diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:32:02 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:32:02 -0700 |
| commit | 917f483e2d917435c9a8db5cf952c61712fcfabc (patch) | |
| tree | 57da2cd0f2cdf86d1be580e59c08e2f990bd3e41 /8667-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '8667-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 8667-h/8667-h.htm | 11194 |
1 files changed, 11194 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/8667-h/8667-h.htm b/8667-h/8667-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fe578ed --- /dev/null +++ b/8667-h/8667-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11194 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Cetywayo and his White Neighbours, by H. Rider Haggard + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Cetywayo and his White Neighbours, by H. Rider Haggard + +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: Cetywayo and his White Neighbours + Remarks on Recent Events in Zululand, Natal, and the Transvaal + +Author: H. Rider Haggard + +Release Date: April 27, 2006 [EBook #8667] +Last Updated: September 23, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CETYWAYO AND HIS WHITE NEIGHBOURS *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers; Dagny; David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + CETYWAYO AND HIS WHITE NEIGHBOURS + </h1> + <h2> + OR, REMARKS ON RECENT EVENTS IN ZULULAND, <br /> NATAL, AND THE TRANSVAAL. + <br /> <br /> By H. Rider Haggard + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + First Published 1882. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + PREPARER’S NOTE + + This text was prepared from an 1882 edition published by + Trubner & Co., Ludgate Hill, London. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + “I am told that these men (the Boers) are told to keep on agitating in + this way, for a change of Government in England may give them again the + old order of things. Nothing can show greater ignorance of English + politics than such an idea. I tell you there is no Government—Whig + or Tory, Liberal, Conservative, or Radical—who would dare, under any + circumstances, to give back this country (the Transvaal). They would not + dare, because the English people would not allow them.”—(<i>Extract + from Speech of Sir Garnet Wolseley, delivered at a Public Banquet in + Pretoria, on the 17th December 1879.</i>) + </p> + <p> + “There was a still stronger reason than that for not receding (from the + Transvaal); it was impossible to say what calamities such a step as + receding might not cause. . . . For such a risk he could not make himself + responsible. . . . Difficulties with the Zulu and the frontier tribes + would again arise, and looking as they must to South Africa as a whole, + the Government, after a careful consideration of the question, came to the + conclusion that we could not relinquish the Transvaal.”—(<i>Extract + from Speech of Lord Kimberley in the House of Lords, 24th May 1880. H. P. + D., vol. cclii., p. 208.</i>) + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> CETYWAYO AND HIS WHITE NEIGHBOURS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> CETYWAYO AND THE ZULU SETTLEMENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> NATAL AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>THE TRANSVAAL</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + The writer on Colonial Affairs is naturally, to some extent, discouraged + by the knowledge that the subject is an unattractive one to a large + proportion of the reading public. It is difficult to get up anything + beyond a transient interest in the affairs of our Colonial dependencies; + indeed, I believe that the mind of the British public was more profoundly + moved by the exodus of Jumbo, than it would be were one of them to become + the scene of some startling catastrophe. This is the more curious, + inasmuch as, putting aside all sentimental considerations, which indeed + seem to be out of harmony with the age we live in: the trade done, even + with such comparatively insignificant colonies as our South African + possessions, amounts to a value of many millions of pounds sterling per + annum. Now, as the preachers of the new gospel that hails from Birmingham + and Northampton have frequently told us, trade is the life-blood of + England, and must be fostered at any price. It is therefore surprising + that, looking on them in the light of a commercial speculation, in which + aspect (saith the preacher) they are alone worthy of notice, a keener + interest is not taken in the well-being and development of the Colonies. + We have only to reflect to see how great are the advantages that the + Mother Country derives from the possession of her Colonial Empire; + including, as they do, a home for her surplus children, a vast and varied + market for her productions, and a wealth of old-fashioned loyalty and deep + attachment to the Old Country—“home,” as it is always called—which, + even if it is out of date, might prove useful on emergency. It seems + therefore, almost a pity that some Right Honourable Gentlemen and their + followers should adopt the tone they do with reference to the Colonies. + After all, there is an odd shuffling of the cards going on now in England; + and great as she is, her future looks by no means sunny. Events in these + latter days develop themselves very quickly; and though the idea may, at + the present moment, seem absurd, surely it is possible that, what between + the rapid spread of Radical ideas, the enmity of Ireland, the importation + of foreign produce, and the competition of foreign trade, to say nothing + of all the unforeseen accidents and risks of the future, the Englishmen + of, say, two generations hence, may not find their country in her present + proud position. Perhaps, and stranger things have happened in the history + of the world, she may by that time be under the protection of those very + Colonies for which their forefathers had such small affection. + </p> + <p> + The position of South Africa with reference to the Mother Country is + somewhat different to that of her sister Colonies, in that she is + regarded, not so much with apathy tinged with dislike, as with downright + disgust. This feeling has its foundation in the many troubles and expenses + in which this country has been recently involved, through local + complications in the Cape, Zululand, and the Transvaal: and indeed is + little to be wondered at. But, whilst a large portion of the press has + united with a powerful party of politicians in directing a continuous + stream of abuse on to the heads of the white inhabitants of South Africa, + whom they do not scruple to accuse of having created the recent + disturbances in order to reap a money profit from them: it does not appear + to have struck anybody that the real root of this crop of troubles might, + after all, be growing nearer home. The truth of the matter is, that native + and other problems in South Africa have, till quite lately, been left to + take their chance, and solve themselves as best they might; except when + they have, in a casual manner, been made the <i>corpus vile</i> of some + political experiment. It was during this long period of inaction, when + each difficulty—such as the native question in Natal—was + staved off to be dealt with by the next Government, that the seed was sown + of which we are at present reaping the fruit. In addition to this, matters + have recently been complicated by the elevation of South African affairs + to the dignity of an English party question. Thus, the Transvaal + Annexation was made use of as a war-cry in the last general election, a + Boer rebellion was thereby encouraged, which resulted in a complete + reversal of our previous policy. + </p> + <p> + Now, if there is any country dependent on England that requires the + application to the conduct of its affairs of a firm, considered, and + consistent policy, that country is South Africa. Boers and Natives are + quite incapable of realising the political necessities of any of our + parties, or of understanding why their true interests should be sacrificed + in order to minister to those necessities. It is our wavering and + uncertain policy, as applied to peoples, who look upon every hesitating + step as a sign of fear and failing dominion, that, in conjunction with + previous postponement and neglect, has really caused our troubles in South + Africa. For so long as the affairs of that country are influenced by + amateurs and sentimentalists, who have no real interest in it, and whose + knowledge of its circumstances and conditions of life is gleaned from a + few blue-books, superficially got up to enable the reader to indite + theoretical articles to the “Nineteenth Century,” or deliver inaccurate + speeches in the House of Commons—for so long will those troubles + continue. + </p> + <p> + If I may venture to make a suggestion, the affairs of South Africa should + be controlled by a Board or Council, like that which formerly governed + India, composed of moderate members of both parties, with an admixture of + men possessing practical knowledge of the country. I do not know if any + such arrangement would be possible under our constitution, but the present + system of government, by which the control of savage races fluctuates in + obedience of every variation of English party politics, is most + mischievous in its results. + </p> + <p> + The public, however, is somewhat tired of South Africa, and the reader + may, perhaps, wonder why he should be troubled with more literature on the + subject. I can assure him that these pages are not written in order to + give me an opportunity of airing my individual experiences or ideas. Their + object is shortly—(1.) To give a true history of the events + attendant on the Annexation of the Transvaal, which act has so frequently + been assigned to the most unworthy motives, and has never yet been fairly + described by any one who was in a position to know the facts; (2.) To + throw as much publicity as possible on the present disgraceful state of + Zululand, resulting from our recent settlement in that country; (3.) To + show all interested in the Kafir races what has been the character of our + recent surrender in the Transvaal, and what its effect will be on our + abandoned native subjects living in that country. + </p> + <p> + It may, perhaps, seem an odd statement, considering that I have lived in + various parts of South Africa for about six years, and have, perhaps, + enjoyed exceptional advantage in forming my opinions, when I say that my + chief fear in publishing the present volume, is lest my knowledge of my + subject in all its bearings should not be really equal to the task. It is, + I know, the fashion to treat South African difficulties as being simple of + solution. Thus it only took Sir Garnet Wolseley a few weeks to understand + the whole position of Zulu affairs, and to execute his memorable + settlement of that country: whilst eminent writers appear to be able, in + scampering from Durban <i>via</i> Kimberley to Cape Town in a post-cart, + to form decided opinions upon every important question in South Africa. + The power of thus rapidly assimilating intricate knowledge, and of seeing + straight through a wall whilst ordinary individuals are still criticising + the bricks, is no doubt one of the peculiar privileges of genius—which + is, perhaps fortunately for South Africa—rare. To the common run of + mind, however, the difficulty of forming a sound and accurate judgment on + the interlacing problems that disclose themselves to the student of the + politics of South-Eastern Africa, is exceedingly great and the work of + years. + </p> + <p> + But although it is by no means perfect, I think that my knowledge of these + problems and of their imminent issues is sufficiently intimate to justify + me in making a prophecy—namely, that unless the native and other + questions of South-Eastern Africa are treated with more honest + intelligence, and on a more settled plan than it has hitherto been thought + necessary to apply to them, the British taxpayer will find that he has <i>by + no means</i> heard the last of that country and its wars. + </p> + <p> + There is one more point to which, although it hardly comes within the + scope of this volume, I have made some allusion, and which I venture to + suggest deserves the consideration of thinking Englishmen. I refer to the + question of the desirability of allowing the Dutch in South Africa, who + are already numerically the strongest, to continue to advance with such + rapid strides towards political supremacy. That the object of this party + is to reduce Englishmen and English ideas to a subordinate position in the + State, if not actually to rid itself of our rule and establish a republic, + there is no manner of doubt. Indeed, there exists a powerful organisation, + the Africander Bond, which has its headquarters in the Cape, and openly + devotes its energies to forwarding these ends, by offering a sturdy + opposition to the introduction of English emigrants and the use of the + English language, whilst striving in every way to excite class prejudices + and embitter the already strained relations between Englishman and Boer. + In considering this question, it is as well not to lose sight of the fact + that the Dutch are as a body, at heart hostile to our rule, chiefly + because they cannot tolerate our lenient behaviour to the native races. + Should they by any chance cease to be the subjects of England, they will, + I believe, become her open enemies. This of itself would be comparatively + unimportant, were it not for the fact that, in the event of the blocking + of the Suez Canal, it would be, to say the least, inconvenient that the + Cape should be in the hands of a hostile population. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, I wish to state that this book is not written for any party + purpose. I have tried to describe a state of affairs which has for the + most part come under my own observation, and events in which I have been + interested, and at times engaged. That the naked truths of such a business + as the Transvaal surrender, or of the present condition of Zululand, are + unpleasant reading for an Englishman, there is no doubt; but, so far as + these pages are concerned, they owe none of their ugliness to undue + colouring or political bias. + </p> + <p> + Windham Club, St. James’ Square, June 1882. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CETYWAYO AND HIS WHITE NEIGHBOURS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CETYWAYO AND THE ZULU SETTLEMENT + </h2> + <p> + <i>Claims of affairs of Zululand to attention—Proposed visit of + Cetywayo to England—Chaka—His method of government—His + death— Dingaan—Panda—Battle of the Tugela—John + Dunn—Nomination of Cetywayo—His coronation—His lady + advocates—Their attacks on officials—Was Cetywayo + bloodthirsty?—Cause of the Zulu war—Zulu military system—States + of feeling amongst the Zulus previous to the war—Cetywayo’s position—His + enemies—His intentions on the Transvaal—Their frustration by + Sir T. Shepstone—Cetywayo’s interview with Mr. Fynney—His + opinion of the Boers—The annexation in connection with the Zulu war—The + Natal colonists and the Zulu war—Sir Bartle Frere—The Zulu war—Cetywayo’s + half-heartedness—Sir Garnet Wolseley’s settlement—Careless + selection of chiefs—The Sitimela plot—Chief John Dunn—Appointment + of Mr. Osborn as British Resident—His difficult position—Folly + and cruelty of our settlement—Disappointment of the Zulus—Object + and result of settlement—Slaughter in Zululand—Cetywayo’s son—Necessity + of proper settlement of Zululand—Should Cetywayo be restored?