been found
+to minimise losses in dangerous tracts where the low clinging miasmatic
+vapours are so deadly during the night and earlier parts of the morning.
+(During rainfall there is hardly any danger, nor is there after a
+night's rain for the day following):--
+
+Do not traverse low suspicious tracts during the hours between 9 p.m.
+and, say, two hours after sunrise, lest poisonous vapours be
+encountered and inhaled by man or horse.
+
+Choose the most elevated spots for camping out at night. No grazing to
+be allowed from 10 p.m. to about 10 or 11 a.m., unless it is raining.
+Dewy grass is fatally poisoned; the heavy moist air close to the surface
+is also suspected. Grazing is only safe after the soil and grass are
+dried of all dewy moisture.
+
+Avoid all water of at all a stagnant nature; rather let the animals
+remain thirsty.
+
+If the animals have been fed with dry fodder during the night, let the
+first morning stage be moderate and not exhausting. With empty stomachs
+the task might be somewhat increased, but even then it should be less
+than any other succeeding stage. When the first symptoms of sickness are
+noticed they may pass over if the animal is at once freed from work and
+allowed to rest, or is at most led when marching. Among the most
+dangerous places for horse sickness and for fever to human beings are
+the luxurious dongas, ravines, and valleys which abound along the long
+stretches of mountains and broken country immediately below the high
+plateaux.
+
+The passes leading up to the high veldt are few in number, and so
+precipitous as to be almost impracticable for vehicles. Of late years
+those roads have been allowed to fall into disrepair, in order, it may
+be supposed, to check wagon traffic and to promote that by railway;
+apart from the railway, communication with Delagoa Bay would now be
+impossible. What with the fever climate in summer, and the formidable
+mountain barriers, the Transvaal high veldt is well protected from
+aggression from the direction of Delagoa Bay. A few thousand men
+distributed at the few mountain passes, blocking the tunnel at one of
+these (at Waterval Boven), and breaking up some few bridges, would
+effectually arrest the progress of any invading force.
+
+
+
+
+CLIMATE AND TOPOGRAPHY
+
+
+From the tropical Zambesi regions and the torrid Kalahari plains, down
+to the 34th parallel at Cape point, a great diversity of climatic
+conditions is met with. To the north and north-east are the steaming,
+death-breeding low lands, abounding with dank virgin forests and scrubby
+stretches; and to the north-west extend the arid, sandy, and stony
+levels. There are the temperate and fruitful inland reaches along the
+southern and south-eastern littoral, and again further inward the vast
+plateaux at 2,000 to 6,500 feet elevation, which represent nearly
+one-half of the sub-continent with quite other climatic aspects. In the
+southern and western provinces of the Cape Colony the rainy season
+occurs during the winter months, probably because of the proximity to
+the trade wind influences prevailing over the South Atlantic; over the
+rest of South Africa the winters are dry and sunny, the rains falling in
+summer, most copiously in December and January, the effect being that
+there are hardly any winter rigours, and the heat of summer is
+minimised. The most agreeable climate is that on the higher plateau
+levels: never hot nor altogether cold, and yet virile and bracing;
+something like the climate on sunny days found in the higher Alpine
+regions in summer and in the mild Algerine winters. This climate is
+found from the Queenstown district at about 3,000 feet elevation,
+extending north and westwards over the Stormberg, the Orange Free State,
+and along the lordly Drakensberg range and its spurs some 200 to 300
+miles into the Transvaal, where the highest plateau levels occur between
+Ermelo and to near Lydenburg, viz., 6,500 feet. The Harrismith district
+near that mountain range is at a similar altitude with an identical
+climate.
+
+These high tracts are called _hoogeveldt_ or highlands. Their altitude
+rises steadily with the advance northwards towards warmer latitudes, and
+with the compensating effect that the climate in the Queenstown
+district, Bontebok Flats for example, at 3,000 feet elevation, is
+exactly similar to that in the eastern portions of the Orange Free State
+at 5,500 feet, right up to near Lydenburg at 6,500 feet altitude, and
+being some six degrees further north than Queenstown. The northern half
+of Natal also partakes of that character, though there, as well as over
+the rest of the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg mountains, the country
+is more broken and hilly than on the western side. The Cape Colonial
+high veldt near the Drakensberg range is intersected by high
+continuations or spurs, but north and westwards those plateaux assume
+more the real aspect of continuous high plains. There is a gradual
+descent to the west; from occasional hilly ranges those dwindle to
+kopjes, and to still less elevated "randjes" occurring in clusters more
+and more apart, until yet further westwards one gets to the merely
+undulating sterile approaches of the Karoo and the plains around and
+beyond Kimberley, which merge at last in the still lower Kalahara
+desert.
+
+Within 200 or 300 miles from the Drakensberg slopes the country is
+well-watered, and the rainfall ample and generally regular, but
+westwards this abundance progressively decreases with a more tardy and
+precarious rainy season, occasioning at times severe droughts
+accompanied with correspondingly protracted and very hot weather.
+
+Those high plains make up one vast green sward from the time of the
+spring rains in September to April. From May the absence of rain,
+together with the night frosts, shrivel up the herbage, giving the
+country a pale-brown aspect. This continues until the return of spring,
+varied with large expanses of black, caused by accidental or intentional
+grass fires, and here and there a few green spots in specially sheltered
+and moist localities.
+
+Those burnt spaces may extend for miles, and are for the time veritable
+deserts. The landscape being quite black and the atmosphere generally
+very clear, it is obvious that objects of any lighter colour would be
+conspicuous at very long distances: an ideal background for khaki
+targets.
+
+Most of the land is well suited for agriculture, but by far the largest
+proportion is as yet used only for raising sheep, horses and cattle.
+Angora goats also thrive in the hillier parts. About forty years ago the
+Karoo plains, the Orange Free State, and Transvaal were, so to say,
+monopolised by milliards of game. Standing upon an eminence or a swell
+one could see in all directions, as far as the eye could reach,
+innumerable herds of all sorts of game grazing, resting or gambolling;
+the different kinds would be ranged in separate groups and could be
+distinguished by their special colours--the black-looking wildebeest
+(gnu) next to the striped quag-gas, the white-flanked springbocks,
+blesbocks with a blaze on their foreheads, the larger elands and other
+kinds of the antelope species. Almost all those vast herds have
+disappeared since, having been killed off by natives and Boers for their
+hides and for food, or else scared away farther north, where rinderpest
+extirpated nearly all the rest in 1895-1897.
+
+In the earlier days, and even not so long ago in some parts, the
+farmers' crops required guarding during the night against the
+depredations of game. This is still so in the north-western plains of
+the Cape Colony, as already remarked. In May most of the Harrismith
+district farmers and those of the Transvaal high veldt move their sheep,
+horses and cattle to winter in Natal, Swaziland, and to the other
+extensive low lands most adjacent, to return after the spring rains in
+September or October. Sheep and horses could not with safety remain
+longer in those warm regions, as then the fatal malarial _blaauwtong_
+begins there to attack sheep, and horse sickness becomes virulent as
+well. The high veldt, as said before, is exempt from that danger.
+
+Some of the wealthier farmers can arrange it so that they and their
+families can winter at their comfortable high-veldt homes and send
+attendants with their cattle to the low veldt, while others, not so
+well favoured, must close up their houses and accompany their flocks to
+winter in the warm tracts, where they live in their wagons and tents and
+escape the outlay for winter clothing.
+
+Owing to the scarcity of wood on the high veldt, kraal fuel used
+formerly to be the staple substitute. This would be obtained by penning
+up sheep over-night. The deposits were after a month or two dug out in
+thick flags, which, after being stacked and dried over the kraal wall,
+would burn nearly as well and as brightly as wood. The discovery of coal
+beds in so many accessible places in the Cape Colony, Natal, and in the
+two Republics has since superseded that sort of fuel to a great extent.
+
+The small divergence between summer and winter temperature upon the high
+table lands will be seen from the following table taken from
+observations at 5,500 to 6,000 feet altitude in the Transvaal:--
+
+            Fahr.                Fahr.
+
+In winter--28 deg. to 40 deg. at night; 35 deg. to 70 deg. by day in the shade.
+In summer--40 deg. to 60 deg. at night; 50 deg. to 90 deg. by day in the shade.
+
+It is not often that 85 deg. is reached, and rarely above. This applies
+equally to the more southern and thus colder latitudes of Queenstown, at
+3,000 feet elevation, and to the eastern half of the Orange Free State,
+at 4,000 to 5,000 feet, the warmth increasing, as said before,
+proportionately with the descent in altitude, and on occasions of tardy
+summer rains.
+
+The winter is the most enjoyable of the seasons, being an almost
+uninterrupted continuation of fine sunny weather. On occasions there
+would be spells of boisterous weather with a rather sudden and inclement
+decrease of temperature, brought on by cold south-east winds; if these
+are accompanied with rain in winter, which, however, rarely happens, it
+would sometimes turn to sleet or even snow, or else to hard freezing at
+night. The snow would, however, thaw with the warmth of the sun, and so
+restore the temperature as before. The bracing quality of the climate
+mostly consists just in those variations of cool nights and warm days,
+and the occasional days of comparatively cold, boisterous weather. The
+latter must indeed be provided against, for even in December--that is to
+say, in the middle of summer--it would be imprudent to travel without
+great-coats as well as waterproofs, so as to be protected against
+unexpected changes, from say, 100 deg. in the sun, almost suddenly to 40 deg.
+with a driving wind, accompanied perhaps with rain. Such transitions are
+trying in the open, even if one is well clad, and the blustering weather
+is sometimes so severe, if it happens in winter or early spring, as to
+approach the character of a blizzard. One such lasted about thirty hours
+in the early spring of 1881. It swept over the entire South African
+plateaux and destroyed great numbers of sheep and cattle. These fell
+exhausted in their flight before they could reach some sheltering hills
+or ravines. In situations where such protections from the cold
+south-east wind were far apart the veldt was on the following day found
+strewn with their carcases, and upon the still more extensive and
+unbroken plains antelopes even perished in enormous numbers simply from
+exhaustion in trying to escape and find shelter from the cold wind.
+
+I will just describe one of those occurrences, the severest in my
+experience and well remembered by the Free State and the Transvaal
+Boers--it was, I think, in 1881. One sunny day, early in August (spring
+time), at a place about twenty miles east of Reddersburg, in the Orange
+Free State, the wind veered to the south-east, and by afternoon had
+begun to blow fairly hard and cold, about 35 deg. Fahrenheit--that is to
+say, about 35 deg. below the temperature of a few hours previously. I had
+managed to get some milch cows driven near to the kraal, where there
+would have been very fair shelter for them, but luckily, as the sequel
+proved, they refused to enter, and rushed past in a scared way, just
+snatching up one mouthful of forage which had been thrown down to entice
+them to stay, and making off as hard as they could. The wind did not
+abate till the day after, when tales kept pouring in of terrible losses
+of sheep and cattle killed by the cold wind; sheep in open plains had
+suffered most, and cattle which had been kraaled were nearly all dead,
+whilst the herds of cattle and horses which had been left grazing out
+had been driven away and were also believed to have died. At the farm of
+a certain Andries Bester, near by, some seventy head of cattle in very
+good condition were found dead, piled up to the level of one of the
+kraal walls, showing the struggle which some thirty others had in
+escaping over the mound of dead cattle to the outside of the kraal.
+
+The next day all those thirty head were found grazing some fifteen miles
+westwards under the lee of hills near Reddersburg, where they had found
+safe shelter. Everybody's cattle were recovered which had not been
+kraaled, including mine. This was the case as well with cattle which had
+been tethered to their transport wagons and which succeeded in breaking
+loose, whilst the rest were found dead where they had been tied.
+
+There was no possibility of restraining cattle or horses from
+stampeding--they did it from the instinct of self-preservation, for,
+whilst running with the wind, its force of driving cold was
+proportionately lessened, and some loss of heat was made good by the
+exertion of running, which they had to keep up till in safe shelter of
+hills or ravines.
+
+Had such a cold storm overtaken an army or patrol, the situation would
+have been exactly similar, and would have been an ordeal even to
+experienced Boers or Colonial farmers, and if an enemy had been located
+near Reddersburg, all the cattle and horses would simply have fallen
+into his lap.
+
+The obvious safeguard would be a rug for each horse and mule, and for
+oxen the erection of a shelter against the wind, consisting of all
+available wagons and stores, or else, if practicable, to move at once to
+a sheltered locality and always provide a good reserve supply of forage
+or other provender. That sort of boisterous, cold weather continues
+sometimes, with more or less severity, two or three days. The want of
+food and inclemency besides would result in killing the weak cattle and
+weaken the rest so as to be incapable of work for some days after. The
+difficulty consists in that such inclement changes occur so suddenly,
+and that their severity and duration cannot be forecasted.
+
+Upon other much less severe occasions entire gangs of 20-50 Kaffirs,
+travelling from the warm north to the diamond-fields or gold-mines, and
+not sufficiently provided with blankets, would be found at their camping
+places huddled together, nearly all numbed to death. The months when
+such surprise weather is most liable to occur are from "July to
+October," before and during the earlier spring rains. It is then, and
+even up to December at times, that the Drakensberg and other mountains
+resume their snow-capped winter decorations for some days. There is a
+saying which fairly well applies to the high-veldt climate, _i.e._, that
+cold and inclement weather is not met with until well in towards summer,
+especially about the time of spring rains, and that hot weather of any
+considerable continuance mostly occurs in spring. This will be
+understood upon considering that the midsummer months, December to
+February, are cooled by very frequent and copious rains, whilst the heat
+accumulates more during the preceding sunny spring months, which are
+interrupted at rarer intervals by short showers only.
+
+Upon the whole, and despite the few eccentricities mentioned, the high
+veldt is favoured with a climate which, for genial comfort all the year
+round, exempt from prolonged winter rigours and excessive summer heat,
+is not found anywhere else in the world, or only in rare privileged
+spots. It is withal most healthy, promoting the highest possible
+physical development and even longevity.
+
+Under such favoured conditions the hand of man only is needed in
+providing good habitations, planting trees, in the culture of the soil,
+and some irrigation labour, to transform nearly every little farm within
+five to ten years from a bare pastoral monotony to a really idyllic
+spot. There are many such already in Basutoland, the Orange Free State,
+and the Transvaal, as well as in the Cape Colonies and Natal--veritable
+Eden-like places, as it were bits dropped from heaven. With a
+continuance of peace these could be multiplied to any extent each year,
+thus rendering those sparsely inhabited tracts the most beautiful areas
+in the world, with a prosperous self-sustaining population, quite apart
+from considerations of mineral wealth.
+
+The foregoing description of the high-veldt climate points to clothing
+composed of woollen fabrics as the only _rational and safe_ attire for
+men travelling or taking the field. No constitution could be expected to
+hold out against the ever-changing temperature and weather if depending
+upon being clad, for example, in a cotton suit; this would only do on
+warm days for men who are certain of being safely housed at night and
+sheltered during rainy weather. Horses and mules in the open should be
+provided with woollen rugs during winter and spring.
+
+
+
+
+BOER PREPAREDNESS FOR WAR
+
+
+The ultimatum cabled to England had no sooner expired at 5 p.m. on the
+11th October last than the same evening and on the very next and
+succeeding days appeared, published all over the Orange Free State and
+the Transvaal, "Government Gazettes extraordinary," filling scores of
+pages, comprising proclamations of martial law, and the hundred and one
+enactments and provisions regulating that new condition. Their preambles
+stated: Whereas in secret session on such and such dates (that is to
+say, months previous) the honourable First Volksraad had passed this or
+that law--or whereas the two Volksraads, assembled in secret session,
+had authorized the Government to frame such and such laws, to come into
+force immediately after publication. This shows at least a studious
+purpose months beforehand to be in complete readiness, for it obviously
+took no little time to prepare all those laws, and have them ready in
+type for despatch and publication as had been done. It accords with the
+assumption that war had been predetermined, and this is further
+confirmed by numerous statements, publicly made by Volksraad members,
+and also by President Steyn's famous and now historic message to
+President Krueger some short time before, in the laconic and oracular
+words, "We are ready."
+
+That the Afrikaner Bond had been for years past preparing for its _coup
+d'etat_ is further shown by the following incidents which can be
+substantiated by the writer:--
+
+During the days of the Jameson raid a very prominent Transvaal Boer,
+holding office and who had two sons at the scene of the disturbance,
+remarked at a public place in conversation with other burghers:--
+
+"England just wants to annex the Transvaal, and no doubt the Orange Free
+State too. This we know; but what she does not know is, that we can at
+this moment reverse the tale--we can seize in one day Cape Town, Port
+Elizabeth, East London, and Durban, and within a very short time turn
+every Englishman out of the Colonies, out of the land which England has
+robbed us of."
+
+Those words were spoken by a Bond man who is known to rarely speak in
+public. When asked by a Uitlander how it could be done, he relapsed into
+his usual prudent reticence, and merely remarked grimly, "We can do it."
+
+But for subsequent revelations and the present sequel those words would
+have been forgotten, and were at the time attributed by some to mere
+boastful exuberance.
+
+In July last the topic was discussed by some Boers at the house of a
+highly placed military official, about the five per cent. tax upon the
+profits of the gold industry. One said it should be raised to
+twenty-five per cent. for the benefit of the burgher estate. That
+official, who, by the way, had just returned from a gathering of country
+officials at Pretoria, sententiously replied "that it was no more a
+question of any tribute, but of taking the mines altogether out of the
+capitalists' hands"; and when another burgher interposed a doubt as to
+the fairness of such a proceeding, that official continued by saying,
+"Fairness indeed! it is we who have submitted to unfairness only too
+long--_ons wil nou Engelse schiet_ (we want now to go on the battue of
+Englishmen)."
+
+When the Transvaal Government had secured the assent of both Volksraads
+to the seven years' franchise measure it was thought desirable, as a
+matter of form and to gain time, to defer the formal passing of the law
+until after it had been referred to the burghers. This was not done till
+August last. A large section of the people were known to be against
+extending the franchise, but the Government had no misgivings about the
+result, counting upon the persuasive influence of the Volksraad members
+who were to preside at the plebiscite meetings, and had before been
+drilled up to their task. Their success was as desired, and the measure
+became law in due course. Those meetings in the different districts and
+wards of the State were characterised by almost uniform proceedings, so
+that the description of one of them can serve for all.
+
+The burghers assembled on the appointed day at the local Government
+Office. The Landdrost, or chief official of the ward, took the chair.
+There were four Volksraad members, who each in turn recommended the
+adoption of the seven years' franchise measure. The burghers were
+invited to express their views. The majority appeared dead against it,
+but were gradually appeased, and they finally assented to a motion of
+approval presented by the chairman, which also conveyed full confidence
+in the Government and their representatives to deal with the enactment
+and to modify it as they might consider appropriate.
+
+One of the burghers had in his speech stated in passionate terms that no
+dictation on the part of Uitlanders could be tolerated; they must either
+obey the laws or leave the State. The function and prerogative of making
+laws belonged to the burghers. They had been ill-used enough by the
+English; it would be still worse, he said, if they were invested with
+legislative rights. "On the contrary, it is the Boer nation which is
+entitled to supremacy, not only in the Transvaal but right to the sea.
+The Cape Colonies," he continued, "are ours by divine right, and so is
+Natal, and no Afrikaner may rest until we are reinstated." General
+approbation and stamping of feet followed that passionately rendered
+speech. Not a word of restraint or censure from any of the four
+Volksraad members. Some of these had addressed the meeting already, and
+the others in turn followed. Their speeches had one import, viz.,
+"Burghers! The Government and the two Volksraads have carefully and
+prayerfully weighed this seven years' franchise measure. You may safely
+approve of it; it can result in no harm; it will strengthen our cause.
+We know that England wants our land because of the gold in it; but this
+law will contribute to thwart her, though it will not avert war. We were
+a small nation when our fathers trekked to this side of the Orange
+River; we have become united and strong since. It will be soon seen that
+our people have to be reckoned with among the other nations of the
+earth; we have right on our side, and, with God's help, we are certain
+to prevail. Burghers, you may trust us as your representatives; we are
+all of one mind with you; you may safely approve of the proposed
+franchise law, and leave possible modifications in the hands of the
+Government." Then followed tumultuous approval from the great majority,
+motions of confidence and of thanks. Those burgher meetings were
+convened during July and August.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+President Krueger is famous for employing clever and original similes in
+order to illustrate a policy as he wants his people to understand it.
+
+It has already been noted that the Franchise Law of 1890 excluded
+Uitlanders from full burgher rights until after twenty-one years'
+probation. The reduction to seven years was proclaimed to be a
+concession to meet Mr. Chamberlain's demand. The simile, as addressed to
+the Volksraad and published in the journals, ran as follows:--
+
+"First my coat was demanded of me, which I gave; next were asked my
+boots, vest, and trousers. I surrendered these as well; and now, as I
+stand in my bare shirt, my limbs are wanted besides."
+
+The people were thus led to be unanimous in the resolve to oppose any
+further concession, and to view Sir Alfred Milner's unconditional
+insistence for a five years' franchise as a conclusive proof that
+England in reality wanted no less than the country itself. In this way
+the Boer mind was designedly fashioned into the conviction that war was
+inevitable, and that both President and people were absolved from all
+responsibility in it. Had the offered franchise of seven years and the
+subsequent one of five years been honestly meant, there should, indeed,
+have been little difficulty for adjusting in the one case the difference
+of two years; but it being so surrounded by impossible trammels that
+what purported to be an egg proved more like a stone, and even that was
+not intended to be given, it was a mere subterfuge to gain time for
+carrying out Bond designs.
+
+
+
+
+ALLIANCE OF ORANGE FREE STATE WITH TRANSVAAL--SUZERAINTY
+SQUABBLE--ARMAMENTS BEFORE JAMESON RAID
+
+
+The project of alliance between the Transvaal and the Orange Free State
+had been mooted before 1890. After that came conferences between the
+respective Presidents and delegates for closer union as it was then
+styled. Mr. John G. Fraser, one of the noblest and most distinguished
+Orange Free State statesmen, was conspicuous among the few opponents.
+His arguments against federation were so logical and conclusive that it
+seemed for a while that the idea would have to be renounced. Among other
+grounds adduced against that alliance was the fact that England
+possessed claims of suzerainty over the Transvaal, and, the Orange Free
+State itself being entirely independent, the incongruity and
+incompatibility were obvious of joining a vassal State. There was
+trouble if not danger lurking behind it, if such two States were to join
+in an actual federation. Whatever was desirable for mutual advantage
+might be attained without offensive and defensive alliance. The two
+Governments, however, knew how to manipulate matters. The closer union
+scheme was carried through before the Jameson incursion, and soon after
+that event an offensive and defensive alliance completed the federation.
+The Afrikaner Bond then had advanced another important stage.
+
+Mr. John G. Fraser's persistent objections to federation, upon the
+ground that the Transvaal stood under British suzerainty, had given that
+question a prominence operating against the Afrikaner Bond project,
+viz., that of gaining a strong Power as ally to its cause. It was felt
+that no Power could, with decency, enter into a connection with that
+State while such a claim was maintained. To overcome that obstacle the
+Transvaal Government proceeded to raise a controversy with England,
+taking up the position of repudiating the claim of suzerainty, and
+averring the complete independence of the State, subject only to the one
+clause _re_ treaties with foreign nations. Another object would be
+gained, viz., of diverting England from Bond aims by that and similar
+controversies. To make a show of sincerity about it all, the opinions
+(foregathered, of course) of certain eminent jurists in England and
+Holland were obtained, who refuted the claim in elaborate disquisitions
+and with that readiness of apparent conviction so peculiar to some
+advocates' affected faith in their clients' cause. Thus England was
+decoyed into a protracted tournament of words and phrases without any
+practical result, but gratifying and inspiring no doubt to certain
+well-paid _soi-disant_ champions of the principle defined as the
+"_perfection of justice_," who revel in a display of forensic erudition,
+which, however, only illustrates to the unedified lay mind how speech is
+adaptable to veil inward conviction, and how a mass of rhetoric can be
+employed to justify the breach of simple and well-understood
+engagements.
+
+It continues to be clumsily insisted upon in official and paid Press
+organs how the need of providing Transvaal armaments became realized
+only with that Anglo-capitalistic plot of 1895-96 against Boer
+independence, and that, in fact, Dr. Jameson was worthy of the Boer
+nation's lasting gratitude for opening their eyes to their helplessly
+unarmed and unprepared condition up to that time. In those papers it is
+declared with unblushing inexactness how the Transvaal at that epoch
+possessed only two hundred and fifty inefficient and ill-equipped
+artillerists, with only a few cannons of various antiquated types, and
+how the burgher element had, up to that time, continued unarmed and in
+unsuspecting insecurity. To stamp these misstatements as false, it needs
+only to be considered that from the time of the Boer trek in 1835-38
+every Boer had been a hunter and guerilla soldier possessed of the best
+firearms then extant, ready at any sacrifice to provide still more
+effective weapons as inventions in arms of precision in turn progressed.
+His passion to be well armed only equalled that of his love for land.
+From 1881 every Transvaal and Orange Free State Boer without exception
+had, and was obliged to have, his Martini-Henry rifle. The Government
+arsenals were supplied with reserves of that up to recently unsurpassed
+weapon and with large stores of ammunition. The authorities supplied
+that rifle at L4 each, and even gratis in the case of indigent burghers.
+At the frequent reviews (_wapenschouwingen_) each burgher had to appear
+mounted, with his Martini-Henry rifle and thirty rounds ammunition. To
+maintain proficiency in rifle practice, prizes and honours were
+distributed at Government expense in each ward, whilst there was plenty
+of private emulation encouraged among young and old in the science of
+sharp-shooting, the Governments of both Republics contributing
+ammunition at below cost price.
+
+In about 1893 the Transvaal Government introduced about 10,000 new
+rifles of the Guede pattern, firing a steel-pointed bullet, but the
+issue did not become general, as the Martini-Henry rifle continued to be
+held more effective for game and for war. The Mauser rifle was only
+provided, after long hesitation and much diffidence, for its
+rapid-firing quality in war, whereas for game it is still considered
+inferior to the larger bored Martini-Henry.
+
+On the occasion of the Jameson incursion, the Transvaal had in readiness
+extensive parks of the most modern quick-firing Maxims and Nordenfeldts
+of various calibres, and breech-loading field artillery of the Krupp
+make. The Orange Free State hurried to their assistance with similar
+artillery, each burgher armed with a Martini-Henry rifle. Besides all
+that, there was the dynamite and explosives factory equipped to
+manufacture all sorts of modern ammunition as it does now, and this is
+why President Krueger described that factory as one of the corner-stones
+of Boer independence. In the face of these facts it is a most singular
+departure to say that the Transvaal only thought of arming when becoming
+alarmed for the future by the Jameson attempt, and that statement could
+only have been intended to mislead the uninformed at a distance. "_Qui
+s'excuse s'accuse_" is applicable in this as well as in other ruses for
+hiding those sinister Bond aims and to pose as the guileless and
+victimized Boer nation. It was just the other way about--it was England
+who was unprepared and exposed to imminent risk of aggression on the
+part of the Boer combination.
+
+What had amazed and actually exasperated many Boers was the ludicrously
+puny attempt made by Jameson and the Johannesburg revolutionary concert.
+It was at the time thought that the invasion of some 700 men was only a
+first installment, and that much larger developments were in preparation
+to attack the State. It was for that reason that only a few batteries of
+artillery were despatched at a late moment to Doornkop under Commandant
+Trichaart to operate against Jameson's party, while the bulk was held in
+reserve with an extensive mobilization of burghers to resist other
+supposed opposition of an altogether more formidable but yet undefined
+character. When nothing further transpired, the feeling uppermost with
+the people was unbounded derision at that impotent fiasco, and a
+loathing contempt for the cowering Johannesburg rabble who betrayed and
+sacrificed the insensate doctor. It was loudly asserted that the
+combined forces of the two Republics were competent to resist an
+invasion a hundred times stronger than the one so foolishly attempted;
+but, with cooler counsels, it was resolved to adopt the appealing
+attitude of the deeply injured party who miraculously and providentially
+escaped a great national peril. Upon these lines the raid incident
+afforded an immense advantage to Afrikaner Bond tactics, and an impulse
+to Bond propaganda which enormously increased Boer partisanship,
+inflicting at the same time a fatal check upon the diplomacy of England
+and upon the essential peace-preserving measures for safeguarding her
+South African interests. The circumstances, however, served to embolden
+many hitherto undecided sympathisers into openly declared and vehement
+Boer partisans, revealing the singular spectacle, among English people
+even, of a morbid cult apparently ready to sacrifice their nation just
+to vindicate their judicial dicta about Boer innocence and to parade
+their own darling sense of shocked and violated national honour.
+
+Quite other and more emphatic terms apply to the revolting sewerage such
+as the socialistic platform and other purulent nurseries for breeding
+wilful and hypocritical abettors, at so much a score, of misguided and
+treason-hatching Afrikanerdom.
+
+
+
+
+THE TRANSVAAL DYNAMITE AND EXPLOSIVES MONOPOLY
+
+
+The factory pertaining to this enterprise, situated near Pretoria, is
+recognised to be the most extensive and best equipped of its kind in
+existence. It is capable of turning out all the dynamite and similar
+blasting material needed for the gold and other mines of the State, also
+every description of explosive needed for modern ammunition.
+
+Its equipments include ateliers and laboratories under the conduct of
+eminent scientists and men of most advanced technical proficiency. The
+site is a farm named Modderfontein of about 8,000 acres near Pretoria.
+The industry provides employment for over 5,000 persons. In connection
+with this factory is a foundry at Pretoria for casting shells, etc. The
+various ingredients, such as sulphur, guhr, saltpetre, etc., are
+believed to be plentiful in the State, but their exploitation is found
+to be more costly than it is to import the pure articles from Europe.