</i> + </p> + <p> + Zululand and the Zulu settlement still continue to receive some attention + from the home public, partly because those responsible for the conduct of + affairs are not quite at ease about it, and partly because of the + agitation in this country for the restoration of Cetywayo. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that the present state of affairs in Zululand is a + subject worthy of close consideration, not only by those officially + connected with them, but by the public at large. Nobody, either at home or + in the colonies, wishes to see another Zulu war, or anything approaching + to it. Unless, however, the affairs of Zululand receive a little more + attention, and are superintended with a little more humanity and + intelligence than they are at present, the public will sooner or later be + startled by some fresh catastrophe. Then will follow the usual outcry, and + the disturbance will be attributed to every cause under the sun except the + right one—want of common precautions. + </p> + <p> + The Zulu question is a very large one, and I only propose discussing so + much of it as necessary to the proper consideration of the proposed + restoration of Cetywayo to his throne. + </p> + <p> + The king is now coming to England,[*] where he will doubtless make a very + good impression, since his appearance is dignified, and his manners, as is + common among Zulus of high rank, are those of a gentleman. It is probable + that his visit will lead to a popular agitation in his favour, and very + possibly to an attempt on the part of the English Government to reinstate + him in his kingdom. Already Lady Florence Dixie waves his banner, and + informs the public through the columns of the newspapers how good, how + big, and how beautiful he is, and “F. W. G. X.” describes in enthusiastic + terms his pearl-like teeth. But as there are interests involved in the + question of his reinstatement which are, I think, more important than + Cetywayo’s personal proportions of mind or body, and as the results of + such a step would necessarily be very marked and far-reaching, it is as + well to try and understand the matter in all its bearing before anything + is done. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Since the above was written the Government have at the + last moment decided to postpone Cetywayo’s visit to this + country, chiefly on account of the political capital which + was being made out of the event by agitators in Zululand. + The project of bringing the king to England does not, + however, appear to have been abandoned. +</pre> + <p> + There has been a great deal of special pleading about Cetywayo. Some + writers, swayed by sentiment, and that spirit of partisanship that the + sight of royalty in distress always excites, whitewash him in such a + persistent manner that their readers are left under the impression that + the ex-king is a model of injured innocence and virtue. Others again, for + political reasons, paint him very black, and predict that his restoration + would result in the destruction, or at the least, disorganisation, of our + South African empire. The truth in this, as in the majority of political + controversies, lies somewhere between these two extremes, though it is + difficult to say exactly where. + </p> + <p> + To understand the position of Cetywayo both with reference to his subjects + and the English Government, it will be necessary to touch, though briefly, + on the history of Zululand since it became a nation, and also on the + principal events of the ex-king’s reign. + </p> + <p> + Chaka, Cetywayo’s great uncle, was the first Zulu king, and doubtless one + of the most remarkable men that has ever filled a throne since the days of + the Pharaohs. When he came to his chieftainship, about 1813, the Zulu + people consisted of a single small tribe; when his throne became vacant in + 1828, their name had become a living terror, and they were the greatest + Black power in South Africa. The invincible armies of this African Attila + had swept north and south, east and west, had slaughtered more than a + million human beings, and added vast tracts of country to his dominions. + Wherever his warriors went, the blood of men, women, and children was + poured out without stay or stint; indeed he reigned like a visible Death, + the presiding genius of a saturnalia of slaughter. + </p> + <p> + His methods of government and warfare were peculiar and somewhat drastic, + but most effective. As he conquered a tribe, he enrolled its remnants in + his army, so that they might in their turn help to conquer others. He + armed his regiments with the short stabbing assegai, instead of the + throwing assegai which they had been accustomed to use, and kept them + subject to an iron discipline. If a man was observed to show the slightest + hesitation about coming to close quarters with the enemy, he was executed + as soon as the fight was over. If a regiment had the misfortune to be + defeated, whether by its own fault or not, it would on its return to + headquarters find that a goodly proportion of the wives and children + belonging to it had been beaten to death by Chaka’s orders, and that he + was waiting their arrival to complete his vengeance by dashing out their + brains. The result was, that though Chaka’s armies were occasionally + annihilated, they were rarely defeated, and they never ran away. I will + not enter in the history of his numerous cruelties, and indeed they are + not edifying. Amongst other things, like Nero, he killed his own mother, + and then caused several persons to be executed because they did not show + sufficient sorrow at her death. + </p> + <p> + At length, in 1828, he too suffered the fate he had meted out to so many, + and was killed by his brothers, Dingaan and Umhlangan, by the hands of one + Umbopa. He was murdered in his hut, and as his life passed out of him he + is reported to have addressed these words to his brothers, who were + watching his end: “What! do you stab me, my brothers, dogs of mine own + house, whom I have fed? You hope to be kings; but though you do kill me, + think not that your line shall reign for long. I tell you that I hear the + sound of the feet of the great white people, and that this land shall be + trodden by them.” He then expired, but his last words have always been + looked upon as a prophecy by the Zulus, and indeed they have been partly + fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + Having in his turn killed Umhlangan, his brother by blood and in crime, + Dingaan took possession of the throne. He was less pronounced than Chaka + in his foreign policy, though he seems to have kept up the family + reputation as regards domestic affairs. It was he who, influenced, + perhaps, by Chaka’s dying prophecy about white men, massacred Retief, the + Boer leader, and his fifty followers, in the most treacherous manner, and + then falling on the emigrant Boers in Natal, murdered men, women, and + children to the number of nearly six hundred. There seems, however, to + have been but little love lost between any of the sons of Usengangacona + (the father of Chaka, Dingaan, Umhlangan, and Panda), for in due course + Panda, his brother, conspired with the Boers against Dingaan, and + overthrew him with their assistance. Dingaan fled, and was shortly + afterwards murdered in Swaziland, and Panda ascended the throne in 1840. + </p> + <p> + Panda was a man of different character to the remainder of his race, and + seems to have been well content to reign in peace, only killing enough + people to keep up his authority. Two of his sons, Umbelazi and Cetywayo, + of whom Umbelazi was the elder and Panda’s favourite, began, as their + father grew old, to quarrel about the succession to the crown. On the + question being referred to Panda, he is reported to have remarked that + when two young cocks quarrelled the best thing they could do was to fight + it out. Acting on this hint, each prince collected his forces, Panda + sending down one of his favourite regiments to help Umbelazi. The fight + took place in 1856 on the banks of the Tugela. A friend of the writer, + happening to be on the Natal side of the river the day before the battle, + and knowing it was going to take place, swam his horse across in the + darkness, taking his chance of the alligators, and hid in some bush on a + hillock commanding the battlefield. It was a hazardous proceeding, but the + sight repaid the risk, though he describes it as very awful, more + especially when the regiment of veterans sent by Panda joined in the fray. + It came up at the charge, between two and three thousand strong, and was + met near his hiding-place by one of Cetywayo’s young regiments. The noise + of the clash of their shields was like the roar of the sea, but the old + regiment, after a struggle in which men fell thick and fast, annihilated + the other, and passed on with thinned ranks. Another of Cetywayo’s + regiments took the place of the one that had been destroyed, and this time + the combat was fierce and long, till victory again declared for the + veterans’ spears. But they had brought it dear, and were in no position to + continue their charge; so the leaders of that brave battalion formed its + remnants into a ring, and, like the Scotch at Flodden— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The stubborn spearmen still made good + The dark, impenetrable wood; + Each stepping where his comrade stood + The instant that he fell,” + </pre> + <p> + till there were none left to fall. The ground around them was piled with + dead. + </p> + <p> + But this gallant charge availed Umbelazi but little, and by degrees + Cetywayo’s forces pressed his men back to the banks of the Tugela, and + finally into it. Thousands fell upon the field and thousands perished in + the river. When my friend swam back that night, he had nothing to fear + from the alligators: they were too well fed. Umbelazi died on the + battlefield of a broken heart, at least it is said that no wound could be + found on his person. He probably expired in a fit brought on by anxiety of + mind and fatigue. A curious story is told of Cetywayo with reference to + his brother’s death. After the battle was over a Zulu from one of his own + regiments presented himself before him with many salutations, saying, “O + prince! now canst thou sleep in peace, for Umbelazi is dead.” “How knowest + thou that he is dead?” said Cetywayo. “Because I slew him with my own + hand,” replied the Zulu. “Thou dog!” said the prince, “thou hast dared to + lift thy hand against the blood royal, and now thou makest it a matter of + boasting. Wast thou not afraid? By Chaka’s head thou shalt have thy + reward. Lead him away.” And the Zulu, who was but lying after all, having + possessed himself of the bracelets off the dead prince’s body, was + instantly executed. The probability is that Cetywayo acted thus more from + motives of policy than from affection to his brother, whom indeed he hoped + to destroy. It did not do to make too light of the death of an important + prince: Umbelazi’s fate to-day might be Cetywayo’s fate to-morrow. This + story bears a really remarkable resemblance to that of the young man who + slew Saul, the Lord’s anointed, and suffered death on account thereof at + the hands of David. + </p> + <p> + This battle is also memorable as being the occasion of the first public + appearance of Mr. John Dunn, now the most important chief in Zululand, + and, be it understood, the unknown quantity in all future transactions in + that country. At that time Dunn was a retainer of Umbelazi’s, and fought + on his side in the Tugela battle. After the fight, however, he went over + to Cetywayo and became his man. From that time till the outbreak of the + Zulu war he remained in Zululand as adviser to Cetywayo, agent for the + Natal Government, and purveyor of firearms to the nation at large. As soon + as Cetywayo got into trouble with the Imperial Government, Dunn, like a + prudent man, deserted him and came over to us. In reward Sir Garnet + Wolseley advanced him to the most important chieftainship in Zululand, + which he hopes to make a stepping-stone to the vacant throne. His advice + was largely followed by Sir Garnet in the bestowal of the other + chieftainships, and was naturally not quite disinterested. He has already + publicly announced his intention of resisting the return of the king, his + old master, by force of arms, should the Government attempt to reinstate + him. + </p> + <p> + A period of sixteen years elapsed before Cetywayo reaped the fruits of the + battle of the Tugela by succeeding to the throne on the death of his + father, Panda, the only Zulu monarch who has as yet come to his end by + natural causes. + </p> + <p> + In 1861, however, Cetywayo was, at the instance of the Natal Government, + formally nominated heir to the throne by Mr. Shepstone, it being thought + better that a fixed succession should be established with the concurrence + of the Natal Government than that matters should be left to take their + chance on Panda’s death. Mr. Shepstone accomplished his mission + successfully, though at great personal risk. For some unknown reason, + Cetywayo, who was blown up with pride, was at first adverse to being thus + nominated, and came down to the royal kraal with three thousand armed + followers, meaning, it would see, to kill Mr. Shepstone, whom he had never + before met. Panda, the old king, had an inkling of what was to happen, but + was powerless to control his son, so he confined himself to addressing the + assembled multitude in what I have heard Sir Theophilus Shepstone say was + the most eloquent and touching speech he ever listened to, the subject + being the duties of hospitality. He did not at the time know how nearly + the speech concerned him, or that its object was to preserve his life. + This, however, soon became manifest when, exception being taken to some + breech of etiquette by one of his servants, he was surrounded by a mob of + shouting savages, whose evident object was to put an end to him and those + with him. For two hours he remained sitting there, expecting that every + moment would be his last, but showing not the slightest emotion, till at + length he got an opportunity of speaking, when he rose and said, “I know + that you mean to kill me; it is an easy thing to do; but I tell you Zulus, + that for every drop of my blood that falls to the ground, a hundred men + will come out of the sea yonder, from the country of which Natal is one of + the cattle-kraals, and will bitterly avenge me.” As he spoke he turned and + pointed towards the ocean, and so intense was the excitement that animated + it, that the whole great multitude turned with him and stared towards the + horizon, as though they expected to see the long lines of avengers + creeping across the plains. Silence followed his speech; his + imperturbability and his well-timed address had saved his life. From that + day his name was a power in the land.