+
+The investment is represented mostly by French and German shareholders,
+the Transvaal Government also possessing a portion of the shares. The
+contract with the State conveys a complete monopoly for the manufacture
+and importation of all descriptions of explosives, and is so framed as
+to base its subsistence upon international rights. One of the conditions
+is that the issue of ammunition is relegated to State control. In this
+manner burghers only get supplies, whilst Uitlanders are limited to very
+small quantities for sporting purposes by special permits.
+
+
+
+
+BOND FIGHTING STRENGTH IN BEGINNING OF 1899
+
+Efficiently      _Mounted Infantry._       At least about 142,000
+trained.
+
+ 15,000   Orange Free State, between 18-50
+             years  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20,000
+
+ 25,000   Transvaal, between 18-50 years  . .  30,000
+
+ 40,000   Cape Colonies, between 18-50
+             years  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60,000
+
+  2,000   Natal and elsewhere, between 18-50
+             years  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2,000
+
+ 18,000   Of above, aged 16-18 and 50-60  . .  30,000
+-------                                        ------
+100,000             _Artillery_  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2,000
+
+    600   Orange Free State, including
+             trained reserves . . . . . . . .     600
+
+  1,400   Transvaal . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1,400
+-------                                         -----          -------
+102,000   . . . . . . . . . . .  Total at least about          144,000
+
+102,000 highly efficient, and 42,000 partly trained.
+
+The mounts are docile, hardy and nimble, with large reserves available.
+The above includes 500 Johannesburg Mounted Police, a picked body of men
+armed with carbine, revolver, and sabre.
+
+       _Small Arms_ . . . . . . . . .  About    250,000
+
+Martini-Henry rifles in Orange Free State }
+                                          } 100,000
+   "      "     "    in Transvaal         }
+
+Guede rifles in Transvaal  . . . . . . . .   10,000
+Mauser rifles in Transvaal . . . . . . . .  120,000
+Revolvers in both States . . . . . . . . .   20,000
+                                             ------
+
+      _Artillery, both Republics_ . . . . . . . .   140
+
+Maxims and Nordenfeldts, modern  . . . . .       50
+Field cannon and Howitzers   "   . . . . .       70
+Siege and heavy guns         "   . . . . .       20
+
+
+
+
+BOER CONSERVATISM
+
+
+Rudyard Kipling truly said "the Boers are the most conservative people
+on earth." Habits and views which had prevailed two hundred years ago
+with their forefathers are still tenaciously preserved by them. We see
+this in matters of language, religion, in certain antipathies, and even
+in attire. They are justly famed for hospitality, not only amongst
+themselves, but also towards strangers, and a very pleasing trait, no
+doubt handed down from the seigneurial Huguenots, is the genial
+politeness which a stranger will receive in an otherwise wholly
+uncultured Boer family.
+
+On his farm the Boer is chief and supreme after the patriarchal
+fashion--no thought of tolerating an equal or a rival in authority.
+Collectively also, as in governmental representation, he is extremely
+averse to the introduction of any foreign element; such a factor would
+meet with his undisguised suspicion and jealousy. It must be Boer
+supremacy, and to this strangers must submit; the Boers to figure as
+the only caste or military aristocracy privileged to carry arms, very
+much like the Samouris nobles of Japan, who from of old until recently
+had represented the feudal estate, and had made quite a famous cult of
+personal bravery, chivalry and devotion to their Mikado and for their
+independent caste. Long intercourse and inter-marriage with a Boer
+family would ultimately remove the barrier. With such rooted
+exclusiveness it is only in accord with Boer nature to be reluctant in
+admitting Uitlanders to burgher franchise, and the greater their numbers
+and influence of wealth the more would they be viewed as an innovating
+menace and their admittance to political equality be resisted.
+
+Upon newly occupied farms a Boer will always seek to locate one or more
+squatters of his own nation upon allotments ultimately intended for the
+occupation of some of his own children as soon as they are grown up. The
+usual conditions for privileges of residence, grazing, and cultivation
+are that the squatter builds a dwelling and does all the other permanent
+improvements at his own cost, that he accounts to the owner for half or
+one-third of all products raised, and that he and his family should
+render services whenever required. When the squatter acquires land of
+his own he will in turn adopt similar feudal methods to get it improved
+and to obtain services without expense. Should the conditions accorded
+to the squatter result in advantages which prove any way lucrative to
+him, the owner would in nine cases out of ten immediately impose more
+exacting conditions, upon the plea of making provision for his own
+children. Such dependants are otherwise treated with familiar equality,
+as are also other white employees, and are admitted at the common table
+like any of the family, but below the salt.
+
+To acquire farms is a Boer's greatest ambition. The love of land is his
+special passion, so that his children also may be independent owners of
+farms. Formerly such land acquisitions were made by encroachments upon
+the possessions of natives or by purchases from them and by barter, and
+failing those means, by conquest. Since 1885, however, the stipulations
+in connection with the Anglo-Swaziland settlement effectually barred
+expansion and encroachments in any direction. The Boers resent this
+check as an exceedingly sore point. There is not enough land for the
+sons who have since grown up. These cannot possibly compete with the
+educated Hollanders in quest of good positions, nor are they taught any
+handicrafts, and the galling prospect is inevitable that they will have
+to content themselves with very humble stations in life, dependent even
+upon the more prosperous Uitlanders. No wonder these Boers fell an easy
+prey to the seductions and deceptive fallacies of the Afrikaner Bond
+doctrine of conquest, for dispossessing England of her Colonies, and to
+resume a free hand for expansion northwards as well.
+
+In connection with the stated inadequacy of spare land it is well to
+note that, of the two Republics, the Transvaal only possesses
+undeveloped Government reserve land. This is all situated in more or
+less low-lying and fever-stricken parts, large tracts being absolutely
+uninhabitable for that reason, especially in summer. Some of the rest is
+occupied on terms of lease by burghers, and has up to the present
+afforded scope for some of the less aspiring class. About one-quarter of
+the aggregate Transvaal farms are owned by Uitlander individuals or by
+companies who are mostly English. But the bulk of the land owned by
+burghers in both States has gradually become cut up by the process of
+succession into holdings so small as to admit of hardly any further
+division. There are, of course, numerous exceptions of wealthy farmers
+who can still bequeath to each of their sons a whole farm of 6,000
+acres, or half a farm. In the face of these restrictive circumstances a
+scheme has been in preparation during the past years, promoted by the
+Bond coterie in Holland and the Governments of the two Republics, to
+effect a large emigration from Holland to those States. A company has
+thus been formed, called "Nederlandsche Emigratie Maatschappy voor
+Transvaal en Oranje Vry Staat." The prospectus describes the objects as
+agricultural, pastoral, and industrial, but, as "members," only such are
+invited as are disposed to join hands with the Boer cause. That scheme
+came into operation before the outbreak of the war. What else does it
+reveal but a thinly veiled recruiting device for auxiliaries against
+England?
+
+
+Education
+
+What has been said about the ignorance and illiteracy of the Boers may
+be admitted to apply to the great majority of the grown-up and of the
+more maturely aged population; those of youthful age have of late years
+had the benefit of a better education than had before been possible to
+provide. But the great drawback consists in the still very imperfect
+knowledge of High Dutch, and it will take many years yet before a more
+general proficiency in that language will qualify the youth for more
+than purely elementary studies. There are numerous exceptions, however,
+of very creditably educated Boers, whose parents have been able to get
+them taught at Colonial schools, such as the Stellenbosch seminary, and
+even in Holland. Besides this, there are the children and grandchildren
+of the many educated Hollanders who have continued to stream into the
+Republics since 1854, and who had the advantage of learning High Dutch
+from their parents. Those, as a rule, bestowed great attention to their
+children's education, and in many cases sent them to Holland to complete
+their studies. The greatest factor of the educated Dutch element in
+South Africa consists of the mass of Hollanders itself, who have made
+their way to the Republics, and especially to the Transvaal, during the
+past eighteen years, among whom are many of highest European
+attainments, so that altogether a big muster is made up of
+well-instructed people, comparing well enough with other nations, and
+ample to meet all the exigencies of the two rapidly developing
+Republics. This educated contingent is being continuously supplemented
+by like arrivals from Holland, including eminent technical experts and
+scientists. It is a well-known feature that many chief posts of the
+administration are filled by aged, uneducated burghers who are
+altogether without the qualification required for the exercise of their
+function, but this drawback is effectually remedied by the expedient of
+providing proficient Hollanders as working adjuncts and secretaries, in
+which manner all the branches of the administration are nevertheless
+efficiently and most creditably served. Hundreds of young Boers are
+admitted as supernumeraries into the various offices to prepare them for
+responsible positions later on.
+
+
+Dundee Secret Dossier
+
+The greatest stir was made upon the discovery of secret documents left
+behind by the British military at the hurried evacuation of Dundee
+(Natal).
+
+It was made public that those documents contained all the details of a
+plan of invading the Orange Free State, and that it furnished most
+incontestable proofs of British designs as early as 1896 against the
+independence of both Republics. It was promised to publish those
+details, but this has not yet been done. It appears, however, that no
+incriminating details exist. Nevertheless, the matter has been made to
+serve calumniating reports on a considerable scale in the pro-Boer Press
+abroad, declaring that those documents conveyed absolute proofs of
+England's perfidious intentions of attacking the Orange Free State
+unawares, whilst all the time professing friendly relations and
+undertaking to respect the complete integrity of the Republican status
+of both States. What actually has transpired is that the whole thing was
+a mare's nest, simply and nothing more than military information under
+cover marked "secret," giving topographical and other details upon the
+Orange Free State--a proceeding which is carried out by all military
+authorities of any pretensions to prudent activity in the information
+department, and no more construable into actual hostile intentions than
+are other geographical surveys for general instructions or for school
+use.
+
+The incident again shows the absence of tangible grounds for accusations
+against England when a foolish invention as the one cited must do duty
+for such, and to rekindle race hatred.
+
+The interest and the manipulation devoted to that fabrication by the
+pro-Boer Press have, however, scored another success to Bond propaganda
+in fixing the belief with Boer partisans, of England's really
+predetermined designs to annex both Republics. Every Boer has since been
+more than ever so persuaded, the conviction fanning the fervour of
+patriotism and stimulating his eagerness to resist the would-be
+ravishers of his country.
+
+Considering, on the other hand, that the English Government had known
+much about the Afrikaner Bond menace, it is singular that precautionary
+measures had halted with that bare effort of making military
+observations. The only way to account for this apparent lethargic
+inaction is the assumption that a persevering patience and friendly
+attitude was expected in time to effectually dissipate all trouble in
+South Africa, and that a display of anxiety or of force would have
+frustrated such peaceable tactics. In refutation of the aspersion
+against England, it may be sufficient to point to the fact that during
+those very years (1896-7) both Republics were in a condition of complete
+helplessness through the rinderpest scourge which was then raging. If
+any hostile designs had in reality existed they could have been carried
+out with utmost ease then, as that scourge presented no obstacle to
+England. But it was the programme of peace which was pursued as
+undeviatingly then as since, with a constancy which refused to be
+foiled.
+
+
+Pamphlet entitled _A Hundred Years of Injustice_
+
+A mass of so-called proof against England of her guilt in provoking the
+present war and justifying the Boer attitude was presented to the public
+in South Africa and abroad in November last in the shape of a voluminous
+pamphlet entitled _A Hundred Years of Injustice_ (published both in
+English and Dutch, and later even translated into French). That
+production covers Boer history and its troubles with England up to 1881.
+It then travels over the diplomatic appeals of the Transvaal delegation,
+which resulted in the renewed convention of 1884. Then it wades through
+all the mire of academic squabble _re_ suzerainty, etc. After exhausting
+the Jameson episode with bitter invective, and seeking applause for the
+Transvaal Government for its professed desire to conciliate and to
+propitiate England by the offer of a seven years' franchise, the reader
+is, in conclusion, 'treated to a literary display of pyrotechnic
+denunciations and prophetic burdens against wicked Albion, with appeals
+to divine justice for righting the cause of an innocent nation so foully
+driven to a war of pure self-defence.
+
+Lest he be taken unawares the reader of that pamphlet would do well to
+note the significant fact in connection with those preferred accusations
+and aspersions that not a single act construable to the prejudice of
+England is adduced dating after the Anglo-Transvaal peace of 1881, that
+peace which had been mutually understood to close up all by-gones. But
+the recriminations all revert to previous history, nothing having
+occurred since 1881 to form real grounds for accusations. There had, on
+the contrary, been an exhibition of unwearied friendly endeavours on the
+part of Great Britain to maintain loyal peace with an ever-shifty and
+truculent Government, and to induce it to desist from scandalous
+intrigue against imperial interests in South Africa, and to adopt a more
+rational attitude towards Uitlanders, which in itself would have
+precluded troubles like that of the Johannesburg revolt and the Jameson
+raid.
+
+
+
+
+AN OLD FREE STATER'S ADMONITION
+
+
+The doctrines of the Afrikaner Bond coterie have been so assiduously and
+deeply instilled into the Boer mind that demonstrations are utterly
+futile in shaking the national conviction of the divinely approved
+justice of his cause. The first occasion when I saw this illustrated,
+and also the people's unreasoning adherence to their leaders' opinions,
+happened about ten years ago at burgher meetings which had been convened
+to discuss the then projected law for restraining Uitlanders from
+admission to Transvaal franchise and other political topics.
+
+An old Free State burgher was led then and subsequently to express his
+views upon the subject in about the following strain: "It is our duty to
+guard our nation against being swamped out or supplanted by strangers;
+they are in great force already, and their number will constantly
+increase, yet what attracts them, as you know, is our gold. That will
+give out eventually, when the majority will again depart. Those
+strangers, who then elect to remain with us, might be admitted to full
+burgher rights. In the meantime it behoves us to reserve the full
+franchise, nor will many aspire to it if they are only treated well as
+strangers should be, as we should wish to be treated if we were in their
+place. This is what they expect from us, and it can well be done without
+giving full franchise, which they indeed do not need and will then not
+claim. They will be content if their own interests are not hampered or
+interfered with, and will be satisfied with such rights and privileges
+as are reasonably due to guests, and we may say welcome guests (for it
+is plain that the land is also largely benefited by their presence). In
+other respects let us support law and order to suppress evil, which they
+desire as well as we do.
+
+"Does the Bible not say, 'The Lord loveth the stranger?' so also then
+must we; and again, 'Thou shalt not devise mischief against the stranger
+who dwelleth in peace with thee.' We are reputed as a God-fearing
+people. Is it not well that we should take great care to act in
+accordance? But I have observed with shame that instead of love and
+peace a spirit of hatred and strife has been allowed to gain upon us.
+Let us strive to expel that evil, lest we fall under God's displeasure
+and forfeit His favour. We cannot afford to lose that."
+
+At this stage the speaker was interrupted by violent remarks about
+England's incurable perfidy and the like, when he added, prolonging his
+speech more than he had probably intended: "Yes, we may not trust
+England, but what we must do is to trust in God. Did God not pull us
+through all along? was it not He who provided the peace of 1881 which
+restored our independence? And can that gracious Lord, if we only let
+Him act, not also protect us against any wiles and dangers if such
+should occur in the future? As yet none such have arisen. The Lord was
+with us in our battles for liberty; He was equally present and prompted
+the sense and conditions of that very convention of 1881, which the
+people were subsequently dissatisfied with and in their own wisdom
+sacrificed for that of 1884. It is just possible that that presumptuous
+act of wanting to improve upon the Lord's work will result in trouble
+and prove to our sorrow that we have simply tampered and tinkered with a
+good thing and spoilt it to our hurt.
+
+"'Thou shalt not provoke thy children to wrath lest they be discouraged
+and be tempted to do evil,' applies specially also to the duties of
+Governments. Our rulers need wisdom in this direction, and will be
+responsible if our strangers are subjected to unfair laws. The older
+people here will call to mind, when the old voortrekkers were obliged to
+go hundreds of miles, as far as Pietermaritzburg, for their supplies,
+that we prayed for shopkeepers in our land so that we might be spared
+those long journeys. What was done soon after we had attracted strangers
+to establish businesses with us? We were seduced to deliberately attempt
+their ruin by starting those _nationale Boerenwinkels_ (national Boer
+stores), supported by our own capital, but governed by Hollanders who
+eventually squandered our money. Was that dealing fairly by confiding
+strangers? Later on, again in response to our prayers, we got railways;
+skilled men and much capital from foreign countries, first to prospect
+for gold and then to develop and exploit the mines. Their labour and
+hard-earned money were risked when the return was still problematic.
+Shall we begrudge them their successes now, seeing that our whole land
+is equally enriched at the same time, and but for them and their
+enterprise the gold would still be lying uselessly hidden in the depths
+of the ground? There are now, in 1890, over 100,000 such strangers in
+the land, and probably over 200 millions capital invested. Shall they be
+treated in a manner to justify the accusation that they were inveigled
+into our land with the object of despoiling them afterwards after the
+style of 'Come into my parlour, says the spider to the fly'? These
+people count upon our honest friendship, especially the many English
+among them who ground that confidence upon the honourable peace accorded
+us in 1881. Shall we deceive them? May we hate them for old questions
+which that peace was intended to bury for ever? Think of the Lord's
+dealings with our people--poor, wandering, and despised at first. He had
+blessings in store for the tried voortrekkers and their children. 'The
+beggar was raised from the dunghill [_asch-hoop, i.e._, ash-heap, was
+the word he used] to sit with princes'--'a table laid for us in the
+sight of our enemies.' All this is literally fulfilled. Our President
+and others representing us have been to Europe and sat with princes, and
+we have a country full of riches enough to make any enemy to rage with
+jealousy at the sight. Who else but the devil is that enemy? It is he
+who persecuted our Dutch and Huguenot ancestors for their faith, and is
+pursuing us since. It is he and his army that rage the most at our
+unexampled blessings. It is he who wants us to forfeit them all and the
+Lord's favour as well. It emanates from the evil one that so many among
+us are seduced into wicked political plans to subvert authority
+installed by God, to incite our brethren to sedition in the Colonies,
+wanting to dispossess the English. For the Queen's Government there is
+as much from God as are the authorities over us here and in the Orange
+Free State.
+
+"God saith by Solomon (Prov. xxiv. 21-22): 'My son, fear thou the Lord
+and the king; and meddle not with them that are given to change: for
+their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the destruction of
+them both?'" and he finally warned them of the risk they incurred, after
+having been advanced and blessed in an unexampled way, of being flung
+back to their previous ignoble position upon the ash heap. There are
+plenty of respectable Boers in whose ears those expressions still
+tingle.
+
+The man, who is no speaker, was, nevertheless, apt to grow warm and
+impressive, drawn out probably by interruptions and opposing views. The
+speeches terminated on one occasion by one of the party saying in
+violent Bond fashion: "The English hired the Zulus to massacre our
+people. They robbed us of Natal, and drove us from the Colonies. There
+can be no peace with them until we have our own. God helps them who help
+themselves. Whoever takes their part is against us and against every
+true Afrikaner."
+
+
+
+
+_MODUS VIVENDI_ SUGGESTED BY OLD FREE STATER
+
+
+As is known, the conference between Sir Alfred Milner and President
+Krueger, assisted by President Steyn, took place at Bloemfontein during
+the first days of June last (1899), and resulted in the refusal to a
+demand of a five years' franchise made on behalf of the Transvaal
+Uitlanders, which refusal was some time later modified by enacting a law
+admitting them to full burgher rights after a probation of seven years,
+but coupled with restrictive forms and conditions which made that
+measure unacceptable. Some time before that conference the old Free
+Stater already mentioned obtained several prolonged interviews with the
+hon. State Secretary Reitz, at Pretoria, with the object of dissuading
+the Transvaal Government from conferring with Sir Alfred Milner while as
+yet no sufficient friendly _rapprochement_ had been reached and no
+advance had been made as to mutually approved bases upon which to
+confer. He strongly deprecated the idea of granting "full" burgher
+rights to Uitlanders, but held that their needs and wishes could be met
+by allowing their interests to be amply represented without impinging
+upon the special privileges which should be reserved for the burgher
+status proper. He was finally invited by Mr. Reitz to submit his scheme
+in writing, with the promise that it should receive careful
+consideration. That old Free Stater complied, and supplied President
+Krueger with a duplicate separately as well. The scheme ran in substance
+as follows:
+
+
+"_Modus vivendi_"
+
+The population of the Transvaal to be divided into two classes, pending
+the continued presence of the large floating portion consisting of
+Uitlanders who derive their subsistence from the mining industries,
+viz.:--
+
+1st Class.--The fixed or burgher estate.
+
+2nd Class.--The floating or alien estate or Guests.
+
+The 1st Volksraad to be elected by burghers only, and to represent the
+highest legislative and administrative powers.
+
+The 2nd Volksraad to be elected by Uitlanders and burghers, and to be
+vested with all such reasonable legislative powers as will cover the
+domestic, industrial, and vocative interests of both burghers and
+guests.
+
+The Uitlander franchise shall be limited to representation in the 2nd
+Volksraad, and be extended under usual fair conditions of eligibility to
+all white persons after two years' residence, retrospectively reckoned.
+
+Aliens may be admitted to full burgher rights and vote for 1st
+Volksraad, President, and Commandant-General, after five years'
+residence, if approved of by two-thirds of the burghers of his ward,
+possesses landed property to the value of L1,000, and has not been
+convicted here or elsewhere of any degrading crime.
+
+Members of both Volksraads and for public service shall be eligible
+without respect of creed.
+
+The exploitation of mines shall be subject to a tax of 25 per cent.,
+reckoned upon the yearly net profits, such revenue to be applied at the
+discretion of the 1st Volksraad solely for the benefit of the burgher
+estate--schools, hospitals, universities, pensions, by means of
+permanent endowments.
+
+The Government of the Transvaal undertakes:--
+
+1. There shall be no identification or co-operation permitted, on the
+part of any of the Transvaal people, with the association known as the
+Afrikaner Bond, or any such-like political complot.
+
+2. The recognition of British paramountcy over South Africa, including
+the Transvaal, in so far as it does not clash with the intentions and
+provisions set forth in the conventions of 1881 and 1884, and does not
+extend to interference with or curtailment of complete internal
+autonomy.
+
+3. Renunciation of indemnity claim _re_ Jameson incursion.
+
+4. To regulate the question of coloured British subjects resident in the
+Transvaal upon a genial basis, irrespective of the Bloemfontein
+arbitration award upon that subject.
+
+5. Poll and war taxes shall be abolished.
+
+6. Dual rights equal with the Dutch language shall be accorded to the
+English language, similarly as is done in the Cape Colony for Dutch.
+
+7. The railways and dynamite factory to be expropriated as soon as
+possible--the loans required thereto to be amortized within twenty
+years, and pending those expropriations the freights upon coal and
+oversea goods shall be reduced 10 per cent, and the price of explosives
+20s. per case, these reductions to be met from the revenue accruing to
+the burgher estate from the tax upon mining profits.
+
+8. To join a general Customs union upon equitable conditions.
+
+9. Restore the High Court to independent power in terms of constitution.
+
+The sequel has shown that Bond counsels prevailed over the suggestions
+of that old Free Stater. As to the seven years' franchise offered under
+the pretence and colour of meeting Sir Alfred Milner's demand, it had
+clearly been intended to serve as a decoy and stop-gap pending the
+contemplated war of conquest, and to mask Bond duplicity while further
+preparations were to be completed in diplomacy abroad and in the
+seditious conspiracy in the Colonies. Natal was at that time swarming
+with Boer emissaries, and Transvaal artillery officers with Hollander
+engineers in disguise were seen inspecting Laing's Nek tunnel and other
+strategic points in that colony.
+
+Not knowing at the time that State Secretary Reitz was an inveterate
+Bondman, that old Free State patriot had roundly denounced to him the
+wickedness of Bond aims, and added the remark that the establishment of
+a united Boer Republic apart from British supremacy in South Africa was
+a deceptive dream. England has a mission in Africa--that of the Boers
+can only be subordinate to it. It would need the aid of a powerful
+maritime combination to supplant England. The case of America does not
+present an analogy; there England only was actually interested, but here
+various other nations were concerned in their respective huge
+investments. They would have a voice in the business. Armed intervention
+would lead to a big European war and extreme misery to entire
+Africa--just what the devil wants, but not the investor. Indiscriminate
+franchise will cause the loss of national independence, and so might
+ultimately cosmopolize and obliterate their distinctive nationality, but
+so would also a war with England, with the total sacrifice of their
+independence into the bargain. Let the Government rather prove to
+England its sincere friendship and agree to deal well by the Uitlanders,
+treating them as privileged guests, then the unhappy strain in relations
+will cease. Above all, renounce that wicked Afrikaner Bond with its
+motto of conquest. The demand for franchise is England's device of
+self-protection against Bond designs. England will desist from that
+demand if we renounce the Bond and prove our friendship.
+
+That old Free Stater had moreover expressed his most earnest conviction
+that a _modus vivendi_ upon the lines suggested would find ready
+consideration as an alternative to the five years' franchise demand,
+and that the British Government would hail with the utmost satisfaction
+and relief any tentative towards a sound _rapprochement_ based upon the
+contentment of the Boer people within the areas of their Republics and
+which would terminate Bond aspirations for Boer supremacy in South
+Africa. Had he been permitted, the old Free Stater would gladly have
+called upon the British agent at Pretoria, Mr. Conyngham Greene, and
+felt confident that the _modus vivendi_ would lead finally to a complete
+cessation of British interference and to best relations and prosperous
+conditions for all instead. He also cautioned the Government at
+Pretoria, giving chapter and verse, against counting upon "the arm of
+man." They would find they had trusted on reeds--it would be so in
+regard to any foreign help, and even in regard to men of their own
+nation in the Cape Colony.
+
+During one of the interviews Mr. Reitz had remarked that he had a
+special theory in regard to the situation; but it varied from that of
+the President, who, in reality, was King, and whose will overcame all
+opposition.
+
+
+
+
+MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY TO AVERT WAR
+
+
+Seeing that twenty years of patient, loyal endeavours and friendly
+conciliatory proceedings following upon the rehabilitation of the
+Transvaal independence had utterly failed in advancing the object of
+uniting the English and Boer races, and that instead the existing gulf
+was ever widening through the spread of those fell Afrikaner Bond
+doctrines, it had become imperative, on the part of British statesmen,
+to employ special efforts to overcome the serious menace hanging over
+South Africa. The critical situation designedly brought about by the
+action of the Transvaal Government and by the influence of the Bond
+party indicated the remedy. A liberal franchise in favour of the
+Uitlanders would at one stroke correct that evil, and counteract the
+other impending danger as well. With a large accession of legitimized
+voters working in accord with England's desire for peace and progress,
+that good influence would be potent, first to shackle Bond action and
+ultimately to reduce it to Colonial limits. The Transvaal would then no
+longer be the giant ally, the arsenal, and the treasury of the Afrikaner
+Bond, and that organisation would then be checkmated into impotence for
+evil.
+
+The success of such a remedial and defensive measure would naturally
+depend upon the adequacy of the franchise aimed at. Mr. Chamberlain and
+his colleagues were not a little sanguine in expecting that a five
+years' qualification for voting and a representation equal to one-fifth
+of the total number of seats in the Legislature would be effective for
+all that which was needed; nor could it be averred that the Transvaal
+burghers would be swamped out thereby.
+
+The Bond chiefs did not fail to at once penetrate the object when the
+demand for a five years' franchise was made, and in vain did Sir Alfred
+display that firm attitude and exhaust his arguments at the historic
+Bloemfontein conference. He had pointed out to President Krueger in a
+rudimentary fashion which was no doubt convincing enough--that it was
+incompatible with professions of concord and desire for peace while
+persisting in excluding from representation a large majority of the
+population accustomed to and expecting liberal treatment, and which,
+moreover, held four-fifths of the wealth invested in the State. There
+could be no other result than a dangerous tension and alienation from
+the Government, instead of the peaceful co-operation so essential to
+security and progress. In these days of advanced ideas of personal and
+political liberty people will resist domination by a minority. They want
+to be consulted, and to have at least the opportunity of making their
+wishes known by means of representation. The right of petitioning could
+not meet that need, and in fact implied the recognition of an inferior
+status so repugnant to any one's sensibility. When people are ignored
+they resent even light impositions and taxes, but if allowed a voice
+will cheerfully submit to heavy burdens, because they then become, in a
+manner, self-imposed. Representation is the panacea against popular
+disaffection and for assuring governmental stability. To concede to
+Uitlanders one-fifth of the seats in the Legislature could not operate
+to the prejudice of burgher interests, but less would not meet the case.
+
+It was, however, not President Krueger alone who had to decide--it
+affected the Bond as a whole. The diplomatic contest so far proved just
+the thing to ripen conditions for the meditated Bond _coup d'etat_. An
+alternative offer of a seven years' franchise was interposed as a mere
+ruse. Never for a moment did the Afrikaner Bond leaders waver or quail
+in the face of resolute firmness, display of force, or even of moral
+pressure and notes of advice from imposing quarters, as Mr. Chamberlain
+had at first still fondly hoped. To the Bond it had all resolved itself
+to a mere question of time, of choosing the most opportune moment when
+to assume the aggressive. British attitude had only hastened the issue.
+Mr. Jan Hofmeyer had indeed been sent for from the Cape so as to assure
+that section of the Bond of Transvaal firmness, but he found no sign of
+flinching or of renouncing the common object laboured for so long and
+then so near fruition. The only difficulty was that British action had
+hastened the issue somewhat too fast. Hence the repeated hurried visits
+of the Bond leaders--Jan Hofmeyer, Abraham Fisher, and others--the
+frequent caucus meetings of the Executive in consultation with those
+delegates, the secret midnight sessions of the combined Volksraads and
+Executive, the prolonged telegraphic conferences between the two
+Presidents, and the final resulting word of "ready" which preceded the
+fatal war ultimatum. The Gordian knot had been in evidence many years
+ago; it is now recognised with regret that England had deferred action
+for cutting it much too long.