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] A very good description of this scene was published in + the <i>London Quarterly Review</i> in 1878. The following is an + extract: + + “In the centre of those infuriated savages he (Mr. + Shepstone) sat for more than two hours outwardly calm, + giving confidence to his solitary European companion by his + own quietness, only once saying, ‘Why, Jem, you’re afraid,’ + and imposing restraint on his native attendants. Then, when + they had shouted, as Cetywayo himself said in our hearing, + ‘till their throats were so sore that they could shout no + more,’ they departed. But Sompseu (Mr. Shepstone) had + conquered. Cetywayo, in describing the scene to us and our + companion on a visit to him a short time afterwards, said, + ‘Sompseu is a great man: no man but he could have come + through that day alive.’ Similar testimony we have had from + some of the Zulu assailants, from the native attendants, and + the companion above mentioned. Next morning Cetywayo humbly + begged an interview, which was not granted but on terms of + unqualified submission. From that day Cetywayo has submitted + to British control in the measure in which it has been + exercised, and has been profuse in his expressions of + respect and submission to Mr. T. Shepstone; but in his + heart, as occasional acts and speeches show, he writhes + under the restraint, and bitterly hates the man who imposed + it.” + </pre> + <p> + It was on this occasion that a curious incident occurred which afterwards + became of importance. Among the Zulus there exists a certain salute, + “Bayete,” which it is the peculiar and exclusive privilege of Zulu royalty + to receive. The word means, or is supposed to mean, “Let us bring + tribute.” On Mr. Shepstone’s visit the point was raised by the Zulu + lawyers as to what salute he should receive. It was not consistent with + their ideas that the nominator of their future king should be greeted with + any salute inferior to the Bayete, and this, as plain Mr. Shepstone, it + was impossible to give him. The difficulty was obvious, but the Zulu mind + proved equal to it. He was solemnly announced to be a Zulu king, and to + stand in the place of the great founder of their nation, Chaka. Who was so + fit to proclaim the successor to the throne as the great predecessor of + the prince proclaimed? To us this seems a strange, not to say ludicrous, + way of settling a difficulty, but there was nothing in it repugnant to + Zulu ideas. Odd as it was, it invested Mr. Shepstone with all the + attributes of a Zulu king, such as the power to make laws, order + executions, &c., and those attributes in the eyes of Zulus he still + retains. + </p> + <p> + In 1873 messengers came down from Zululand to the Natal Government, + bringing with them the “king’s head,” that is, a complimentary present of + oxen, announcing the death of Panda. “The nation,” they said, “was + wandering; it wanders and wanders, and wanders again;” the spirit of the + king had departed from them; his words had ceased, and “none but children + were left.” The message ended with a request that Mr. Shepstone, as + Cetywayo’s “father,” should come and instal him on the throne. A month or + two afterwards there came another message, again requesting his + attendance; and on the request being refused by the Lieutenant-Governor of + Natal, there came a third message, to which the Natal Government returned + a favourable answer. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Mr. Shepstone proceeded to Zululand, and on the 3rd September + 1873 proclaimed Cetywayo king with all due pomp and ceremony. It was on + this occasion that, in the presence of, and with the enthusiastic assent + of, both king and people, Mr. Shepstone, “standing in the place of + Cetywayo’s father, and so representing the nation,” enunciated the four + following articles, with a view to putting an end to the continual + slaughter that darkens the history of Zululand:— + </p> + <p> + 1. That the indiscriminate shedding of blood shall cease in the land. + </p> + <p> + 2. That no Zulu shall be condemned without open trial, and the public + examination of witnesses for and against, and that he shall have a right + to appeal to the king. + </p> + <p> + 3. That no Zulu’s life shall be taken without the previous knowledge and + consent of the king, after such trial has taken place, and the right of + appeal has been allowed to be exercised. + </p> + <p> + 4. That for minor crimes the loss of property, all or a portion, shall be + substituted for the punishment of death. + </p> + <p> + Nobody will deny that these were admirable regulations, and that they were + received as such at the time by the Zulu king and people. But there is no + doubt that their ready acceptance by the king was a sacrifice to his + desire to please “his father Sompseu” (Mr. Shepstone) and the Natal + Government, with both of which he was particularly anxious to be on good + terms. He has never adhered to these coronation regulations, or promises, + as they have been called, and the probability is that he never intended to + adhere to them. However this may be, I must say that personally I have + been unable to share the views of those who see in the breach of these + so-called promises a justification of the Zulu war. After all, what do + they amount to, and what guarantee was there for their fulfilment? They + merely represent a very laudable attempt on the part of the Natal + Government to keep a restraining hand on Zulu cruelty, and to draw the + bonds of friendship as tight as the idiosyncrasies of a savage state would + allow. The Government of Natal had no right to dictate the terms to a Zulu + king on which he was to hold his throne. The Zulu nation was an + independent nation, and had never been conquered or annexed by Natal. If + the Government of that colony was able by friendly negotiation to put a + stop to Zulu slaughter, it was a matter for congratulation on humanitarian + grounds; but it is difficult to follow the argument that because it was + not able, or was only partially able, to do so, therefore England was + justified in making war on the Zulus. On the other hand, it is perfectly + ludicrous to observe the way in which Cetywayo’s advocates overshoot the + mark in arguing this and similar points; especially his lady advocates, + whose writings upon these subjects bear about the same resemblance to the + truth that the speech to the jury by the counsel for the defence in a + hopeless murder case does to the summing up of the judge. Having + demonstrated that the engagements entered into by Cetywayo meant nothing, + they will proceed to show that, even if they did, cold-blooded murder, + when perpetrated by a black paragon like Cetywayo, does not amount to a + great offence. In the mouths of these gentle apologists for slaughter, + massacre masquerades under the name of “executions,” and is excused on the + plea of being, “after all,” only the enforcement of “an old custom.” + Again, the employment of such phrases, in a solemn answer to a + remonstrance from the Lieutenant-Governor of Natal, as “I do kill; but do + not consider that I have done anything yet in the way of killing. . . . I + have not yet begun; I have yet to kill,” are shown to mean nothing at all, + and to be “nothing more than the mere irritation of the moment.”[*] + Perhaps those of Cetywayo’s subjects who suffered on account of this mere + momentary irritation took a more serious view of it. It is but fair to the + particular authority from whom I quote (Miss Colenso’s “History of the + Zulu War,” pp. 230-231) to state that she considers this reply from the + “usually courteous and respectful king” as “no doubt petulant and wanting + in due respect.” Considering that the message in question (which can be + read in the footnote) was a point-blank defiance of Sir Henry Bulwer, + admitting that there had been slaughter, but that it was nothing compared + to what was coming, most people will not think Miss Colenso’s description + of it too strong. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The following is the text of the message:— + + “Did I ever tell Mr. Shepstone I would not kill? Did he tell + the white people that I made such an arrangement? Because if + he did he has deceived them. I do kill; but do not consider + that I have done anything yet in the way of killing. Why do + the white people start at nothing? I have not yet begun; I + have yet to kill; it is the custom of our nation, and I + shall not depart from it. Why does the Governor of Natal + speak to me about my laws? Do I go to Natal and dictate to + him about his laws? I shall not agree to any laws or rules + from Natal, and by doing so throw the large kraal which I + govern into the water. My people will not listen unless they + are killed; and while wishing to be friends with the + English, I do not agree to give my people over to be + governed by laws sent to me by them. Have I not asked the + English to allow me to wash my spears since the death of my + father ‘Umpandi,’ and they have kept playing with me all + this time, treating me like a child? Go back and tell the + English that I shall now act on my own account, and if they + wish me to agree to their laws, I shall leave and become a + wanderer; but before I go it will be seen, as I shall not go + without having acted. Go back and tell the white men this, + and let them hear it well. The Governor of Natal and I are + equal; he is Governor of Natal, and I am Governor here.” + </pre> + <p> + To admit that the Zulu king has the right to kill as many of his subjects + as he chooses, so long as they will tolerate being killed, is one thing, + but it is certainly surprising to find educated Europeans adopting a line + of defence of these proceedings on his behalf that amounts to a virtual + expression of approval, or at least of easy toleration. Has philanthropy a + deadening effect on the moral sense, that the people who constitute + themselves champions for the unfortunate Zulu king and the oppressed Boers + cannot get on to their hobbies without becoming blind to the difference + between right and wrong? Really an examination of the utterances of these + champions of oppressed innocence would almost lead one to that conclusion. + On the one hand they suppress and explain away facts, and on the other + supply their want of argument by reckless accusations and vicious attacks + on the probity of such of their fellow-Englishmen, especially if in + office, as have had the misfortune to pursue a course of action or to + express opinions not pleasing to them or their proteges. For instance, an + innocent and unenlightened reader of the very interesting work from which + I have just quoted probably lays it down with the conviction that both Sir + Bartle Frere and Sir Theophilus Shepstone are very wicked men and full of + bad motives, and will wonder how a civilised Government could employ such + monsters of bloodthirsty duplicity. As he proceeds he will also find that + there is not much to be said for the characters of either Sir Garnet + Wolseley or Lord Chelmsford; whilst as regards such small fry as Mr. John + Shepstone, the present Secretary of Native Affairs in Natal, after passing + through Miss Colenso’s mill their reputations come out literally in rags + and tatters. He will be shocked to find that not only did one and all of + these gentlemen make gross errors of judgment, but, trusted and + distinguished servants of their country as they are, they were one and all + actuated by dark personal motives that will not bear examination. + </p> + <p> + Heaven help the members of the Shepstone family when they fall into the + hands of the gentler but more enthusiastic sex, for Miss Colenso is not + their only foe. In a recent publication called a “Defence of Zululand and + its Kings,” Lady Florence Dixie gibbets Mr. Henrique Shepstone, and points + him out to be execrated by a Cetywayo-worshipping public, because the + ex-king is to be sent to England in his charge; when, according to Lady + Dixie, he will certainly be scoundrel enough to misinterpret all that + Cetywayo says for his own ends, and will thereby inflict a “cruel wrong” + upon him, and render his visit to England “perfectly meaningless.” Perhaps + it has never occurred to Lady Dixie that this is a very serious charge to + bring against an honourable man, whose reputation is probably as dear to + him as the advancement of Cetywayo’s cause is to her. It is all very well + to be enthusiastic, but ladies should remember that there are other people + in the world to be considered beside Cetywayo. + </p> + <p> + As regards the question of Cetywayo’s bloodthirstiness, which is so + strenuously denied by his apologists, I cannot say that a careful study of + the blue books bearing on the subject brings me to the same conclusion. It + is true that there is not much information on the point, for the obvious + reason that the history of slaughters in Zululand in the vast majority of + cases only reached Natal in the form of rumours, which nobody thought it + worth while to report. There were no newspaper correspondents in Zululand. + There is not, however, any doubt that Cetywayo was in the habit of killing + large numbers of people; indeed it was a matter of the commonest + notoriety; nor, as will be seen from the message I have transcribed, did + he himself deny it, when, being angry, he spoke the truth. At the same + time that this message was sent, we find Mr. Osborn, then resident + magistrate at Newcastle in Natal, who is certainly not given to + exaggeration, writing to the Secretary for Native Affairs thus:—“From + all I have been able to learn, Cetywayo’s conduct has been, and continues + to be, disgraceful. He is putting people to death in a shameful manner, + especially girls. The dead bodies are placed by his order in the principal + paths, especially where the paths intersect each other (cross roads). A + few of the parents of the young people so killed buried the bodies, and + thus brought Cetywayo’s wrath on themselves, resulting not only on their + own death, but destruction of the whole family. . . . It is really + terrible that such horrible savagery could take place on our own borders. + . . . Uhamu reproved Cetywayo the other day, reminded him of his promises + to Mr. Shepstone, and begged him to spare the people. This advice, as + could be expected, was not relished.” + </p> + <p> + Again, Mr. Fynney, in his report of his visit to Zululand in 1877, states + that though the king and his “indunas” (councillors) denied that men were + killed without trial, the people told a very different tale. Thus he says, + “In every instance, where I had so far gained the confidence of the Zulus + as to cause them to speak freely, was I assured of the truthfulness of the + statement that the king, Cetywayo, caused his people to be put to death in + great numbers; and when I remarked that of course he did so after a fair + and proper trial, in some cases my remark was greeted with a suppressed + laugh or a smile. Some remarked, ‘Yes, a trial of bullets;’ others, ‘Yes, + we get a trial, but that means surrounding the kraal at daybreak and + shooting us down like cattle.’ One asked me what the Government in Natal + intended doing, or what was thought in Natal about the killing, saying, + ‘It was not in the night that Sompseu spoke, but in the sunshine; the king + was not alone, but his people were around him, and the ears of all + Zululand heard these words, and the hearts of all Zulus were joyful, and + in gladness they lifted up their hands saying: The mouth of our white + father has spoken good words; he has cautioned his child in the presence + of his people, and a good sun has risen this day over Zululand! How is it + now? Has the king listened? Does he hold fast those words? No! not one. + The promises he made are all broken. What does Sompseu say to this? You + should dine at my kraal yonder for a few days, and see the izizi (cattle + and other property of people who have been killed) pass, and you would + then see with your own eyes how a case is tried.’” Farther on Mr. Fynney + says, “When a charge is made against a Zulu, the question is generally + asked, ‘Has he any cattle?’ and if answered in the affirmative, there is + little chance of escape. Instances of killing occurred while I was in + Zululand, and to my knowledge no trial was allowed. An armed party was + despatched on the morning I left Ondine, and, as I was informed, to kill.” + </p> + <p> + There is no reason to suppose that Mr. Fynney was in any way prejudiced in + making these remarks; on the contrary, he was simply carrying out an + official mission, and reporting for the general information of the + Governments of Natal and the Transvaal. It is, however, noticeable that + neither these nor similar passages are ever alluded to by Cetywayo’s + advocates, whose object seems to be rather to suppress the truth than to + put it fairly before the public, if by such suppression they think they + can advance the cause of the ex-king. + </p> + <p> + The whole matter of Cetywayo’s private policy, however, appears to me to + be very much beside the question. Whether or no he slaughtered his + oppressed subjects in bygone years, which there is no doubt he did, is not + our affair, since we were not then, as we are now, responsible for the + good government of Zululand; and seeing the amount of slaughter that goes + on under our protectorate, it ill becomes us to rake up these things + against Cetywayo. What we have to consider is his foreign policy, not the + domestic details of his government.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] A gentleman, who has recently returned from travelling + in Zululand, relates the following story as nearly as + possible in the words in which it was told to him by a well- + known hunter in Zululand, Piet Hogg by name, now residing + near Dundee on the Zulu border. The story is a curious one + as illustrative of Zulu character, and scarcely represents + Cetywayo in as amiable a light as one might wish. Piet Hogg + and my informant were one day talking about the king when + the former said, “I was hunting and trading in Zululand, and + was at a military kraal occupied by Cetywayo, where I saw a + Basuto who had been engaged by the king to instruct his + people in building houses, that were to be <i>square</i> instead + of circular (as are all Zulu buildings), for which his pay + was to be thirty head of cattle. The Basuto came to Cetywayo + in my presence, and said that the square buildings were + made; he now wished to have his thirty head of cattle and to + depart. Cetywayo having obtained what he required, began to + think the man overpaid, so said, ‘I have observed that you + like —— (a Zulu woman belonging to the kraal); suppose you + take her instead of the thirty head of cattle.’ Now this was + a very bad bargain for the Basuto, as the woman was not + worth more, in Zulu estimation, than ten head of cattle; but + the Basuto, knowing with whom he had to deal, thought it + might be better to comply with the suggestion rather than + insist upon his rights, and asked to be allowed till the + next morning to consider the proposal. After he had been + dismissed on this understanding, Cetywayo sent for the + woman, and accused her of misconduct with the Basuto, the + punishment of which, if proved, would be death. She denied + this vehemently, with protestations and tears. He insisted, + but, looking up at a tree almost denuded of leaves which + grew close by, said, significantly, ‘Take care that not a + leaf remains on that tree by the morning.’ The woman + understood the metaphor, and in an hour or two, aided by + other strapping Zulu females, attacked the unfortunate + Basuto and killed him with clubs. But Cetywayo having thus, + like the monkey in the fable, employed a cat’s paw to do his + dirty work, began to think the Basuto’s untimely death might + have an ugly appearance in my eyes, so gave orders in my + presence that, as a punishment, six of the women who had + killed the Basuto should also be put to death. This was too + much for me, knowing as I did, all that had passed. I + reproached Cetywayo for his cruelty, and declared I would + leave Zululand without trading there, and without making him + the present he expected. I also said I should take care the + great English ‘Inkose’ (the Governor of Natal) should hear + of his conduct and the reason of my return. Cetywayo was + then on friendly terms with the English, and being impressed + by my threats, he reconsidered his orders, and spared the + lives of the women.” + </pre> + <p> + I do not propose to follow out all the details of the boundary dispute + between Cetywayo and the Transvaal, or to comment on the different + opinions held on the point by the various authorities, English and Zulu. + The question has been, for the moment, settled by the Transvaal + Convention, and is besides a most uninteresting one to the general reader. + </p> + <p> + Nor shall I enter into a discussion concerning the outrages on which Sir + Bartle Frere based his ultimatum previous to the Zulu war. They were after + all insignificant, although sufficient to serve as a <i>casus belli</i> to + a statesman determined to fight. The Zulu war was, in the opinion of Sir + B. Frere, necessary in self-defence, which is the first principle of + existence. If it admits of justification, it is on the ground that the + Zulu army was a menace to the white population of South Africa, and that + it was therefore necessary to destroy it, lest at some future time it + should destroy the whites. It is ridiculous to say that the capture of two + Zulu women in Natal and their subsequent murder, or the expulsion on + political grounds of a few missionaries, justified us in breaking up a + kingdom and slaughtering ten thousand men. Sir Bartle Frere declared war + upon the Zulus because he was afraid, and had good reason to be afraid, + that if he did not, Cetywayo would before long sweep either the Transvaal + or Natal; whilst, on the other hand, the Zulus fought us because our + policy was too philanthropic to allow them to fight anybody else. This + statement may appear strange, but a little examination into Zulu character + and circumstances will, I think, show it to be correct. + </p> + <p> + It must be remembered that for some years before Panda’s death the Zulus + had not been engaged in any foreign war. When Cetywayo ascended the + throne, it was the general hope and expectation of the army, and therefore + of the nation, that this period of inaction would come to an end, and that + the new king would inaugurate an active foreign policy. They did not + greatly care in what direction the activity developed itself, provided it + did develop. It must also be borne in mind that every able-bodied man in + the Zulu country was a member of a regiment, even the lads being attached + to regiments as carriers, and the women being similarly enrolled, though + they did not fight. The Zulu military system was the universal-service + system of Germany brought to an absolute perfection, obtained by + subordinating all the ties and duties of civil life to military ends. + Thus, for instance, marriage could not be contracted at will, but only by + the permission of the king, which was generally delayed until a regiment + was well advanced in years, when a number of girls were handed over to it + to take to wife. This regulation came into force because it was found that + men without home ties were more ferocious and made better soldiers, and + the result of these harsh rules was that the Zulu warrior, living as he + did under the shadow of a savage discipline, for any breach of which there + was but one punishment, death, can hardly be said to have led a life of + domestic comfort, such as men of all times and nations have thought their + common right. But even a Zulu must have some object in life, some shrine + at which to worship, some mistress of his affections. Home he had none, + religion he had none, mistress he had none, but in their stead he had his + career as a warrior, and his hope of honour and riches to be gained by the + assegai. His home was on the war-track with his regiment, his religion the + fierce denunciation of the isanusi,[*] and his affections were fixed on + the sudden rush of battle, the red slaughter, and the spoils of the slain. + “War,” says Sir T. Shepstone, in a very remarkable despatch written about + a year before the outbreak of the Zulu war, “is the universal cry among + the soldiers, who are anxious to live up to their traditions, . . . . and + the idea is gaining ground among the people that their nation has outlived + the object of its existence.” Again he says, “The engine (the Zulu + military organisation) has not ceased to exist or to generate its forces, + although the reason or excuse for its existence has died away: these + forces have continued to accumulate and are daily accumulating without + safety-valve or outlet.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] <i>Witch-doctor.</i> These persons are largely employed in + Zululand to smell out witches who are supposed to have + bewitched others, and are of course very useful as political + agents. Any person denounced by them is at once executed. A + friend of the writer’s was once present at a political + smelling-out on a large scale, and describes it as a very + curious and unpleasant scene. The men, of whom there were + some thousands, were seated in a circle, as pale with terror + as Zulus can be. Within the circle were several witch + doctors; one of whom amidst his or her incantations would + now and again step forward and touch some unfortunate man + with a forked stick. The victim was instantly led away a few + paces and his neck twisted. The circle awaited each + denunciation in breathless expectation, for not a man among + them knew whose turn it might be next. On another occasion, + an unfortunate wretch who had been similarly condemned by an + isanusi rushed up to the same gentleman’s waggon and + besought shelter. He was hidden under some blankets, but + presently his pursuers arrived, and insisted upon his being + handed over. All possible resistance was made, until the + executioners announced that they would search the waggon and + kill him there. It was then covenanted that he should have a + start in the race for life. He was, however, overtaken and + killed. These instances will show how dark and terrible is + the Zulu superstition connected with witchcraft, and what a + formidable weapon it becomes in the hands of the king or + chief. +</pre> + <p> + Desirable as such a state of feeling may be in an army just leaving for + the battlefield, it is obvious that for some fifty thousand men, + comprising the whole manhood of the nation, to be continually on the boil + with sanguinary animosity against the human race in general, is an awkward + element to fit into the peaceable government of a state. + </p> + <p> + Yet this was doubtless the state of affairs with which Cetywayo had to + contend during the latter years of his reign. He found himself surrounded + by a great army, in a high state of efficiency and warlike preparation, + proclaiming itself wearied with camp life, and clamouring to be led + against an enemy, that it might justify its traditions and find employment + for its spears. Often and often he must have been sorely puzzled to find + excuses wherewithal to put it off. Indeed his position was both awkward + and dangerous: on the one hand was Scylla in the shape of the English + Government, and on the other the stormy and uncertain Charybdis of his + clamouring regiments. Slowly the idea must have began to dawn upon him + that unless he found employment for the army, which, besides being + disgusted with his inactivity, was somewhat wearied with his cruelties, + for domestic slaughter had ceased to divert and had begun to irritate: the + army, or some enterprising members of it, might put it beyond his power + ever to find employment for it at all, and bring one of his brothers to + rule in his stead. + </p> + <p> + And yet who was he to fight, if fight he must? There were three possible + enemies—1. The Swazis; 2. The Transvaal Boers; 3. The English. + </p> + <p> + Although the English may have held a place on Cetywayo’s list as possible + foes, there is no ground for supposing that, until shortly before the war, + he had any wish to fight with us. Indeed, whereas their hatred of the + Boers was pronounced, and openly expressed, both the Zulu king and people + always professed great respect for Englishmen, and even a certain amount + of liking and regard. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, when Cetywayo had to settle on an enemy to attack, it was not + the English that he chose, but the Swazis, whose territory adjoined his + own, lying along the borders of the Transvaal towards Delagoa Bay. The + Swazis are themselves Zulus, and Cetywayo claimed certain sovereign rights + over them, which, however, they refused to recognise. They are a powerful + tribe, and can turn out about 10,000 fighting men, quite enough for + Cetywayo’s young warriors to try their mettle on. Still the king does not + appear to have wished to undertake the war without first obtaining the + approval of the Natal Government, to whom he applied several times for + permission “to wash his spears,” saying that he was but half a king until + he had done so. The Natal Government, however, invariably replied that he + was on no account to do anything of the sort. This shows the + inconveniences of possessing a complimentary feudal hold over a savage + potentate, the shadow of power without the reality. The Governor of Natal + could not in decency sanction such a proceeding as a war of extermination + against the Swazis, but if it had occurred without his sanction, the + Swazis would have suffered no doubt, but the Zulu spears would have been + satisfactorily washed, and there would have been no Zulu war. As it is, + Englishmen have been killed instead of Swazis. + </p> + <p> + Thwarted in his designs on the Swazis, Cetywayo next turned his attention + to the Transvaal Boers. The Zulus and the Boers had never been good + friends since the days of the massacre of Retief, and of late years their + mutual animosity had been greatly increased owing to their quarrels about + the boundary question previously alluded to. This animosity reached + blood-heat when the Boer Government, acting with the arrogance it always + displayed towards natives, began to lay its commands upon Cetywayo about + his relations with the Amaswazi, the alleged trespassing on Boer + territory, and other matters. The arrogance was all the more offensive + because it was impotent. The Boers were not in a position to undertake the + chastisement of the Zulus. But the king and council of Zululand now + determined to try conclusions with the Transvaal on the first convenient + opportunity, and this time without