+
+But why not agree to arbitration, it will be asked, that peaceable
+method so strenuously appealed for by the Transvaal Government and
+advocated by her partisans, to adjust all differences, of which the
+suzerainty claim and the Uitlander question appeared to be the principal
+ones? The reply is not that England was unwilling, but because the
+Transvaal was insincere, and the request was a cover for shameless
+duplicity, for, while it had been declared by the former that the claim
+to suzerainty would be left in abeyance and that infractions of
+convention which had been committed by the latter would be overlooked in
+consideration of future friendly relations and co-operation, the
+Transvaal Government in reality never for a moment meant to be content
+with less than British overthrow and complete Boer supremacy in South
+Africa, and efforts and intrigues were never relaxed, in concert with
+the Bond, to compass those objects.
+
+
+
+
+AFRIKANER BOND GUILT IN GRADATIONS
+
+
+The promiscuous details and incidents, together with the circumstantial
+and _prima facie_ evidence thus far adduced in arraigning the Afrikaner
+Bond combination, point mostly to conditions existent before the war
+broke out. We had the smoke before the conflagration--it is a wonder how
+people could manage to ignore the menace. Now the war torch is over us
+in its full luridness.
+
+Ordinary fires, if not kindled, originate either from accident,
+spontaneous combustion, or incendiarism. With war the origin may be
+traced to similar causes either singly or in combination, or, when we
+cannot hit the exact diagnosis, we explain it with a handy word and call
+it evolution, as we may do in the case of the present Anglo-Boer
+conflict.
+
+We may for a moment review the material and then also the agencies and
+incentives which operated that evolution against harmony and peace, and
+to which the conflagration is due. We have noted the legal acquisition
+of the Cape Colonies by Great Britain, the equally recognised occupation
+under treaties with England of the two Boer Republics, the English and
+Boer races in progress of friendly assimilation and in happy prosperity
+all over South Africa. This was essentially the position in 1881, until
+it became gradually marred by an invidious element. We have further
+noted the declining condition of Holland, its moribund language, and
+finally the prospects which South Africa presented for that nation's
+restoration to powerful significance, the English factor only standing
+in the way.
+
+The next aspect brings out the marring manifestations: greed of land and
+of conquest with the Pretoria-Bloemfontein combination; malignant
+sedition in the Cape Colonies, urged by lust to participate more
+directly in the wealth of gold and diamonds in the north and to share
+general plunder--both categories of covetousness merged into one
+purulent fester by men of conceited ambition, all cemented with
+collusion, but the whole of it devised, engineered, and operated by the
+most malignant agencies from Holland under the coaching of the evil one
+himself.
+
+The reader may be able to assess the degrees of guilt of each
+category--of the Republican Boer aspirant for land, the Colonial Boer
+rebel seeking his particular profit, the accomplices who for ambitious
+ends lead the first two, and the insidious Hollander intriguers who
+seduced and actuated all in order to seize the lion's share of the
+spoliation.
+
+To sum up, the respective rewards which lured them all are: Plunder for
+the Boers and rebels, laurels and "fat" places for the Bond leaders, and
+a substantial harvest for entire Holland, with paeans of praise for the
+coterie and Dr. Leyds from a grateful people for successfully restoring
+the good fortunes of the Dutch nation, and for effecting a retributive
+vendetta upon England, all under world-wide, gloating acclaims of
+gratified and vindictive jealousy.
+
+The Hollander coterie may plead patriotism which pointed to the duty of
+using the tempting opportunity presented in South Africa in saving
+Holland from national submersion and political extinction by means of
+the Boer nation, but against this stands the unparalleled vileness of
+expedients and the treacherous deceptions employed to attain that
+object. It involved the wholesale seduction of one section of that
+nation into sedition and rebellion against a most beneficent and just
+Government under which they prospered and enjoyed the highest
+conceivable degree of liberty and even special privileges, and of
+pitting the other section into hostility and war against a Power which
+meant nothing else than peace and amity towards them, thus placing both
+into a position of risk to forfeit all their prosperity, apart from the
+inevitable horrors of a war evoked by their rapacious and murderous
+Hollander malice.
+
+The Bond scientists in Holland had fully persevered in their craftily
+laid programme. After having succeeded in producing race hatred between
+Boer and English, the next step had been to convince the Boer leaders
+and the people of the inevitableness of a contest for ensuring the
+supremacy of the Afrikaners, coupled with the absolute necessity of the
+complete expulsion of the entire British element. As arguments were
+adduced that the British element had proved itself unassimilable and
+irreconcilable, its retention in South Africa would necessitate
+continuous provisions to keep it in a state of subjection. The existence
+of such conditions would be inconsistent and incompatible with the true
+ideal liberty as intended for the whole of South Africa, and which must
+be linked with all-round equality and fraternity. The presence of a
+British factor would be an unsurmountable bar to that consummation,
+hence the necessity of its total removal.
+
+The Bond leaders are the next in guilt; with these the incentive is
+principally ambition, which, by degrees, became mis-shaped into a
+specious patriotism. It is known how an ardently desired object pursued
+for a long period is apt to so monopolize and infatuate the mind as to
+totally vitiate and pervert the sense of discernment between right and
+wrong, both as to the legitimacy of the object and the means to be
+employed for its attainment. As the realization remains deferred and the
+efforts are increased, the object from being considered legitimate is by
+degrees invested with merit, a halo of virtue is added to the aspect,
+its pursuit is viewed as a duty by fair or by questionable means, the
+end justifying the latter. All, it is said, is fair in love and warfare.
+This diagnosis appears particularly applicable to President Krueger and
+State Secretary F.W. Reitz, both men of sincere piety (perhaps also to
+Mr. Schreiner), who would have abandoned their project and renounced and
+repudiated the Afrikaner Bond if ever they had doubted its legitimacy of
+principle. So also with most of the other Boer leaders and their clergy
+too. The agencies must have been exceedingly subtle, and the jugglery
+and artifice superhuman, to operate such processes of reasoning, such
+deception and aberration in honest-minded and even godly persons.
+
+As to the bulk of the Boer people, they are simply led by their chiefs
+and superiors, in whom they repose unquestioning confidence. They go
+unreasoningly with the stream of opinion under the firm belief that all
+is divinely sanctioned, including rebellion and violence, and blindly
+obey their call, considering their cause analogous to that of the Jews
+of old, who were enjoined to spoil the Egyptians and then to pass over
+and conquer their land of promise. No papal bull of indulgence ever
+freed people's consciences more than the Boer people now feel in regard
+to the warfare in which they are engaged.
+
+
+
+
+RESUME
+
+
+The Boers in the Cape Colonies have been prospering in a marked degree
+since the British accession in 1814, enjoying ideal liberty and good
+government upon perfect equality with the English colonists.
+
+The people of the Orange Free State fared equally well under best
+relations with the British Government up to the outbreak of the present
+war.
+
+In the Transvaal the Boers were more handicapped, being furthest removed
+from profitable Cape connections, and having to cope with powerful
+hostile tribes within their border. The most redoubtable, under
+Secoecoenie, was subdued during the British occupation in 1878. Then
+followed the short war of 1880, with the voluntary retrocession and
+peace of January, 1881. All appeared to progress remarkably well for
+about ten years after, until the irrational treatment by the Boers of
+British subjects in the Transvaal furnished the first cause of
+friction, and engendered at last the Johannesburg crisis with the
+Jameson incursion, followed by four years' vain attempts on the part of
+England to bring about satisfactory and peaceful relations.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond had been inaugurated some thirty years ago, under the
+mask of a constitutional organization, professing loyalty to England;
+that body had succeeded in hiding its object, which was no less than the
+expulsion from South Africa of all that is English, and which object was
+brutally avowed since the outbreak of the war by declarations in the
+Press and by incendiary speeches of Colonial Bond leaders and members of
+the Cape Parliament.
+
+The British Government did not view very seriously the information it
+received regarding the Bond menace until the definite action of the
+Transvaal Government partially opened its eyes prior to the Johannesburg
+revolt. The hope was, however, still clung to in an undefined way that
+patience and forbearance would yet overcome Boer prejudice and disperse
+racial antipathies, and with characteristic self-confidence as well,
+things were allowed to drift rather out of hand.
+
+The two Republics had been _de facto_ allied some time before the
+Johannesburg crisis in 1895. Both were then already provided with very
+abundant armaments of up-to-date types, with equipments and preparations
+far and away above any conceivable needs except indeed for a _coup
+d'etat_ against British supremacy and to sustain a Colonial revolt.
+
+On the occasion of the Jameson incursion the Orange Free State promptly
+appeared near the scene with best equipped mounted Boer commandoes and
+artillery to assist the Transvaal if needed.
+
+Before 1881 and some time subsequently there had been continued progress
+towards the assimilation of the English and Boer races in South Africa.
+This was marred by Afrikaner Bond doctrines and intrigues proceeding
+from a Hollander coterie, the formula being "Afrika voor de
+Afrikaners"--the aims including the usurpation of British authority in
+the Colonies, supremacy of the Boer nation under one great Republican
+federation, and an affiliated status with Holland which should restore
+that people, all to the prejudice of England, to a political and
+economic significance and power surpassing its former epoch of European
+and Colonial eminence. As to the incentives to the Boer nation, these
+were principally the plunder of capital investments and land conquests,
+which the people had learnt to consider legitimate and in fact
+incumbent as a duty to themselves and descendants.
+
+The means employed in that conspiracy were a subtle, so to say, occult
+propaganda to seduce a simple people to false convictions, to induce the
+creation of gigantic armaments, a secret service employing at a vast
+cost journalism, emissaries, and agencies, to gain partisans and allies
+outside South Africa, the Transvaal mint to coin the sinews of war from
+the appropriation of the mines and their output, the dynamite factory
+(that Bond corner-stone for manufacturing ammunition[11]), a system of
+immigration from Holland towards supplanting the English factor and to
+introduce auxiliaries. Other such means were: laws for admitting
+auxiliaries to immediate full burgher rights and privilege to carry
+arms, from which Uitlanders were rigorously excluded, the rabid campaign
+proscribing the English language and fostering High Dutch instead (which
+was much less understood by the entire Boer people, and much harder for
+them to learn than English). To the above list of devices came the
+exhaustive efforts to obtain an independent seaport for the Transvaal,
+first at St. Lucia Bay, then at Delagoa Bay (ostensibly with a German
+syndicate, and since by subsidizing Portugal or suborning Portuguese
+notables and officials).
+
+The climax of duplicity is reached when it is averred that the pursuit
+of such an organized programme during the past twenty years and more had
+meant peace only, never a thought of conquest, as Ambassador Leyds so
+innocently declared after failing to gain abroad the hoped-for support
+for the monstrous Bond enormity.
+
+The Afrikaner Bond leaders would have preferred the war to have been
+deferred a little longer--preferably to a moment when England might be
+embroiled elsewhere. It was also thought of importance that the
+Transvaal should first realize the auriferous "underground rights"
+situated around the Johannesburg mines, which Government asset was
+expected to net at least fifty million pounds sterling. The sales had
+already been advertised, and were in preparation when the outbreak of
+the war intervened. Upon the word "ready," flashed from Bloemfontein,
+followed at once the fateful Pretoria ultimatum. The proceeds of those
+underground rights must now come in afterwards to defray the war bill.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 11: President Krueger's reference to that factory is well
+known, styling it as one of the corner-stones of Boer independence.]
+
+
+
+
+THE BOERS' NATIVE POLICY
+
+
+Boer views regarding coloured peoples are those retained from Dutch
+practices of a hundred and more years ago, when the Cape of Good Hope
+still belonged to that nation. Servitude, if not absolute slavery, was
+then generally recognised as the proper status for coloured aborigines,
+and that principle of differentiation continues to be upheld and applied
+in a modified form, it must be admitted, in all the Colonial possessions
+of Holland. The authority for this stand is sought from ancient biblical
+history, where the descendants of Ham appear marked out for servitude,
+and from that basis it is interpreted that people so marked are not
+designed for tuition or evangelization until after they have been
+subjugated. According to such a doctrine the injunction to preach the
+Gospel to every creature would be limited to civilized whites, and might
+only be extended to such coloured peoples who have been fitted, as is
+said, for the reception of the Christian faith by being placed under
+the subserviency of whites, as their sponsors if not their actual
+masters, and requiring mundane tuition and education as essential bases
+to precede conversion.
+
+For the refutation of such monstrous doctrines it may be urged that,
+according to Scripture, savage as well as cultured peoples have a
+consciousness of guilt towards the Divine Judge. The object of the
+Gospel is to end the history of the culprit as such and to place him
+upon a new standing--"the wind bloweth as it listeth": a new birth
+operated by the acceptance of the Gospel proclamation addressed to every
+creature, black as well as white. Growth and moral amendment properly
+"follow" that spiritual birth; neither is conceivable before, except
+purely human education, which is incapable of effecting a change, and in
+fact tends only to fortify the natural man in his implacable hostility
+against the newly implanted element, each lusting against the other.[12]
+
+History records how the Spanish and other early explorers operated with
+the aborigines in the regions discovered by them. The territories with
+their inhabitants were declared possessions accruing to their respective
+sovereigns, whose main policy was the exploitation of all the wealth
+possible. The aborigines were dispossessed, treated as conquered
+peoples, and forced to do the exploiting labour. No other results could
+follow than the gradual diminution and final exhaustion of all the
+wealth and the partial, if not total, extinction of the aboriginal
+races.
+
+What retribution overtook those nations is also on record. Those
+enslaved peoples were forced to accept the religion of their conquerors.
+Can true converts be made to order by constraint, motives of
+self-interest, or by baptizing them _en bloc_? What else but deepest
+aversion and mistrust could a religion inspire which is professed and
+taught by a people who practise spoliation, murder, and other
+descriptions of wickedness abhorrent even to a savage mind? The
+aborigines would daily behold their own land and possessions enjoyed by
+usurpers and "would be teachers," who subjected them besides to slavery
+and abject misery. Could the religion of such teachers ever find favour
+with their victims? How could doctrines of righteousness and love be
+understood when so glaringly violated by their preceptors?
+
+It presents a sad paradox to see that the Boers, who are in many
+respects consistently religious and even exemplary, could uphold
+principles which place coloured people out of caste, not only in regard
+to political rights but also as to the common religious standing before
+the Creator. It would be unjust to charge the Boers with actually
+barbarous practices towards the natives--what they do enforce is their
+submission to the condition of servants.
+
+The Boer people ever chafed against the restraining action of the
+British Government as to their practice of slavery, and they have not
+hesitated either to exhibit their hostility to missionary enterprise.
+The confiscation of Protestant mission sites in the Orange Free State is
+one of the instances; another was exemplified in a raid perpetrated
+about forty years ago by the Transvaal Boers upon the inoffensive
+Bechuana tribe, whose chief and many of his people had accepted the
+Christian faith through the teaching of Moffat, David Livingstone, and
+other evangelists. The pretext for that raid was a lying report that
+that Bechuana chief had bartered some 400 guns from traders to fight the
+Boers with. The Boers sent an ultimatum requiring the surrender of
+those weapons. Despite the protestation of the chief and his people that
+not more than eight guns had been bartered for hunting, which had later
+proved true, a commando was sent against them under Commandant Paul
+Krueger, now President Krueger. Many of the natives were slain, their
+villages burnt, their cattle seized, and great numbers of the tribe
+taken captive for distribution as servants among the Boer farmers in the
+Transvaal. That raid was further signalized by the total destruction of
+Moffat's mission station--church, school buildings, and industrial
+shops. These, after being looted, were all consigned to the flames, as
+also the missionary dwellings, among which was that of David
+Livingstone, with his furniture, books, and belongings. There are
+abundant records, besides that of the Bechuana nation, that barbarous
+and idolatrous peoples are amenable to Christianity without the prior
+influences of civilization or individual education, or that they should
+be subjugated first, as the Boers would have it. What indeed is of
+immense aid for moral and economic advancement is the operation of
+civilized and liberal governmental authority, repressing slavery, under
+which proprietary rights and justice are equally afforded to black and
+white, and where the Gospel might have a free course without constraint
+and without inducements of material advantages.
+
+It seemed that such conditions were on the eve of eventuating for the
+rescue and disenthralment of darkest Africa. This is what Moffat,
+Livingstone, Coillard, and many other devoted servants of the Gospel had
+prayed for all their lives, what has been and still is the burden of the
+prayers (no doubt all inspired) of millions of Christians. The interior
+is no more a blank on the map. Much is done for the suppression of
+slavery. The whole continent is parcelled out among different nations,
+who have assumed the task of civilizing their respective spheres. The
+world's energy and capital stand available for the object, and it
+appeared that many souls were being seriously aroused to the
+responsibility of obeying the charge pronounced in Ezekiel xxxiii. 1-11.
+But sinister influences have not failed in attempts to bar beneficent
+dispensations. We have seen fanaticism resulting in the fierce revolt of
+Mahdism in the north, and are now awaiting the issue of the war brought
+on by Afrikaner Bondism in the south.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 12: Another has aptly illustrated the change by comparing such
+a man's new condition to a hotel that has come under totally different
+and perfectly new management and controlling proprietorship.]
+
+
+
+
+ENGLAND'S NATIVE AND COLONIAL POLICY
+
+
+Until the earlier parts of this nineteenth century England has been
+conspicuous among other nations in tolerating slavery in some of her
+possessions, and in permitting her people to engage in systematic
+man-hunts, with the accompanying atrocities and horrors of a regular
+slave trade. Manifestations of national abhorrence and condemnation of
+that inhuman traffic and of slavery in general appeared during the first
+quarter of this century. The nation hid its shame and contrition in acts
+towards remedying its share of the evil committed. These took the shape
+of expending some twenty million pounds sterling towards the
+emancipation of slaves and various other costly measures to repress the
+trade in human beings, and in proclaiming personal freedom for all
+slaves in her dominions. The desire to do justice to coloured races was
+further exemplified in the adoption, dating some fifty years back, of a
+totally altered colonial and native policy. Up to then the practice
+with all colonizing Powers had been to utilize their foreign dominions
+as preserves for financial exploitation, involving the most crying
+injustice to aborigines. The departure then effected consisted in a
+policy of just laws instead, directed to ensure to those people
+equitable treatment and a recognition of their rights to fixed property
+and to a position before the law equal with that of white inhabitants.
+The revenues produced by the Colonies were thenceforward all to be
+devoted to the advancement of their own local prosperity. Free trade
+followed that _regime_ of liberty and equity, and, as intended, such
+Colonial dominions began to partake of the character and were
+constituted off-shoots of the mother country, with a like status of
+liberty and enjoying the benefit of British protection at the same time.
+Many were the auguries that the experiment would result in political and
+economic failure, but the good results to all concerned proved to be so
+far-reaching as to startle even its most sanguine advocates. The
+extension of privileges and rights operated upon the natives as a
+magical incentive to labour and emulation for the improvement of their
+economic condition; people who had before preferred an indolent,
+semi-nomadic existence betook themselves more to agricultural and
+sedentary habits, living in much greater comfort and steadily increasing
+in wealth.
+
+Civilization went on apace, and with it the moral improvement of the
+aborigines, paving the way as well for the spread of Christianity. All
+this was accompanied with an immense and ever-advancing expansion of
+trade with England and the recognition of British prestige as a
+successful colonizing power.
+
+Numerous other principalities courted the privilege of coming under the
+aegis of the English flag, their potentates and people readily submitting
+to the abolition of practices which were not in accord with humane and
+civilized usages and eager to share the benefits and advancement of
+civilization which were enjoyed under British rule. In not a few
+instances it was, however, not feasible to extend the protectorate so
+coveted.
+
+While other nations were engaged in wars during the past half-century,
+England had opportunities to largely expand and consolidate her Colonial
+dominions. At the same time British trade, industries and shipping
+advanced with gigantic strides, and that nation has since gained the
+foremost rank as a commercial and Colonial empire, governing over the
+choicest portions of the globe some four hundred millions of loyal and
+contented subjects, who enjoy liberty and a degree of prosperity
+unequalled elsewhere as yet, the whole being protected by a navy which
+constitutes England as champion on sea as well.
+
+All this national success and example of liberal government have had a
+salutary influence upon the rest of the world in evoking wholesome
+competition and emulation. But another and very untoward effect is that
+widespread and deep-rooted envy and jealousy have also been aroused,
+which on occasion are apt to develop into pretexts for actual hostility,
+or hostile partisanship as is now the case.
+
+What signalises the beneficent reign of Queen Victoria more than
+anything else is the peculiarly devoted manner in which that august lady
+has personally acquitted herself of her duty and responsibility in
+regard to the elevation and rehabilitation of the hitherto socially
+enslaved condition of womanhood in her Indian empire; for it is well
+known how the philosophic religions of the East have been subtly adapted
+for establishing the political and social pre-eminence of certain
+classes of a population over its majority, at the same time dooming
+womanhood generally to the lowest rank of drudges, perpetual contempt
+and ignorance, refusing them education (as had been done in the case of
+the Roman slaves)--specially despised if without a husband, and if a
+widow, immolated at last upon her husband's funeral pyre.
+
+Step by step, by means of strenuous and disinterested exertions,
+employing prestige and encouragements, by legislation and otherwise, a
+breach was effected which bids fair to break down that caste-fenced and
+chained thraldom, and to raise over a hundred millions of her humble
+subject sisters from unnatural degradation to occupy the honourable and
+responsible rank assigned by the Creator to woman as man's social help,
+meet for him, and to whom honour is due as to the weaker vessel.
+Millions of women have already found emancipation and recognition of
+their right position, to man's reciprocal joy and to the felicity of
+their families. Their sons and daughters in turn now form armies to
+complete the mission of liberty so zealously inaugurated by their
+beloved Empress, their own peculiar star of India.
+
+Maybe this and similar earnests evinced during that noble Queen's reign,
+among which the shelter afforded to the Jewish people, will come into
+remembrance in mitigation of visitations deserved by the nation for its
+previous complicity in the hideous traffic in African souls of men.
+
+It throws a light upon the credulity and simplicity of the bulk of the
+poor deluded peasant Boers when, in the face of most genial rule and
+almost an excess of liberty and privileges, Bond artifice could succeed
+in conjuring up contrary notions, and to poison them into the monstrous
+belief that they, the Boers, were an oppressed people, whose downfall
+was designed by rapacious England, and that no other remedy existed for
+preserving independence, religion and homes than to expel that wicked
+English people from African soil. This is, then, what Bond artifice
+effected in the absence of actual cause and in order to dissimulate its
+own nefarious objects. It was the work of twenty years' sedulously
+applied deception and calumnious machinations.
+
+The Hollander coterie has at last succeeded in its ardently desired
+purpose of pitting the Boer nation against England, and to bring about
+the present war. What is even more astounding is the success of those
+villainous artificers upon intelligent partisans of the Boer cause
+outside of Africa and in England even.
+
+
+
+
+OCCULT OPERATIONS AND AGENCIES
+
+
+Will it be considered the mere fancy of enthusiasts, which admits the
+thought of occult forces of a sinister kind set in array to overturn
+beneficent dispensations, that the evil one, the father of lies, has
+been active in all this marring of peace? Had that personage or evil
+principle, if this term is more acceptable, not scored with his
+malignant skill of deception 6,000 years ago, and been walking up and
+down his domain ever since, intent upon undoing redemptive provisions
+and counteracting all endeavours to ameliorate the miseries of humanity?
+His malice would seem discernible against the Boer nation, the people
+who continued in the simple faith which had been kept by their ancestors
+despite the persecutions heaped upon them in France and by the oppressor
+of Holland; he must have viewed with growing rage the designs of a
+gracious Providence surrounding that very people with the blessings of
+security and peace and accumulations of unparalleled riches, all
+construable as in compensation for the sacrifices so willingly submitted
+to by their forefathers and for their own fidelity to the faith. Would
+he tamely brook that--and not bend on all his artifices to reverse those
+provisions and to divert those rich dispensations in favour of his own
+devotees instead, or else rather cause them to be devoured by wasting
+war? He has so far succeeded in instigating the Boer nation to acts
+which involve the forfeiture of their special heirlooms. He would also
+thwart the programme of the world's nations for the civilization of
+Central Africa, and would gratify his malice against the people to whom
+is largely attributable the spread of governmental principles of equity
+and liberty. He would seek to stamp with failure those hitherto
+successful and self-rewarding methods, and so strike an effective blow
+against their further adoption as being goody-goody, weak and
+inefficient.
+
+We see civilized humanity congested with over-population, excess of
+energy and of production and suffering from a plethora of capital, the
+entire condition rife on the one hand with prodigal waste and on the
+other fraught with the cruel want of toiling and jostling millions
+vainly fighting for space and the most modest means of
+existence--conditions which presage an inevitable and universal crash
+unless checked by a Malthusian or else by a beneficent and humane
+remedy. We know the right remedy for at least staving off the impending
+universal crisis lies in the manifold opportunities of creating outlets.
+These exist to the full in the vast fallow regions of Africa, and in the
+scope for industries and commerce in Asia and elsewhere. Each
+well-devised colonizing scheme, every railway built, and every other new
+investment would afford improved employment and relieve the general
+strain; every true convert gained by the spread of Christianity would
+become an obedient and reliable unit towards the menaced stability of
+authorized Governments. We see capital impelled to vast enterprises, as
+it were by secret forces;[13] we are aware of the activity of nations
+singly and in co-operation in promoting and sustaining such projects.
+All those efforts and outlets would serve as safety-valves for the
+discontent of the ill-provided masses, and their success would render
+them governable at a lesser cost, and even admit the reduction of
+standing armies and other objects treated by the recent Peace Conference
+at the Hague. The essential thing, indeed, is peace, and that in turn
+would consolidate security and progress. But the enemy is interested
+exactly the other way. His ascendancy is coincident, not with the
+mitigation of the conditions of human existence, but in accentuating the
+misery of the masses, driving them to desperation and to embrace illogic
+and deceptive maxims of socialism and violent anarchy. It is with those
+forces that he intends to uproot and usurp divinely instituted authority
+expressly set up to repress evil and to protect person and property. He
+wants by licence and not liberty to hasten the advent of that murderous
+political power prophetically depicted with the statue standing upon
+feet of clay and iron: supreme authority vested in the world's
+proletariat in unstable and uncohesive union with militarism, Satan
+himself the actual lawless animator.[14] As to the scope for outlets in
+the East, it is more restricted to industries and commerce, but those
+enterprises, however brilliantly promising, are fraught with the risks
+incidental to hostile rivalries and political complications, while in
+Africa the openings are at least as vast and inviting immigration on a
+huge scale as well, but all with much greater security, inasmuch as the
+spheres of operation are definitely apportioned to various nations, and
+where in the nature of things the success of each would be promoted by
+joint-solidarity, and thus afford a guarantee for the peaceable and
+prosperous development of the whole continent. Our common enemy would
+fain frustrate it all with his Afrikaner Bond device, and then finally
+gloat over the accomplished ruin of his deluded Boer victims.
+
+Africa has for some thousands of years been the enemy's favourite and
+undisturbed haunt for his gory orgies, for the hecatombs of millions of
+immolated victims each year, the teeming recruiting preserve for his
+contingents.
+
+Is he likely to surrender it all to an invading beneficent operation?
+Will he not rather continue a most determined and desperate resistance
+and oppose the most advanced of his subtle devices? The malignant power
+of his agencies is ever and anon manifest--if restrained in one
+direction his sway is doubly asserted in another. While the Boer war is
+proceeding a diversion upon a large scale is being effected in Asia
+which may result in deferring progress in Africa, or history may be
+brought to repeat itself by the production of some African Attila or
+Grenseric or a Saladin or another Moselikatse or Mahdi, whose
+overrunning hordes will efface all the good work thus far done and
+restore conditions in accord with his murderous sway, whilst at the same
+time revelling over the ominous developments looming in Europe and
+America for the production of giant strikes and other imminent
+socialistic outbursts which could all be prevented, or at least staved
+off for a long time, if the existing immense spheres for civilizing
+outlets could only be peaceably utilized.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 13: One of those enterprises is the railway which is to
+connect the Cape with Cairo.]
+
+[Footnote 14: Pro-Boer Propaganda is persisting in designating England
+as answering to that prophetic image destined to signal destruction.]
+
+
+
+
+RELIGION
+
+
+The old voortrekkers who emigrated from the Cape Colony all belonged to
+the Dutch Reformed Protestant persuasion. With very little learning, the
+Bible, catechism, and the orthodox "psalm and hymn-book" constituted
+their sole means for building up their faith. The scope of their
+education was likewise limited to these simple aids during their
+chequered wanderings for nearly twenty years, proving ample, however, in
+preserving themselves and children from the tendencies of receding into
+barbarism. The Bible was the recognised reference and guide in private
+and public affairs, and it is so still. It is, indeed, notable with what
+wisdom and prudence those simple people managed to frame their treaties
+with native potentates, their conventions with the Portuguese and the
+British Governments, and, finally, in compiling their own constitutions.
+Their experiences teem with incidents of extreme sufferings, dangers,
+and reverses, and also with many signal deliverances, which all
+operated in deepening religious fervour and dependence upon the
+Almighty.
+
+Their vicissitudes led them to make analogous comparisons with ancient
+Jewish history. This practice resulted in some erroneous conceptions,
+notably in regard to their relations with aborigines and general native
+policy, as referred to in previous chapters. It also imperceptibly
+fostered sentiments confounding legality with grace, and the by-product
+of that subtle corrupting leaven which is apt to see a splint in the eye
+of another whilst unmindful of the beam in one's own.