consulting the Government of Natal. The + opportunity soon occurred. Secocoeni, the powerful chief of the Bapedi, + one of the tribes whose territories border on the Transvaal, came to a + difference with the Boers over another border question. There is good + ground for supposing that Cetywayo incited him to withstand the Boer + demands; it is certain that during the course of the war that followed he + assisted him with advice, and more substantially still, with Zulu + volunteers. + </p> + <p> + To be brief, the Secocoeni war resulted in the discomfiture of the + Transvaal forces. Another result of this struggle was to throw the whole + state into the most utter confusion, of which the Dutch burghers, always + glad of an opportunity to defy the law, took advantage to refuse to pay + taxes. National bankruptcy ensued, and confusion grew worse confounded. + </p> + <p> + Cetywayo took note of all this, and saw that now was his opportunity to + attack. The Boers had suffered both in morale and prestige from their + defeat by Secocoeni, who was still in arms against them; whilst the + natives were proportionately elated by their success over the dreaded + white men. There was, he knew well, but little chance of a rapid + concentration to resist a sudden raid, especially when made by such a + powerful army, or rather chain of armies, as he could set in motion. + Everything favoured the undertaking; indeed, humanly speaking, it is + difficult to see what could have saved the greater part of the population + of the Transvaal from sudden extinction, if a kind Providence had not just + then put it into the head of Lord Carnarvon to send out Sir T. Shepstone + as Special Commissioner to their country. When Cetywayo heard that his + father Sompseu (Sir T. Shepstone) was going up to the Transvaal, he held + his hand, sent out spies, and awaited the course of events. The following + incident will show with what interest he was watching what took place. At + the Vaal River a party of Boers met the Special Commissioner and fired + salutes to welcome him. It was immediately reported to Cetywayo by his + spies that the Boers had fired over Sir T. Shepstone’s waggon. Shortly + afterwards a message arrived at Pretoria from Cetywayo to inquire into the + truth of the story, coolly announcing his intention of sweeping the + Transvaal if it were true that “his father” had been fired at. In a + conversation with Mr. Fynney after the Annexation Cetywayo alludes to his + intentions in these words:— + </p> + <p> + “I heard that the Boers were not treating him (Sompseu) properly, and that + they intended to put him in a corner. If they had done so I should not + have waited for anything more. <i>Had but one shot been fired</i>, I + should have said, ‘What more do I wait for? they have touched my father.’ + I should have poured my men over the land, and I can tell you, son of Mr. + Fynney, the land would have burned with fire.” This will show how eagerly + Cetywayo was searching for an excuse to commence his attack on the + Transvaal. When the hope of finding a pretext in the supposed firing at + Sir T. Shepstone or any incident of a similar nature faded away, he + appears to have determined to carry out his plans without any immediate + pretext, and to make a <i>casus belli</i> of his previous differences with + the Government of the Republic. Accordingly he massed his impis (army + corps) at different points along the Transvaal border, where they awaited + the signal to advance and sweep the country. Information of Cetywayo’s + doings and of his secret plans reached Pretoria shortly before the + Annexation, and confirmed the mind of the Special Commissioner as to the + absolute necessity of that measure to save the citizens of the Republic + from coming to a violent end, and South Africa from being plunged into a + native war of unexampled magnitude. The day before the Annexation took + place, when it was quite certain that it would take place, a message was + sent to Cetywayo by Sir T. Shepstone telling him of what was about to + happen, and telling him too in the sternest and most straightforward + language, that the Transvaal had become the Queen’s land like Natal, and + that he must no more think of attacking it than he would of attacking + Natal. Cetywayo on receiving the message at once disbanded his armies and + sent them to their kraals. “Kabuna,” he said to the messenger, “my impis + were gathered; now at my father’s (Sir T. Shepstone’s) bidding I send them + back to their homes.” + </p> + <p> + This fact, namely, that at the bidding of his old mentor Sir T. Shepstone, + Cetywayo abandoned his long-cherished plans, and his undoubted opportunity + of paying off old scores with the Boers in a most effectual manner, and + gave up a policy that had so many charms for him, must be held by every + unprejudiced man to speak volumes in his favour. It must be remembered + that it was not merely to oblige his “father Sompseu” that he did this, + but to meet the wishes of the English Government, and the act shows how + anxious he was to retain the friendship and fall in with the views of that + Government. Evidently Cetywayo had no animosity against us in April 1877. + </p> + <p> + In his interview with Mr. Fynney, Cetywayo speaks out quite frankly as to + what his intentions had been; he says, “I know all about the soldiers + being on their way up, but I would have asked Sompseu to allow the + soldiers to stand on one side for just a little while, only a little, and + see what my men could do. It would have been unnecessary for the Queen’s + people to trouble. My men were all ready, and how big must that stone have + been, with my father Sompseu digging at one side and myself at the other, + that would not have toppled over? Even though the size of that mountain + (pointing to a mountain range), we could put it on its back. Again I say I + am glad to know the Transvaal is English ground; perhaps now there may be + rest.” + </p> + <p> + This and other passages show beyond all doubt from what an awful + catastrophe the Transvaal was saved by the Annexation. That Cetywayo + personally detested the Boers is made clear by his words to Mr. Fynney. + “‘The Boers,’ he says, ‘are a nation of liars; they are a bad people, bad + altogether. I do not want them near my people; they lie and claim what is + not theirs, and ill-use my people. Where is Thomas?’ (President Burgers). + I informed him that Mr. Burgers had left the Transvaal. ‘Then let them + pack up and follow Thomas,’ said he. ‘Let them go. The Queen does not want + such people as those about her land. What can the Queen make of them or do + with them? Their evil ways puzzled both Thomas and Rudolph, Landdrost of + Utrecht; they will not be quiet.’” + </p> + <p> + It is very clear that if Cetywayo had been left to work his will, a great + many of the Boers would have found it necessary to “pack up and follow + Thomas,” whilst many more would have never needed to pack again. + </p> + <p> + I am aware that attempts have been made to put another explanation on + Cetywayo’s warlike preparations against the Boers. It has been said that + the Zulu army was called up by Sir T. Shepstone to coerce the Transvaal. + It is satisfactory to be able, from intimate personal knowledge, to give + unqualified denial to that statement, which is a pure invention, as indeed + is easily proved by clear evidence, which I have entered into in another + part of this book. Cetywayo played for his own hand all along, and + received neither commands nor hints from the Special Commissioner to get + his army together. Indeed, when Sir T. Shepstone discovered what was going + on, he suffered great anxiety lest some catastrophe should occur before he + was in a position to prevent it. Nothing short of the Annexation could + have saved the Transvaal at that moment, and the conduct of the Boers + after the danger had been taken on to the shoulders of the Imperial + Government is a startling instance of national ingratitude. + </p> + <p> + Here again the Zulu king was brought face to face with the ubiquitous + British Government, and that too at a particularly aggravating moment. He + was about to commence his attack when he was met with a polite, “Hands + off; this is British territory.” No wonder that we find him in despair + renewing his prayer that Sompseu will allow him to make “one little raid + only, one small swoop,” and saying that “it is the custom of our country, + when a new king is placed over the nation, to wash their spears, and it + has been done in the case of all former kings of Zululand. I am no king, + but sit in a heap. I cannot be a king till I have washed my assegais.” All + of which is doubtless very savage and very wrong, but such is the + depravity of human nature, that there is something taking about it for all + that. + </p> + <p> + It was at this period of the history of South Africa that many people + think we made our crowning mistake. We annexed the Transvaal, say they, + six months too soon. As things have turned out, it would have been wiser + to have left Zulus and Transvaal Boers to try conclusions, and done our + best to guard our own frontiers. There is no doubt that such a + consummation of affairs would have cleared the political atmosphere + wonderfully; the Zulus would have got enough fighting to last them some + time, and the remainder of the Boers would have entreated our protection + and become contented British subjects; there would have been no + Isandhlwana and no Majuba Hill. But to these I say who could foresee the + future, and who, in the then state of kindly feeling towards the Boers, + could wish to leave them, and all the English mixed up with them, to + undergo, unprepared as they were, the terrible experience of a Zulu + invasion? Besides, what guarantee was there that the slaughter would stop + in the Transvaal, or that the combat would not have developed into a war + of races throughout South Africa? Even looking at the matter in the light + of after events, it is difficult to regret that humanity was on this + occasion allowed to take precedence of a more cold-blooded policy. If the + opponents of the Annexation, or even the members of the Transvaal + Independence Committee, knew what a Zulu invasion meant, they would + scarcely have been so bitter about that act. + </p> + <p> + From the time of the Annexation it was a mere matter of opinion as to + which direction the Zulu explosion would take. The safety-valves were + loaded whilst the pressure daily increased, and all acquainted with the + people knew that it must come sooner or later. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the Transvaal became British territory the old Zulu boundary + question came to the fore again and was made more complicated than ever by + Sir T. Shepstone, who had hitherto favoured the Zulu claims, taking the + Boer side of the controversy, after examination of the locality and of + persons acquainted with the details of the matter. There was nothing + wonderful in this change of opinion, though of course it was attributed to + various motives by advocates of the Zulu claims, and there is no doubt + that Cetywayo himself did not at all like it, and, excited thereto by + vexation and the outcry of his regiments, adopted a very different and + aggressive tone in his communications with the English authorities. Indeed + his irritation against the Boers and everybody connected with them was + very great. Probably if he had been left alone he would in time have + carried out his old programme, and attacked the Transvaal. But, + fortunately for the Transvaal, which, like sailors and drunken men, always + seems to have had a special Providence taking care of it: at this juncture + Sir Bartle Frere appeared upon the scene, and after a few preliminaries + and the presentation of a strong ultimatum, which was quite impracticable + so far as Cetywayo was concerned, since it demanded what it was almost + impossible for him to concede—the disbandment of his army—invaded + Zululand. + </p> + <p> + It is generally supposed that the Natal colonists had a great deal to do + with making the Zulu war, but this is not the case. It is quite true that + they were rejoiced at the prospect of the break-up of Cetywayo’s power, + because they were very much afraid of him and of his “celibate man-slaying + machine,” which, under all the circumstances, is not wonderful. But the + war was a distinctly Imperial war, made by an Imperial officer, without + consultation with Colonial authorities, on Imperial grounds, viz., because + Cetywayo menaced Her Majesty’s power in South Africa. Of course, if there + had been no colonies there would have been no war, but in that way only + are they responsible for it. Natal, however, has not grudged to pay + 250,000 pounds towards its expenses, which is a great deal more than it + can afford, and, considering that the foolish settlement made by Sir + Garnet Wolseley is almost sure to involve the colony in trouble, quite as + much as should be asked. + </p> + <p> + The fact of the matter was, that Sir Bartle Frere was a statesman who had + the courage of his convictions; he saw that a Zulu disturbance of one kind + or another was inevitable, so he boldly took the initiative. If things had + gone right with him, as he supposed they would, praise would have been + lavished on him by the Home authorities, and he would have been made a + peer, and perhaps Governor-General of India to boot; but he reckoned + without his Lord Chelmsford, and the element of success which was + necessary to gild his policy in the eyes of the home public was + conspicuous by its absence. As it was, no language was considered to be + too bad to apply to this “imperious proconsul” who had taken upon himself + to declare a war. If it is any consolation to him, he has at any rate the + gratitude of the South African Colonies, not so much for what he has done, + for that is being carefully nullified by the subsequent action of the Home + Government, but because, believing his policy to be right, he had the + boldness to carry it out at the risk of his official reputation. Sir + Bartle Frere took a larger view of the duties of the governor of a great + dependency than to constitute himself the flickering shadow of the + Secretary of State in Downing Street, who, knowing little of the real + interests of the colony, is himself only the reflection of those that hold + the balance of power, to whom the subject is one of entire indifference, + provided that there is nothing to pay. + </p> + <p> + The details of the Zulu war are matters of melancholy history, which it is + useless to recapitulate here. With the exception of the affair at Rorke’s + Drift, there is nothing to be proud of in connection with it, and a great + deal to be ashamed of, more especially its final settlement. There is, + however, one point that I wish to submit to the consideration of my + readers, and that is, that Cetywayo was never thoroughly in earnest about + the war. If he had been in earnest, if he had been determined to put out + his full strength, he would certainly have swept Natal from end to end + after his victory at Isandhlwana. There was no force to prevent his doing + so: on the contrary, it is probable that if he had advanced a strong army + over the border, a great number of the Natal natives would have declared + in his favour through fear of his vengeance, or at the least would have + remained neutral. He had ample time at his disposal to have executed the + manoeuvre twice over before the arrival of the reinforcements, of which + the results must have been very dreadful, and yet he never destroyed a + single family. The reason he has himself given for this conduct is that he + did not wish to irritate the white man; that he had not made the war, and + was only anxious to defend his country. + </p> + <p> + When the fighting came to an end after the battle of Ulundi, there were + two apparent courses open to us to take. One was to take over the country + and rule it for the benefit of the Zulus, and the other to enforce the + demands in Sir Bartle Frere’s ultimatum, and, taking such guarantees as + circumstances would admit of, leave Cetywayo on the throne. Instead of + acting on either of these plans, however, Sir Garnet Wolseley proceeded, + in the face of an extraordinary consensus of adverse opinion, which he + treated with calm contempt, to execute what has proved to be a very cruel + settlement. Sir Garnet Wolseley has the reputation of being an extremely + able man, and it is only fair to him to suppose that he was not the sole + parent of this political monster, by which all the blood and treasure + expended on the Zulu war were made of no account, but that it was + partially dictated to him by authorities at home, who were anxious to + gratify English opinion, and partly ignorant, partly careless of the + consequences. At the same time, it is clear that he is responsible for the + details of the scheme, since immediately after the capture of Cetywayo he + writes a despatch about them which was considered so important, that a + member of his staff was sent to England in charge of it. In this document + he informs the Secretary of State that Cetywayo’s rule was resolutely + built up “without any of the ordinary and lawful foundations of authority, + and by the mere vigour and vitality of an individual character.” It is + difficult to understand what Sir Garnet means in this passage. If the fact + of being the rightful and generally accepted occupant of the throne is not + an “ordinary and lawful foundation of authority,” what is? As regards + Cetywayo having built up his rule by the “mere vigour and vitality of an + individual character,” he is surely in error. Cetywayo’s position was not + different to that of his immediate predecessors. If Sir Garnet had applied + the remark to Chaka, the first king, to the vigour and vitality of whose + individual character Zululand owes its existence as a nation, it would + have been more appropriate. The despatch goes on to announce that he has + made up his mind to divide the country into thirteen portions, in order to + prevent the “possibility of any reunion of its inhabitants under one + rule,” and ends in these words: “I have laboured with the great aim of + establishing for Her Majesty’s subjects in South Africa, both white and + coloured, as well as for this spirited people against whom unhappily we + have been involved in war, the enduring foundations of peace, happiness + and prosperity.” The spirited people were no doubt vastly thankful, but + the white man, reading such a passage as this, and knowing the facts of + the case, will only recognise Sir Garnet Wolseley’s admirable talent for + ironical writing. + </p> + <p> + Sir Garnet entered into an agreement with each of his kinglets, who, + amongst other things, promised that they would not make war without the + sanction of the British Government. He also issued a paper of instructions + to the gentleman who was first appointed British Resident (who, by the + way, very soon threw up his post in despair). From this document we learn + that all the ex-king’s brothers are to “be under the eye of the chief John + Dunn,” but it is chiefly remarkable for the hostility it evinces to all + missionary enterprise. The Resident is instructed to “be careful to hold + yourself entirely aloof from all missionary or proselytising enterprises,” + and that “grants of land by former kings to missionaries cannot be + recognised by the British Government,” although Sir Garnet will allow + missionaries to live in the country if the chief of the district does not + object. These instructions created some adverse comment in England, with + the result that, in the supplementary instructions issued on the occasion + of Mr. Osborn’s appointment as Resident, they were somewhat modified. In + the despatch to the Secretary of State in which he announces the new + appointment, Sir Garnet says that Mr. Osborn is to be the “councillor, + guide, and friend” of the native chiefs, and that to his “moral influence” + “we should look I think for the spread of civilisation and the propagation + of the Gospel.” What a conglomeration of duties,—at once “prophet, + priest, and king!” Poor Mr. Osborn! + </p> + <p> + Of the chiefs appointed under this unfortunate settlement, some were so + carelessly chosen that they have no authority whatsoever over the + districts to which they were appointed, their nominal subjects preferring + to remain under the leadership of their hereditary chief. Several of Sir + Garnet’s little kings cannot turn out an hundred men, whilst the + hereditary chief, who has no official authority, can bring up three or + four thousand. Thus, for instance, a territory was given to a chief called + Infaneulela. The retainers of this gentleman live in a kraal of five or + six huts on the battlefield of Ulundi. A chief called Dilligane, to whom + the district should have been given, is practically head man of the + district, and takes every possible opportunity of defying the nominee + chief, Infaneulela, who is not acknowledged by the people. Another case is + that of Umgitchwa, to whom a territory was given. In this instance there + are two brothers, Umgitchwa and Somhlolo, born of different mothers. + Umgitchwa is the elder, but Somhlolo is the son of a daughter of the king, + and therefore, according to Zulu custom, entitled to succeed to the + chieftainship. Somhlolo was disinherited by Sir Garnet on account of his + youth (he is about twenty-five and has many wives). But an ancient custom + is not to be thus abrogated by a stroke of the pen, and Somhlolo is + practically chief of the district. Fighting is imminent between the two + brothers. + </p> + <p> + A third case is that of Hlubi, who, though being a good, well-meaning man, + is a Basuto, and being a foreigner, has no influence over the Zulus under + him. + </p> + <p> + A fourth instance is that of Umlandela, an old and infirm Zulu, who was + made chief over a large proportion of the Umtetwa tribe on the coast of + Zululand. His appointment was a fatal mistake, and has already led to much + bloodshed under the following curious circumstances, which are not without + interest, as showing the intricacy of Zulu plots. + </p> + <p> + The Umtetwas were in the days of Chaka a very powerful tribe, but suffered + the same fate at his hands as did every other that ventured to cross + spears with him. They were partially annihilated, and whilst some of the + survivors, of whom the Umtetwas in Zululand are the descendants, were + embodied in the Zulu regiments, others were scattered far and wide. + Branches of this important tribe exist as far off as the Cape Colony. + Dingiswayo, who was the chief of the Umtetwas when Chaka conquered the + tribe, fled after his defeat into Basutoland, and is supposed to have died + there. After the Zulu war Sir G. Wolseley divided the Umtetwa into two + districts, appointing an Umtetwa chief named Somkeli ruler over one, and + Umlandela over the other. + </p> + <p> + Umlandela, being a Zulu and worn with age, has never had any authority + over his nominal subjects, and has been anxious to rid himself of the + danger and responsibility of his chieftainship by transferring it on to + the shoulders of Mr. John Dunn, whose territory adjoins his own, and who + would be, needless to say, nothing loth to avail himself of the + opportunity of increasing his taxable area. Whilst this intrigue was in + progress all Zululand was convulsed with the news of our defeat by the + Boers and the consequent surrender of the Transvaal. It was commonly + rumoured that our forces were utterly destroyed, and that the Boers were + now the dominant Power. Following on the heels of this intelligence was a + rumour to the effect that Cetywayo was coming back. These two reports, + both of which had a foundation of truth, had a very bad effect on the + vulgar mind in Zululand, and resulted in the setting in motion of a + variety of plots, of which the following was the most important. + </p> + <p> + The Umtetwa tribe is among those who are not anxious for the return of + Cetywayo, but see in the present state of affairs an opportunity of + regaining the power they possessed before the days of Chaka. If they were + to have a king over Zululand they determined that it should be an Umtetwa + king, and Somkeli, one of the chiefs appointed by Sir Garnet, was the man + who aimed at the throne. He was not, however, anxious to put out his hand + at first further than he could draw it back, so he adopted a very + ingenious expedient. It will be remembered that the old Chief Dingiswayo + fled to Basutoland, where he is reported to have married. It occurred to + Somkeli that if he could produce a descendant or a pseudo-descendant of + Dingiswayo he would have no difficulty in beginning operations by + dispossessing Umlandela of his territory in favour of the supposed lawful + heir. In fact he wanted a cat to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for + him, who could easily be got rid of afterwards. Accordingly one Sitimela + was produced who is supposed to be an escaped convict from Natal, who gave + out that he was a grandson of Dingiswayo by a Basuto woman, and a great + medicine-man, able to kill everybody by a glance of his eye. + </p> + <p> + To this impostor adherents flocked from all parts of Zululand, and + Umlandela flying for his life into John Dunn’s territory, Sitimela seized + upon the chieftainship. The Resident thereupon ordered him to appear + before him, but he, as might be expected, refused to come. As it was + positively necessary to put an end to the plot by some means, since its + further development would have endangered and perhaps destroyed the + weak-knee’d Zulu settlement, Mr. Osborn determined to proceed to the scene + of action. Mahomet would not go to the mountain, so the mountain had to go + to Mahomet. On arrival he pitched his tents half way between the camps of + Sitimela and John Dunn, who had Umlandela under his charge, and summoned + Somkeli, the author of the plot, to appear before him. Ten days elapsed + before the summons was obeyed. During this time, and indeed until they + finally escaped, the Resident and his companion could not even venture to + the spring, which was close at hand, to wash, for fear of being + assassinated. All day long they could see lines of armed men swarming over + the hills round them, and hear them yelling their war-songs. At length + Somkeli appeared, accompanied by over a thousand armed warriors. He was + ordered to withdraw his forces from Sitimela’s army and go home. He went + home, but did not withdraw his forces. The next day Sitimela himself + appeared before the Resident. He was ordered to come with ten men: he came + with two thousand all armed, wild with excitement and “moutied” + (medicined). To make this medicine they had killed and pounded up a little + cripple boy and several of Umlandela’s wives. It afterwards transpired + that the only reason Sitimela did not then and there kill the Resident was + that he (Mr. Osborn) had with him several chiefs who were secretly + favourable to Sitimela’s cause, and if he had killed him he would, + according to Zulu custom, have had to kill them too. Mr. Osborn ordered + Sitimela to disperse his forces or take the consequences, and waited a few + days for him to do so; but seeing no signs of his compliance, he then + ordered the neighbouring chiefs to fall on him, and at length withdrew + from his encampment,—none too soon. That very night a party of + Sitimela’s men came down to kill him, and finding the tent in which he and + his companions had slept standing, stabbed at its supposed occupants + through the canvas. + </p> + <p> + Sitimela was defeated by the forces ordered out by the Resident with a + loss of about 500 men. It is, however, worthy of note, and shows how + widespread was the conspiracy, that out of all the thousands promised, Mr. + Osborn was only able to call out two thousand men. + </p> + <p> + The appointment, however, that has occasioned the most criticism is that + of John Dunn, who got the Benjamin share of Zululand in preference to his + brother chiefs. The converting of an Englishman into a Zulu chief is such + a very odd proceeding that it is difficult to know what to think of it. + John Dunn is an ambitious man, and most probably has designs on the + throne; he is also a man who understands the value of money, of which he + makes a great deal out of his chieftainship. At the same time, it is clear + that, so far as it goes, his rule is better than that of the other chiefs; + he has a uniform tax fixed, and has even done something in the way of + starting schools and making roads. From all that I have been able to + gather, his popularity and influence with the Zulus are overrated, though + he has lived amongst them so many years, and taken so many of their women + to wife. His appointment was a hazardous experiment, and in the long run + is likely to prove a mischievous one, since any attempted amendment of the + settlement will be violently resisted by him on the ground of vested + interests. Also, if white men are set over Zulus at all, they should be <i>gentlemen</i> + in the position of government officers, not successful adventurers. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the only wise thing done in connection with the settlement was the + appointment of Mr. Osborn, C.M.G., as British Resident. It is not easy to + find a man fitted for that difficult and dangerous position, for the + proper filling of which many qualifications are required. Possessed of an + intimate knowledge of the Zulus, their language, and their mode of thought + and life, and being besides a very able and energetic officer, Mr. Osborn + would have saved the settlement from breaking down if anybody could have + saved it. As it is, by the exercise of ceaseless energy and at great + personal risk, he has preserved it from total collapse. Of the dangers and + anxieties to which he is exposed, the account I have given of the Sitimela + incident is a sufficient example. He is, in fact, nothing but a shadow, + for he has no force at his command to ensure obedience to his decisions, + or to prevent civil war; and in Zululand, oddly enough, force is a remedy. + Should one chief threaten the peace of the country, he can only deal with + him by calling on another chief for aid, a position that is neither + dignified nor right. What is worst of all is that the Zulus are beginning + to discover what a shadow he is, and with this weakened position he has to + pit his single brains against all the thousand and one plots which are + being woven throughout Zululand. The whole country teems with plots. + Mnyamane, the late Prime Minister, and one of the ablest, and perhaps the + most influential man in Zululand, is plotting for the return of Cetywayo. + Bishop Colenso, again, is as usual working his own wires, and creating + agitations to forward his ends, whatever they may be at the moment. John + Dunn, on the other hand, is plotting to succeed Cetywayo, and so on <i>ad + infinitum</i>. Such is the state of affairs with which our unfortunate + Resident has to contend. Invested with large imaginary powers, he has in + reality nothing but his personal influence and his own wits to help him. + He has no white man to assist him, but living alone in a broken-down tent + and some mud huts built by his son’s hands (for the Government have never + kept their promise to put him up a house), in the midst of thousands of + restless and scheming savages, amidst plots against the peace and against + his authority, he has to do the best he can to carry out an impracticable + settlement, and to maintain the character of English justice and the + honour of the English name. Were Mr. Osborn to throw up his post or to be + assassinated, the authorities would find it difficult to keep the whole + settlement from collapsing like a card castle. + </p> + <p> + Nobody who understood Zulu character and aspirations could ever have + executed such a settlement as Sir Garnet Wolseley’s, unless he did it in + obedience to some motive or instructions that it was not advisable to + publish. It is true that Sir Garnet’s experience of the Zulus was + extremely small, and that he put aside the advice of those who did know + them with that contempt with which he is wont to treat colonists and their + opinions. Sir Garnet Wolseley does not like colonial people, possibly + because they have signally failed to appreciate heaven-born genius in his + person, or his slap-dash drumhead sort of way of settling the fate of + countries, and are, indeed, so rude as to openly say, that, in their + opinion, he did more mischief in Africa in a few months, than it would + take an ordinary official a lifetime to accomplish. + </p> + <p> + However this may be, stop his ears as much as he might, Sir Garnet cannot + have been entirely blind to the import of what he was doing, and the only + explanation of his action is that he entered on it more with the idea of + flattering and gratifying English public opinion, than of doing his best + for the Zulus or the white Colonists on their borders. A great outcry had + been raised at home, where, in common with most South African affairs, the + matter was not thoroughly understood, against the supposed intended + annexation of Zululand for the benefit of “greedy colonists.” It was + argued that colonists were anxious for the annexation in order that they + might get the land to speculate with, and doubtless this was, in + individual instances, true. I fully agree with those who think that it + would be unwise to throw open Zululand to the European settler, not on + account of the Zulus, who would benefit by the change, but because the + result would be a state of affairs similar to that in Natal, where there + are a few white men surrounded by an ever-growing mass of Kafirs. But + there is a vast difference between Annexation proper and the Protectorate + it was our duty to establish over the natives. Such an arrangement would + have presented few difficulties, and have brought with it many advantages. + White men could have been forbidden to settle in the country. A small + hut-tax, such as the Zulus would have cheerfully paid, would have brought + in forty or fifty thousand a year, an ample sum to defray the expenses of + the Resident and sub-Residents: the maintenance of an adequate native + force to keep order: and even the execution of necessary public works. It + is impossible to overrate the advantages that must have resulted both to + the Zulus and their white neighbours from the adoption of this obvious + plan, among them being lasting peace and security to life and property; or + to understand the folly and cruelty that dictated the present arrangement, + or rather want of arrangement. Not for many years has England missed such + an opportunity of doing good, not only at no cost, but with positive + advantage to herself. Did we owe nothing to this people whose kingdom we + had broken up, and whom we had been shooting down by thousands? They may + well ask, as they do continually, what they have done that we should treat + them as we have and are doing? + </p> + <p> + It cannot be too clearly understood, that, when the Zulus laid down their + arms they did so, hoping and believing that they would be taken over by + the English Government, which, having been fairly beaten by it, they now + looked on as their head or king, and be ruled like their brethren in + Natal. They expected to have to pay taxes and to have white magistrates + placed over them, and they or the bulk of them looked forward to the + change with pleasure. It must be remembered that when once they have found + their master, there exists no more law-abiding people in the world than + the Zulus, provided they are ruled firmly, and above all justly. Believing + that such a rule would fall to their lot they surrendered when they did. + How great, then, must their surprise have been when they found, that + without their wishes being consulted in the matter, their own hereditary + king was to be sent away, and thirteen little kings set up in his place, + with, strangest of all, a white man as chief little king, whilst the + British Government contented itself with placing a Resident in the + country, to watch the troubles that must ensue. + </p> + <p> + Such a settlement as this could only have one object and one result, + neither of which is at all creditable to the English people. The Zulus + were parcelled out among thirteen chiefs, in order that their strength + might be kept down by internecine war and mutual distrust and jealousy: + and, as though it were intended to render this result more certain, + territories were chucked about in the careless way I have described, + whilst central authority was abolished, and the vacant throne is dangled + before all eyes labelled “the prize of the strongest.” Of course Sir + Garnet’s paper agreements with the chiefs were for the most part + disregarded from the first. For instance, every chief has his army and + uses it too. In Zululand bloodshed is now a thing of every-day occurrence, + and the whole country is torn by fear, uncertainly, and consequent + want.[*] The settlement is bearing its legitimate fruit; some thousands of + Zulus have already been killed in direct consequence of it, and more will + doubtless follow. And this is the outcome of all the blood and treasure + spent over the Zulu war! Well, we have settled Zululand on the most + approved principles, and thank Heaven, British influence has not been + extended! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] A severe famine is said to be imminent in Zululand. +</pre> + <p> + To show that I am not singular in my opinion as to the present state of + Zululand, I may be allowed to quote a few short extracts taken at random, + from half-a-dozen numbers of the “Natal Mercury.” Talking of the Zulu + settlement terms as dictated by Sir G. Wolseley, the leading article of + the issue 21st November 1881 says:—“It will at once be apparent that + these terms have in several cases been flagrantly violated, especially as + regards clauses of 2, 3, 4, and 6. This last will assuredly be broken + again and yet again, so long as the British Resident occupies the position + of an official mollusc. The chiefs themselves perceive and admit the evils + that must arise out of the absence of any effective central authority. + These evils are so obvious, they were so generally recognised at the + outset as being inherent in the scheme, that we might almost suppose their + occurrence had been deliberately anticipated as a desired outcome of the + settlement. The morality of such a line of policy would be precisely on a + par with that which is involved in the proposal to reinstate Cetywayo as a + means of dealing with the Boers. The creation of thirteen kinglets in + order that they might destroy each other, is as humane and high-minded an + effort of statesmanship as would be the restoration of a banished king in + order that he might eat up a people to whom the same power has just given + back their independence. To the simple colonial mind such deep designs of + Machiavellian statecraft are as hateful as they are inhuman and + dishonest.” + </p> + <p> + A correspondent of the “Mercury” in Zululand writes under date of 13th + October:— + </p> + <p> + “I send a line at the last moment to say that things are going from bad to + worse at railway speed. Up to the arrival of Sir Evelyn Wood, the chiefs + did not fully realise that they were really independent at all. Now they + do, and if I mistake not, like a beggar on horseback will ride to the + devil sharp. Oham has begun by killing a large number of the Amagalusi + people. My information is derived from native sources, and may be somewhat + exaggerated. It is that the killed at Isandhlwana were few compared with + those killed by Uhamu a few days ago. Usibebu also and Undabuka are, I am + told, on the point of coming to blows; and if they do that it will be + worse still, for Undabuka will find supporters throughout the length and + breadth of Zululand. Undabuka, the full brother of the ex-king, is the + protege of the Bishop of Natal. The Bishop, I find, has again sent one of + his agents (Amajuba by name) calling for another deputation. The + deputation is now on its way to Natal, and that, I understand, against the + express refusal of the Resident to allow it.” In the issue of 14th + November is published a letter from Mr. Nunn, a gentleman well known in + Zululand, from which, as it is too long to quote in its entirety, I give a + few extracts:—“<i>Oham’s Camp, Oct.15.</i>—The Zulus cannot + comprehend the Transvaal affair, and it has been industriously circulated + among them that the English have been beaten and forced to give back the + Transvaal. They do not understand gracious acts of restoration after we + have been beaten. Four times this year has Umnyamana called his army + together and menaced Oham, who has several times had to have parties of + his followers sleeping around his kraal in the hills adjacent, so as to + give him timely notice to fly. When Oham left his kraal for the purpose of + attending the meeting at Inslasatye, the same day the whole of the + Maquilisini Tribe came on to the hills adjacent to Oham’s kraal, the + ‘Injamin,’ and threatened that district. This has been the case on two or + three former occasions, and simultaneously Umnyamana’s tribe and + Undabuka’s followers always flew to arms, thus threatening on all sides. . + . . Trading is and has been for months entirely suspended in this + district. The fields are unplanted, no ploughs or Kafir-picks at work—all + are in a state of excitement, not knowing the moment a collision may take + place. Hunger will stare many in the face next year, and all the men + yelling to their chiefs to be let loose and put an end to this state of + uncertainty.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nunn encloses an account by an eye-witness of a battle which took + place on the 2d October 1881 between Oham’s army and the Maquilisini + Tribe. The following is an extract:—“On the 2nd there was a heavy + mist, and on moving forward the mounted party found themselves in the + midst of the enemy (the Maquilisini), and on hearing a cry to stab the + horses, they rode through them with no casualty (except one horse slightly + wounded with a bullet). The army, moving in a half circle, now became + generally engaged in a hand-to-hand fight, and our men were checked and + annoyed by a number of the enemy armed with guns, who were in a + stone-kraal and kept up a constant fire. Amatonga, now at the head of the + mounted party, charged and drove the enemy out of the kraal, from which + they three several times charged the enemy on the flank, assisted by a + small infantry party, and cut paths through their ranks. The fight, which + had now lasted nearly an hour, commenced to flag, and Oham’s army making a + sudden rush entirely routed the enemy, and the carnage lasted to the Bevan + river, the boundary of the Transvaal. No women or children were killed, + but out of an army of about 1500 of the enemy but few escaped” (sic) . . . + . “The men, as they were being killed, repeatedly exclaimed, ‘We are dying + through Umnyamana and Umlabaku.’” + </p> + <p> + In the “Natal Mercury” of the 13th March occurs the following:— + </p> + <p> + “<i>Zulu Country.</i>—As to the state of the country it is something + we cannot describe; everything is upside down, and the chiefs appointed by + the government are mere nobodies, and have not any power over their own + people. Even the Resident is in a false position, and seems perfectly + powerless to act either way. We had one row, just arriving at a kraal in + time to save it from being eaten up. Witchcraft and killing, one of the + pretences on which the English made war, are of every-day occurrence, and + fifty times worse than they were before the war. Oham and Tibysio (?) keep + their men continually in the field, consequently those districts are at + present in a state of famine.