+
+Upon the whole, the religious status of the Boers may be fairly compared
+to that of the old American pilgrim fathers, only much less intolerant,
+fairly strict sabbatarians, and jealous in maintaining national and
+individual morality. About forty years ago a small group seceded from
+the Dutch Reformed Church and formed a separate connection under the
+name of "Enkel gereformende Kerk" (simply reformed Church), more
+generally known under the sobriquet of "Doppers." This cult is identical
+with the parent Church, and differs only in a somewhat stricter church
+discipline and the rejection of the hymns from the common psalm and
+hymn-book upon the ground that many of them are tainted with dangerously
+anti-scriptural doctrine.[15] These Doppers are really very worthy
+people, but noted for their strong conservatism and adherence to old
+habits and customs, even in the matter of dress. President Krueger is one
+of their prominent members and so is General Piet Cronje.
+
+The devotional habits of the Boers form one of their national
+characteristics. The family collect at dawn for morning worship, led by
+the parent or else by the tutor--it consists of a hymn,
+Scripture-reading, and prayer--similarly before retiring at night,
+devout grace before and after each meal. These practices are not relaxed
+when travelling with their wagons or when in the field. On Sundays an
+extra (forenoon) service is added. Strangers and travellers receiving
+hospitality are always courteously and unostentatiously admitted to
+those family devotions. One may thus meet with one or more wagons camped
+in the wilderness and find a cluster of men, women, and children
+engaged in happy devotions and singing psalms or hymns in the familiar
+old "Herrenhut" melodies, or one may come upon a scene where men just
+returned to camp, begrimed and still perspiring from a day's hunt or
+battle, join with husky voices an already assembled group in the
+customary service.
+
+Such practices of piety cannot fail to have a salutary effect upon the
+young, nor can it be with justice said that the bulk of the people are
+inconsistent in their conduct, though formality and insincerity are
+sadly frequent enough, and in late years a decadence in seriousness and
+an increase of frivolity instead have marked the present epoch,
+especially among those who are exposed to the pernicious influences and
+contaminations incidental to town life. The old Free Stater mentioned
+before expressed the expectation that the present war and trials will
+tend to check that declension, and in that way prove to have a
+compensating character for good. During my frequent travels it had been
+my privilege as a guest to make the acquaintance of numerous truly
+Christian Boer families, both well-to-do and poor. On one occasion I had
+to accept the hospitality at a farmhouse of one named Brits,[16]
+nicknamed "vuil" or dirty Brits. This was an old blind widower; his
+household was composed, besides himself, of an old brother, also a
+widower, and the family of a son-in-law. After the evening meal the
+service was led by the blind man, the daughter reading some chapters in
+the Bible indicated by him. The two old men and I occupied separate cots
+in one small side room. Happening to wake up at dawn the following
+morning, I saw those old men sit up facing each other, with their feet
+upon the floor, and begin their morning hymn of praise, after which the
+house resounded with younger voices from the other end with a similar
+song. I do not call to mind any special untidiness at that poor blind
+man's house to warrant his sobriquet; my recollections are, on the
+contrary, of the happiest, and I mentally called him clean Brits, clean
+every whit. In another part of the country I was privileged to meet with
+a family, which included a grown-up blind daughter,' who had St. John's
+Gospel in raised letters. While reading with her fingers her upturned
+face would shine with joy when repeating some of the salient, consoling,
+and sustaining verses. And how common are the records among those simple
+Boers of happy and triumphant death-bed scenes of old and young,
+softening the grief of the bereaved believers. Frivolous education and
+advanced surroundings are accountable for a certain waning of the
+original habits of serious piety; this is to some extent more the case
+among the Cape Colonial and Orange Free State Boers, the declension
+appearing greatest with those residing in or in close proximity to
+towns. Among the men of exemplary and consistent piety in the Transvaal
+are conspicuous: President Krueger, State Secretary Reitz,
+Commandant-General Joubert, General Piet Cronje, and others holding
+highest positions, and also many of the Volksraad members, including the
+late General Kock.
+
+Upon the occasion when the Transvaal Executive, with the assembled
+Volksraads, finally determined upon war, and the momentous matter had
+been considered of handing over the passports to Mr. Greene, the British
+agent, just before signing them, President Krueger was observed occupied
+in silent prayer for a few moments, while many of the others bowed their
+heads similarly engaged, after which the documents were firmly
+completed. When the first commandoes were about to depart for the field,
+the President addressed a farewell to the burghers, assuring them that
+God's aid could confidently be implored for their just cause; he also
+quoted part of the Verse, "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall
+lose it," intending it as an exhortation for the timorous, warning them
+of the greater danger incurred by retreat or flight than when
+maintaining a manful stand. (The reader will know that the above
+quotation does not complete the verse, the rest being, "But whosoever
+shall lose his life for my sake or for the Gospel shall preserve it.")
+
+It points to the operation of most persevering and subtle agencies and
+potent illusions that could mislead and carry away the chief men and the
+most intelligent of the Boer nation so far as to engender the erroneous
+convictions which caused them to court the present war and to consider
+it just. As to the bulk of the people, they are in turn led astray by
+their leaders' example and opinions as victims of the general delusion.
+
+These convictions, together with the acceptance of Afrikaner Bond
+doctrines, have developed into quite a national infatuation, a kind of
+Boer Koran, invested with similar fanaticism. Analogies are assumed as
+existing between the case of the Israelites brought by Moses through the
+wilderness, and led by Joshua into the conquered possession of their
+promised Canaan. Following those prototypes, Paul Krueger is held as
+having guided the Boer nation thus far through the mazes of political
+troubles, and so also is General Joubert,[17] now their leader in the
+conquest, South Africa in its entirety being considered as rightfully
+belonging to them. The Orange River stands for Jordan, dividing as yet
+the possessions of the people, and the analogy only needs completion by
+a Pisgah for President Krueger. That such hallucinations have taken deep
+root appears from the fact that the wife of President Krueger dreamt of
+the accomplishment of such a typical history, and that her husband had
+died at an early stage of the conquest. Such complete faith is attached
+to the prophetic import of that dream that the President was prevailed
+upon to permit its publication in full detail some time in November
+last. The President's death was anticipated within two months after. (I
+am far from referring to those incidents in a mocking mood, but rather
+to show the intense sincerity of Boer convictions, confounding the
+Christian's exalted calling with one which is temporal; and I fancy that
+those very Boers, if equally well instructed, might sadly eclipse some
+of us who have the privilege and also the responsibility of enjoying
+correct teaching.)
+
+The writer has endeavoured to represent in a true light both the
+character of the Boer nation and its responsibility in regard to the
+origin of the present deplorable war. The reader will be able to judge
+whether that people is wilfully guilty, or whether the circumstances
+admit of generous, mitigating condonement, always considered apart from
+that horrible Hollander element which has been the root and instigating
+cause of all the evil.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 15: Some readers will recognise the significance, the
+protective competence, the keen and reliable instinct which enable
+untutored believers to discern and detect doctrinal leaven insidiously
+concealed in the garb of worship.]
+
+[Footnote 16: At Modder River, on the road between Bloemfontein and
+Kimberley.]
+
+[Footnote 17: At the time, December, 1899, when this was intended for
+publication.]
+
+
+
+
+PHYSIQUE AND HABITS
+
+
+We have noted in former pages that the Boers' ancestry some two
+centuries ago was composed of about two-thirds of sturdy Dutch peasants,
+artizans, etc., while the other third consisted mostly of French
+Huguenots.
+
+It is known that the immigrant class, though generally somewhat poor,
+are uniformly men and women endowed with an adventurous, self-reliant
+spirit and with unimpaired health. Naturally none but robust persons
+were permitted to join the Dutch settlement at the Cape of Good Hope.
+
+We see in that combination the patient, resolute quality prevailing in
+Holland and the more ardent, vivacious, and chivalrous character found
+with the French people. The Huguenot refugees belonged undisputably to
+the cream of that impulsive nation--intellectual, educated, and
+fearless--whilst both portions were pervaded with deep-rooted religious
+fervour and habituated to moral and temperate lives.
+
+Those combined qualities and habits would naturally be transmitted to
+the progeny; prosperity and splendid climatic conditions tended still
+further to develop a virile physique of first order. The moral and
+physical standards were maintained by the practice of men and women
+marrying early in life, and by occupations which required the people to
+pass most of their time in the open. Educationally, there was
+unavoidably some retrogression, but there is always plenty of scope in
+the existence of colonists in a new country for the exercise of a
+vigorous mind in the study of nature, in overcoming difficulties and in
+cultivating the faculty of resourcefulness.
+
+Whilst missing the intellectual benefits of advanced civilization, the
+people escaped the dangers of its vitiating tendencies, thus preserving
+a healthy mental calibre as well as robust physical health. In addition
+may be mentioned a very notable fecundal power, which accounts for the
+phenomenally rapid increase of the people. All those conditions have
+continued to be maintained with the successive generations up to now.
+
+Those who joined in the exodus north of the Orange River in 1835 and the
+years following comprised the most indomitable and best endowed of that
+stalwart race. Twenty years of a nomadic life after that and until they
+got somewhat settled down served to weed out the weaklings among them;
+since then their mode of life accorded well to keep up the highest
+physical standard, not pampered with many comforts, inured to hardships
+and to out-of-door exercise, with a diet consisting very largely of meat
+and venison, coupled with energetic exercise of mind and body (the women
+sharing in the less arduous duties). All this constituted a regimen and
+training which did not fail to keep the people in a constant condition
+of high efficiency and equipoise for the performance of tasks and for
+surmounting difficulties needing more than usual strength, endurance,
+and fortitude.
+
+The rough labour all over South Africa is done mostly by Kaffirs and
+other coloured people. A Boer farmer will have from two to ten or more
+Kaffirs (men and women) employed for out-of-door work and for domestic
+drudgery. Often absent from home on hunting trips and sometimes on
+commando, the men entrust their work on such occasions (as is now the
+case during the present war) to the care of their wives and daughters,
+assisted by some younger sons, if the family includes any, or else
+simply with the aid of Kaffir servants. Sometimes they are without any
+such help, when they take a pride in doing it alone.
+
+Girls as well as boys learn to ride on horseback when quite young. It is
+quite a usual thing to see women riding astride fashion, collecting
+sheep and cattle, or driving their horse carts and spiders (carriages),
+unattended by males, over distances of over twenty and thirty
+miles--women spanning in ox-teams to their travelling wagons, driving
+them with long whips on journeys occupying one or more days. During the
+Kaffir wars the Boers used to trek (travel) in bodies with their wagons,
+which would serve to form a laager or fort, their families and
+belongings being placed in the centre. During an attack the women would
+attend to the men's wants, reload their rifles, and even take a more
+active part in repelling the enemy, many of them being also crack shots.
+The above-stated efficient and hardy habits with men and women apply
+more to the people in the two Republics, and particularly so to those of
+the Transvaal, while the Colonial Boers on the whole have had no such
+experience, but instead have lived in uninterrupted peace and comfort
+for generations, and may be classed with farmers of any other
+well-governed and protected country or colony. The Boer farmers in the
+northern portions of the Cape Colony, however, approximate to those of
+the Orange Free State in hardy habits and ability to fend for themselves
+when in difficulty. But with the Transvaal Boers the training incident
+to wars, hunting, and nomadic movements has been more sustained, and
+they are thus in best form and fitness of efficiency compared with all
+the rest.
+
+In the Orange Free State nearly every man above fifty years of age has
+had the experience of the three years' Basuto war in 1865-67, and almost
+all above forty are very expert huntsmen and crack shots. Quite a good
+number have also taken part in the Transvaal war against the English in
+1880; the rest have been trained by the elder veterans, and, though not
+so well seasoned, are good horsemen, expert with the rifle, and
+competent in the field. As to the Transvaalers, the men have all had
+plenty of field practice before the previous war with England and since,
+in subduing formidable Kaffir rebellions, the last being the operations
+against the Magato chief, which terminated just before the outbreak of
+the present Anglo-Boer war.
+
+Besides this, game had continued longer in abundance in the Transvaal,
+and is still hunted with success in the northern low veldt and in the
+adjacent Portuguese territory. Added to this, the young Boers in the
+Cape Colony, Natal, Orange Free State, and Transvaal have been
+encouraged to attain proficiency in rifle practice and competence in the
+field, ostensibly for the gratification of keeping up old traditions,
+but in reality to be prepared for the struggle against England meditated
+by the Afrikaner Bond.
+
+About thirty odd years ago the Orange Free State and Transvaal were
+still swarming with all sorts of game. Venison was the staple diet.
+Lions and leopards also infested those States, but these and the game
+have been pretty well extirpated since, except in some of the lower
+parts of the Transvaal. In the earlier days ammunition was costly and
+hard to procure, and the use had to be husbanded accordingly. It became
+thus a practice never to pull a trigger unless with intense aim and the
+certainty of an effective shot. A man would go out stalking for an hour
+or so with perhaps but one or two charges, and would rarely fail in
+bringing home the kind of game wanted--either a springbock, blesbock, or
+wildebeest (gnu). In hunting lions, the lads would form part of the
+company for the purpose of being taught. The boys would learn that if a
+lion meant to attack he would approach to within twenty or thirty
+yards, and then straighten himself up before making the final charge. It
+was during that short halt that the disabling or killing shot would have
+to be delivered. Father and son would then be standing ready--the son to
+fire first; if unsuccessful, the animal would be brought down by the
+father. If there were a larger party and the lions numerous, the lessons
+would be learnt so much better by way of emulation. The boys soon
+realized that a lion, means business only when he advances silently and
+with smoothed gait, but that bristling up and roaring is a sure prelude
+to his skulking off. What we read of the terror-inspiring roar is to the
+Boer stripling pure romance and non-sense; but what he does realize is
+that he must hit the animal in a vital spot at the right moment or else
+run the risk of being clawed and bitten. The confidence, however, which
+he has in his gun gives him all the requisite nerve, and mishaps are of
+very rare occurrence. Those lion hunts used to be very profitable, not
+only for the valuable skins, but especially when a number of young cubs
+were also caught, which would realize considerably high prices from
+menagerie purveyors.
+
+At the age of about eight years a boy would be taught to ride on
+horseback; when twelve years old he would be an expert horseman and a
+deadly rifle shot as well; at sixteen he would be able to perform all
+farm duties and rank with pride and confidence as an efficient burgher
+to take the field against any enemy. His brain is not addled with school
+lore, but is thoroughly versed and taught from nature's book. Hardened
+to the fatigue of long rides over unfamiliar country in search of stray
+cattle, the Boer youth has often to subsist upon a bit of dried biltong
+(junked beef or venison), endure at intervals scorching heat and
+drenching rains, swim rivers, and pass the night with a stone for a
+pillow and his saddle as the only shelter, while his horse, securely
+hobbled, feeds upon the grass around. Never will he lose his way; if
+landmarks fail him and clouds hide moon and stars, he is guided by wind,
+the run of water or his horse's instincts. Accustomed to wide horizons,
+he can promptly distinguish objects at a distance, which, to an
+ordinarily good eyesight, would need careful scanning through a
+field-glass.
+
+He is expert in finding and following any trail, and can promptly tell
+the imprint from whatever animal it might be, or of whatever human
+origin; an ideal scout and unsurpassed as a pioneer. When travelling
+over roadless country the Boer's instinct will direct him in tracing
+the most practicable route for his wagons, and with his experience he
+can foretell what kind of topography he will in succession have to
+traverse, avoiding unnegotiable spots and unnecessary detours, and when
+about to halt, a surveying gaze will locate the safest and most suitable
+position for his temporary camp. Such capacities serve with obvious
+advantage in defensive and offensive war tactics. Prompt in seizing an
+advantage and in avoiding danger, he has also learnt to be an adept in
+ruses to decoy and mislead an enemy, and as for self-help and
+resourcefulness, there is hardly a situation or difficulty conceivable
+which will not be successfully surmounted. The usual Boer can also fend
+for himself and cope with the minor perplexities of every-day life in
+the field, which would strand a less initiated man. He can cook, bake
+bread, mend clothes, make boots, repair saddles, harness, and vehicles,
+and is full of expedients and able to make shift. Most of them know how
+to shoe their horses, whilst many of them are expert also in working
+wood and metals and similar handicrafts. In short, the Boers make ideal
+scouts and are unique as colonizing pioneers. In their nomadic
+wanderings and frequent wars, the Boers have gained much useful
+experience in tactics, strategy, and in the wiles of diplomacy too.
+They also learnt to adopt methods of organization, of cohesion, combined
+action, and a certain amount of discipline among themselves.
+
+They elect as subordinate and chief leaders men whose abilities and
+influence have commended them for such responsible appointments. Before
+committing themselves to any very important step these leaders would
+first confer with the people, who in turn would generally be easily
+swayed to their opinions, and who found by experience that it was safest
+to follow their judgment. It thus also became a habit to leave the main
+thinking over to those leaders, which enhanced unanimity and led to a
+self-imposed obedience and discipline recognised as necessary for the
+common welfare and also indispensable for common safety.
+
+So prevalent had the practice become of deferring to the opinions of
+their leaders that it engendered an apathy among the people against
+considering political and public matters which were not altogether of
+engrossing importance. Public meetings would be poorly attended, and at
+elections not half the votes were recorded. "Let the elected heads see
+to it; they are paid for doing the controlling and thinking work"--that
+used to be the general feeling. But during the past twenty years public
+interest has by degrees been successfully aroused by the activities of
+the Afrikaner Bond; the former apathy and distaste to the consideration
+of public concerns have given place to a more lively identification even
+with politics, but the tendency of being swayed by men of influence of
+their own kind remains unchanged.
+
+The Boers are great smokers--tobacco appears to have no hurtful effects
+whatever upon them, but seems rather to serve as a grateful sedative.
+The first thing offered on meeting a Boer is his tobacco pouch, and if
+one is a guest at his house, this is followed by one or more cups of
+coffee. This is drunk by men and women in large quantities, often
+without sugar, but very weak. The people are justly famed for cordial
+hospitality to strangers, and the pleasing tact and unostentatious
+correct politeness met with from the most ordinary and uneducated Boer
+are only accountable for on the theory that that particular culture of
+manners has been transmitted from his noble French ancestry of a couple
+of hundred years ago.
+
+In stature the men near the average of six feet (say five feet ten
+inches)--full-bearded, brawny-limbed, and of stalwart build, suggesting
+a homeric capacity for aggression and resistance. They present a
+standard of sturdy and active manhood, which would have delighted the
+critical eye of Frederick the Great for the formation of his very best
+regiments. What is really singular is the infinitesimally small
+proportion of ineffective and sickly men found left behind when all the
+commandoes are called out, and also the considerable number of hale old
+men above sixty who voluntarily join the field. And when the hardy
+training and general high efficiency are considered down to the youth of
+sixteen, one may estimate the formidableness of such a foe, all well
+mounted on tough and nimble horses, well provisioned and provided with
+the best weapons extant, guided by very competent chiefs and European
+advisers--withal self-reliant and conscious of a superior aggressive and
+defensive capability for repeating their splendid ancestral records of
+prowess. Add to this inbred patriotism stimulated to an enthusiasm
+approaching fanaticism by a mind fashioned to the belief that their war
+is against an unjust usurper destined to be overthrown; it all sums up a
+long way towards balancing numerical inferiority and inexperience in the
+science of modern warfare. As to military science, they are apt to
+become quickly tutored into proficiency by daily observation and
+experience, and by the coaching of the numerous military officers who
+have joined their ranks.
+
+Another advantage upon the Boer side consists in complete
+acclimatization and perfect knowledge of the country. Lastly, but by no
+means less important, is the rational practice of always going as light
+and unencumbered as at all possible, preferably with stripped saddle,
+and to subsist mostly upon meat when in the field, both serving to
+enhance staying power and to provide a reserve of stamina and of energy
+for occasions of supreme effort, which often decide the fate of battle
+against combatants, however courageous, who are fagged out with marching
+on foot, and through being overladen with accoutrements and pack and a
+lumbersome diet as well. What can such panting, unsteadied men do in
+conflict with Boers who are fresh and in well-preserved form, and whose
+steady sharp-shooting simply results in Calvaries for their opponents,
+however brave, disciplined and well equipped they may be?
+
+Yet to be noted is the small commissariat needed for Boer horses and
+mules. These are accustomed to subsist altogether on grass, and when it
+is plentiful, during summer and fall, to keep in good condition, working
+six to ten hours daily, if only allowed to graze during the rest of the
+time. They are then usually knee-haltered, _i.e._, one foreleg tied to
+the halter, with about eighteen inches space between. A few feeds of dry
+mealies (maize) will be amply supplementary when the pasture is
+inferior, or if the animals have to be picketed much.
+
+As said before, alcoholism does not prevail among the Boers, and any
+tendency to it is sedulously checked by legislation and public
+reprobation. President Krueger is an absolute abstainer from intoxicants,
+and even at banquets he will sip water only when joining in a toast. His
+contention is that the effects generally go beyond a harmlessly
+exhilarating point; the action of alcohol unbalances the nervous
+equilibrium, producing in most cases an excitement above the normal
+level, followed by a corresponding depressive reaction below it,
+creating an appetite for repeating the potation, with exactly similar
+and progressively aggravated results. Then man's moral standard and
+general efficiency and dignity become impaired, to the serious damage of
+his own welfare and involving the common weal as well. When at the
+outbreak of the war the sale of intoxicants became totally prohibited
+the measure was received with willing submission and hailed with general
+approval, which speaks volumes for the burgher population and without
+doubt also tends to preserve their efficiency and stamina.
+
+
+
+
+PRESIDENT KRUeGER
+
+
+Stephanus Johannes Paulus Krueger is about the most accessible President
+on record. Every morning--except Sundays and holidays, after family
+worship, that is to say, from 5.30 in summer and 6 in winter to 8
+o'clock--he gives audience to Boer and Uitlander, rich or poor alike,
+and also on each afternoon, from 4 to 6 and even later. His residence in
+the west end of Church Street, Pretoria, is quite an ordinary modest
+building of the bungalow type. The only distinction observable is two
+crouching lion figures, life size, on pedestals about three feet high,
+at the balustrade entrance to the front verandah. A lawn of about thirty
+feet across extends to the street limit, where at a very unpretentious
+gate two armed burgher guards are constantly stationed. These will
+receive an intending visitor's name, an unarmed domestic guard will then
+come forward, who, after a short scrutiny, if the person is a stranger,
+will report to the President and will immediately return to conduct you
+to that dignitary, who may be sitting under the front verandah or in the
+adjoining reception-room. There the President will readily shake hands
+and point to a chair, rather near by because he is slightly hard of
+hearing, the domestic guard standing or sitting between, but a good way
+back. By his questions and final remarks one feels assured that the
+topic introduced has been attentively listened to and fully grasped.
+While conversing, other audience-seekers would drop in, and, while
+waiting their turn, coffee would usually be served to all. The manners
+observed are devoid of any stiffness of etiquette, but rather marked
+with a cordial decorum approaching intimacy, most assuring to the
+simplest and humblest visitor.
+
+The only leisure the President enjoys is the interval from 12 to 2,
+between his official labours at the Government buildings, which are
+about half a mile distant from his house. He drives there and back in a
+modest carriage attended by a guard of mounted policemen. His Honour is
+invariably dressed in black cloth, with the usual tall silk hat. Six
+feet high, with a slight stoop, broad shouldered, deep-chested, with
+well-developed limbs, arms rather long, the President presents a
+stately, burly figure, portly without obesity. When younger he was
+noted, as something like a Ulysses, for personal strength and prowess as
+well as for sagacity. Although seventy-five years old now, Mr. Krueger
+has still a remarkably hale bearing and an intellect of undiminished
+quality. His eyesight, however, has been suffering of late, rendering
+the attendance of an oculist necessary. His Honour is in his fifth term
+of presidency, and has held the office twenty-two years. His salary is
+L8,000 per annum, of which he probably does not expend L1,000, his
+habits being exceedingly simple and frugal, Mrs. Krueger being equally
+conservative and thrifty, preferring rather to expend money for her
+children and in unostentatious benevolence than in superfluities.
+
+President Krueger is an exemplary Christian, an earnest student of the
+Bible since his youth, ever ready to employ his gifts to strengthen the
+faith of his people and to maintain their religious standard. He often
+occupies the pulpit, and on other occasions gives exhorting discourses.
+Upon the completion of the imposing Johannesburg synagogue his Honour
+was requested to preside at its dedication. It was an impressive
+function, and withal so anomalous and unrabbinical a departure--the head
+of the State, a devout Christian, opening the edifice for Jewish
+worship and addressing a discourse to the thousands of assembled
+Israelites. In his zeal and concern Mr. Krueger could not refrain from
+adverting to their blessed Messiah, the God-man of Jewish stock,
+rejected through ignorance by their forefathers, exalted since, but who
+loved His people nevertheless, as typified by Joseph's narrative when he
+revealed himself to his brethren in Egypt. He adjured them to a
+prayerful reading of their Old Testament, and he invoked God's mercy to
+remove the veil which obscured from their eyes their own and also the
+Gentiles' glorious Immanuel. The ceremony was concluded with perfect
+decorum, despite the surprise that the address had drifted into an
+impassioned Gospel sermon.
+
+This grand old Boer is the very personification of noble patriotism and
+devoted concern for the welfare of his nation. While admiring and loving
+the man, what sorrow on the one side and indignant execration on the
+other do not overwhelm one, seeing that such a pattern and leader of men
+should have become the victim of that heartless Hollander coterie! One
+cannot but marvel at the same time at the alert skill and wily patience
+which must have been employed during the many years past to hold
+President Krueger with State Secretary Keitz and President Steyn in the
+Afrikaner Bond leash ready to let loose with unshaken convictions upon
+the supreme contest designed for them and their people by the
+machinations intended for upraising Holland at the risk of immolating
+the victimized Boer nation.
+
+
+
+
+PEACE ADJUSTMENTS
+
+
+Upon this topic a few remarks may be placed under the assumption that
+the arch enemy's triumph in the present war will be circumscribed by the
+havoc and the bereavements created by it, and by the forfeiture
+inflicted upon the poor deluded Boers of their special heirlooms. One of
+the considerations would be the war cost and its recoupment, and another
+important one is the measures needful to prevent a repetition of a Bond
+revolt.
+
+As to the war indemnity: it is well understood on all hands that the
+supremacy of Great Britain, when once established as the result of the
+war, will greatly enhance the value of all existing capital
+investments--10 to 50 per cent., and many even 100 per cent. It is not
+to be denied that capitalism has evinced decided eagerness that English
+supremacy should be asserted, and it is in a manner amenable together
+with the Afrikaner Bond, for secretly striving to bring about the
+contest each independently in its own way, but without the least concert
+with each other. It appears therefore equitable that capital should
+become contributable to the cost of the war which will eventually result
+in so largely enhancing its invested values.
+
+A tax of 2-1/2 per cent. upon the aggregate investment values and a
+royalty upon the mining industries of 25 per cent. of the net profits
+would appear reasonable.
+
+The 2-1/2 per cent. tax might bring a sum of ....... 15 millions
+
+The royalty could be reckoned at capitalized
+  value ............................................ 50     "
+
+The confiscations might reach ...................... 10     "
+
+And the underground rights around the Johannesburg
+  mines might realize .............................. 50     "
+
+Thus together 125 millions, possibly not sufficient to cover the entire
+war cost if pensions are to be included. It is a sad reflection to note
+that the entire wealth which constituted the national heirloom of the
+Transvaal will have been wasted, and comes far short to cover the actual
+war expenditure. In regard to preventive measures against another Bond
+war, nothing appears clearer than the necessity of applying the _lex
+talionis_ upon the Hollander element in South Africa (though not in that
+inhuman fashion as was practised upon the English refugees before and at
+the commencement of the war).
+
+Whilst not so guilty to the same extent of enormity as the coterie in
+Holland, who devised all the Bond mischief at a safe distance, the
+Hollanders in South Africa were nevertheless their eager abettors and
+sedulous henchmen. It will be remembered that the Bond cry had been
+"Drive the English into the sea, out of Africa," and that the first
+earnest in carrying out that fiat was practised some months before the
+outbreak of the war upon the unaggressive coloured British subjects,
+traders, merchants, etc., whose removal from their residences and
+businesses to ghettos outside the towns practically compassed their ruin
+and expulsion from the Transvaal. This was followed, first by a
+voluntary and afterwards by the forced exodus of Uitlanders at the rate
+of thousands per day--men, women, and children packed in uncleansed coal
+and cattle trucks, together with Coolies, Kaffirs, and Hottentots, and
+hustled over the Portuguese border, dumped down at that death-trap
+Komati Poort if unable to pay the railway fare for fifty-three miles
+further to Delagoa Bay. Those refugees were obliged to abandon or
+sacrifice their belongings--they had no time allowed to realize them; it
+meant their financial ruin.
+
+That Hollander element comprises the most insidious menace, and, like a
+cancer, must be unsparingly excised from South Africa, unless
+encouragement is intended to be given for an attempt to go one better
+next time, with a repetition, or rather an aggravation, of the horrors
+of war and the cost in life and treasure, turning the sub-continent into
+a second vast Algeria, with perhaps such another "Abd El Kadr" to
+subdue, and without any reserve asset, as now, to fall back upon towards
+reimbursing the expense. Their expulsion should, however, not be
+effected without giving some fair notice affording them time for the
+realization of their estates. As to the Dutch language, it will not
+entail any excessive hardship if it is equally banished as an official
+language, seeing that English is on the whole not more unfamiliar to the
+bulk of the Boer people than pure High Dutch is, and seeing that the
+dual right was accorded to Dutch as an official language under this
+almost inconceivable feature, that it admittedly had yet to be learnt to
+become of any practical use or utility other than as an instrument for
+keeping the races apart and to facilitate the Bond objects of usurpation
+and revolt.
+
+
+FINIS
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the Anglo-Boer War Revealed
+(2nd ed.), by C. H. Thomas
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