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Garnet Wolseley executed the Zulu settlement on the 1st September + 1879. The above extracts will suffice to show the state of the country + after it has been working for little more than two years. They will also, + I believe, suffice to convince any just and impartial mind that I do not + exaggerate when I say that it is an abomination and a disgrace to England. + The language may be strong, but when one hears of 1500 unfortunates + (nearly twice as many as we lost at Isandhlwana) being slaughtered in a + single intertribal broil, it is time to use strong language. It is not as + though this were an unexpected or an unavoidable development of events, + every man who knew the Zulus predicted the misery that must result from + such a settlement, but those who directed their destinies turned a deaf + ear to all warnings. They did not wish to hear. + </p> + <p> + And now we are told that civil war is imminent between the Cetywayo or + anti-settlement party, and what I must, for want of a better name, call + the John Dunn party, or those who have acquired interests under the + settlement, and who for various reasons wish to see Cetywayo’s face no + more. If this occurs, and it will occur unless the Government makes up its + mind to do something before long, the slaughter, not only of men but also + of women and children, will be enormous; fugitives will pour into Natal, + followed perhaps by their pursuers, and for aught we know the war may + spread into our own dominions. We are a philanthropic people, very, when + Bulgarians are concerned, or when the subject is one that piques the + morbid curiosity, or is the rage of the moment, and the subject of + addresses from great and eloquent speakers. But we can sit still, and let + such massacres as these take place, when we have but to hold up our hand + to stop them. When occasionally the veil is lifted a little, and the + public hears of “fresh fighting in Zululand;” a question is asked in the + House; Mr. Courtney, as usual, has no information, but generally + discredits the report, and it is put aside as “probably not true.” I am + well aware that of the few who read these words, many will discredit them, + or say that they are written for some object, or for party purposes. But + it is not the case; they are written in the interest of the truth, and in + the somewhat faint hope that they may awaken a portion of the public, + however small, to a knowledge of our responsibilities to the unfortunate + Zulus. For try to get rid of it as we may, those responsibilities rest + upon our shoulders. When we conquered the Zulu nation and sent away the + Zulu king, we undertook, morally at any rate, to provide for the future + good government of the country; otherwise, the Zulu war was unjust indeed. + If we continue to fail, as we have hitherto, to carry out our + responsibilities as a humane and Christian nation ought to do, our lapse + from what is right will certainly recoil upon our own heads, and, in the + stern lessons of future troubles and disasters, we shall learn that + Providence with the nation, as with the individual, makes a neglected duty + its own avenger. We have sown the wind, let us be careful lest we reap the + whirlwind. + </p> + <p> + It is very clear that things cannot remain in their present condition. If + they do, it is probable that the Resident will sooner or later be + assassinated; not from any personal motives, but as a political necessity, + and some second Chaka will rise up and found a new Zulu dynasty, sweeping + away our artificial chiefs and divisions like cobwebs. This idea seems to + have penetrated into Lord Kimberley’s official mind, since in his despatch + of instructions to Sir H. Bulwer, written in February last, he says, + “Probably if the chiefs are left to themselves after a period more or less + prolonged of war and anarchy, some man will raise himself to the position + of supreme chief.” The prospect of war and anarchy in Zululand does not, + however, trouble Lord Kimberley at all; in fact, the whole despatch is + typical to a degree of the Liberal Colonial policy. Lord Kimberley admits + that what little quiet the country has enjoyed under the settlement, “was + due to a mistaken belief on the part of the Zulus that the British + Government was ruling them, or would rule them through the Resident.” He + evidently clearly sees all the evils and bloodshed that are resulting and + that must result from the present state of affairs; indeed he + recapitulates them, and then ends up by even refusing to allow such slight + measures of relief as the appointment of sub-Residents to be carried out, + although begged for by the chiefs, on the ground that it might extend + British influence. Of the interests of the Zulus himself he is quite + careless. The whole despatch can be summed up thus: “If you can find any + method to improve the state of affairs which will not subject us to the + smallest cost, risk, or responsibility, you can employ it; if not, let + them fight it out.” Perhaps Lord Kimberley may live (officially) long + enough to find out that meanness and selfishness do not always pay, and + that it is not always desirable, thus to sacrifice the respect, and crush + the legitimate aspirations of a generous people. + </p> + <p> + Unless something is done before long, it is possible that John Dunn may + succeed after a bloody war in securing the throne; but this would not + prove a permanent arrangement, since he is now getting on in life and has + no son to carry on the dynasty. Another possibility, and one that is not + generally known, at any rate in this country, though it is perhaps the + most probable of all, is this. Cetywayo has left a son in Zululand, who is + being carefully educated under the care of Mnyamane, the late King’s Prime + Minister. The boy is now about 16 years of age, and is reported to possess + very good abilities, and is the trump card that Mnyamane will play as soon + as the time is ripe. This young man is the hereditary heir to the Zulu + crown, and it is more than probable that if he is proclaimed king the vast + majority of the nation will rally round him and establish him firmly on + his throne. There is little use in keeping Cetywayo confined whilst his + son is at large. The lad should have been brought to England and educated, + so that he might at some future time have assisted in the civilisation of + his country: as it is, he is growing up in a bad school. + </p> + <p> + And now I come to the root of the whole matter, the question whether or + no, under all these circumstances, it is right or desirable to + re-establish Cetywayo on the throne of Zululand. In considering this + question, I think that Cetywayo’s individuality ought to be out on one + side, however much we may sympathise with his position, as I confess I do + to some extent myself. After all, Cetywayo is only one man, whereas the + happiness, security, and perhaps the lives of many thousands are involved + in the issue of the question. In coming to any conclusion in the matter it + is necessary to keep in view the intentions of the Government as regards + our future connection with Zululand. If the Government intends to do its + duty and rule Zululand as it ought to be ruled, by the appointment of + proper magistrates, the establishment of an adequate force, and the + imposition of the necessary taxes; then it would be the height of folly to + permit Cetywayo to return, since his presence would defeat the scheme. It + must be remembered that there is as yet nothing whatsoever to prevent this + plan being carried out. It would be welcomed with joy by the large + majority of both Zulus and Colonists. It would also solve the problem of + the increase of the native population of Natal, which is assuming the most + alarming proportions, since Zululand, being very much underpopulated, it + would be easy, were that country once quietly settled, to draft the + majority of the Natal Zulus back into it. This is undoubtedly the best + course, and indeed the only right course; but it does not at all follow + that it will be taken, since governments are unfortunately more concerned + at the prospect of losing votes than with the genuine interests of their + dependencies. The proper settlement of Zululand would not be popular + amongst a large class in this country, and therefore it is not likely to + be carried out, however right and necessary it may be. + </p> + <p> + If nothing is going to be done, then it becomes a question whether or no + Cetywayo should be sent back. + </p> + <p> + The large majority of the Natalians consider that his restoration would be + an act of suicidal folly, and their opinion is certainly entitled to great + weight, since they are after all the people principally concerned. The + issue of the experiment would be a matter of comparative indifference to + people living 7000 miles away, but is naturally regarded with some anxiety + by those who have their homes on the borders of Zululand. It is very well + to sympathise with savage royalty in distress, but it must be borne in + mind that there are others to be considered besides the captive king. Many + of the Zulus, for instance, are by no means anxious to see him again, + since they look forward with just apprehension to the line of action he + may take with those who have not shown sufficient anxiety for his return, + or have in other ways incurred his resentment. One thing is clear, to send + the king back to Zululand is to restore the <i>status in quo</i> as it was + before the war. There can be no half measures about it, no more worthless + paper stipulations; a Zulu king must either be allowed to rule in his own + fashion or not at all. The war would go for nothing, and would doubtless + have to be fought over again with one of Cetywayo’s successors. + </p> + <p> + Also it must be remembered that it is one thing to talk of restoring + Cetywayo, and another to carry his restoration into effect. It would not + simply be a question of turning him down on the borders of Zululand, and + letting him find his own way back to his throne, for such a proceeding + would be the signal for the outbreak of civil war. It is not to be + supposed that John Dunn, and those whose interests are identical with + Dunn’s, would allow the ex-king to reseat himself on the throne without a + struggle; indeed the former has openly declared his intention of resisting + the attempt by force of arms if necessary. He is by no means anxious to + give up the 15,000 pounds a year his hut-tax brings in, and all the + contingent profits and advantages of his chieftainship. If we wish to + restore Cetywayo we must first depose Dunn; in fact, we must be ready to + support his restoration by force of arms. + </p> + <p> + As regards Cetywayo himself, I cannot share the opinion of those who think + that he would be personally dangerous. He has learnt his lesson, and would + not be anxious to try conclusions with the English again; indeed, I + believe he would prove a staunch ally. But supposing him re-established on + the throne, how long would it be before a revolution, or the hand of the + assassin, to say nothing of the ordinary chances of nature, put an end to + him, and how do we know that his successor in power would share his views? + </p> + <p> + Cetywayo’s rule, bad as it was, was perhaps preferable to the reign of + terror that we have established, under the name of a settlement. But that + we can still remedy if we choose to do so, whereas, if we once restore + Cetywayo, all power over the Zulus passes out of our hands. + </p> + <p> + We have many interests to consider in South Africa, all of which will be + more or less affected by our action in this matter. On the whole, I am of + opinion that the Government that replaces Cetywayo on the throne of his + fathers will undertake a very grave responsibility, and must be prepared + to deal with many resulting complications, not the least of which will be + the utter exasperation of the white inhabitants of Natal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NATAL AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT + </h2> + <p> + <i>Natal—Causes of increase of the native population—Happy + condition of the Natal Zulus—Polygamy—Its results on + population—The impossibility of eradicating it—Relations + between a Zulu and his wives—Connection between polygamy and native + law—Missionary work amongst the Zulus—Its failure—Reasons + of its failure—Early days of Natal—Growth of the native + question—Coming struggle between white and black over the land + question—Difficulty of civilising the Zulu—Natal as a black + settlement—The constitution of Natal—Request for responsible + government—Its refusal—The request renewed and granted—Terms + and reason of Lord Kimberley’s offer—Infatuation of responsible + government party in Natal—Systematic abuse of colonists in England—Colonial + speculators—Grievances against the Imperial Government—Sir + Henry Bulwer—Uncertain future of Natal—Its available force—Exterior + dangers—The defence question shirked by the “party of progress”— + The confederation question—The difficulty of obtaining desirable + immigrants—The only real key to the Natal native question—Folly + of accepting self-government till it is solved.</i> + </p> + <p> + Natal has an area of about 18,000 square miles, and its present population + is, roughly, 25,000 whites and 400,000 natives of the Zulu race. When, in + 1843, it first became a British colony, the number of natives living + within its borders was very small, and they were for the most part + wanderers, fragmentary remnants of the tribes that Chaka had destroyed. I + shall probably be under, rather than over the mark, if I say, that the + Zulu population of the colony has multiplied itself by ten during the last + thirty years. Two causes have combined to bring about this extraordinary + increase; firstly, wholesale immigration from the surrounding territories; + and secondly, the practice of polygamy. + </p> + <p> + This immigration has been due to a great want of foresight, or want of + knowledge, on the part of the Home authorities, who have allowed it to go + on without check or hindrance till it has, in conjunction with its twin + evil polygamy, produced the state of affairs it is my object to describe. + Ever since its first establishment as a colony Natal has been turned into + a city of refuge for the native inhabitants of Zululand, the Transvaal, + Swaziland, and elsewhere. If news came to a Zulu chief that his king + purposed to eat him up, he at once fled across the Tugela with his wives + and followers and settled in Natal. If the Boers or Swazis destroyed a + tribe, the remnant found its way to Natal. + </p> + <p> + That country, indeed, is to the South African native a modern Isles of the + Blest. Once across the border line, and, whatever his crime, he is in a + position to defy his worst enemy, and can rest secure in the protection of + the Home and local Governments, and of the enactments specially passed to + protect him and his privileges. The Government allots him land, or if it + does not he squats on private land: bringing with him his own peculiar and + barbarous customs. In all the world I do not know a race more favoured by + circumstances than the Natal Zulus. They live on the produce of the fields + that their wives cultivate, or rather scratch, doing little or no work, + and having no occasion to do any. They are very rich, and their taxes are + a mere trifle, fifteen shillings per annum for each hut. They bear no + share of the curse that comes to all other men as a birthright; they need + not labour. Protected by a powerful Government, they do not fear attack + from without, or internal disorder. What all men desire, riches and women, + are theirs in abundance, and even their children, the objects of so much + expense and sore perplexity to civilised parents, are to them a source of + wealth. Their needs are few; a straw hut, corn for food, and the bright + sun. They are not even troubled with the thought of a future life, but, + like the animals, live through their healthy, happy days, and at last, in + extreme old age, meet a death which for them has no terrors, because it + simply means extinction. When compared to that of civilised races, or even + of their own brethren in the interior, their lot is indeed a happy one. + </p> + <p> + But the stream of immigration, continuous though it has been, would not by + itself have sufficed to bring up the native population to its present + enormous total, without the assistance of the polygamous customs of the + immigrants. + </p> + <p> + I believe that inquirers have ascertained, that, as a general rule, the + practice of polygamy has not the effect of bringing about an abnormal + growth of population. However this may be elsewhere, in Natal, owing in + great measure to the healthy customs of the Zulu race,[*] the rate of + increase is unprecedented. Many writers and other authorities consider + polygamy as an institution, to be at once wicked and disgusting. As to its + morality, it is a point upon which it is difficult to express any opinion, + nor, indeed, does the question enter into the scope of what I have to say; + but it must be remembered that in the case of the Zulu his whole law and + existence is mixed up with the institution, and that it is necessary to + him to repair the gaps made in his ranks by war. Violent anti-polygamists + in this country always make a strong point of the cruelty it is supposed + to involve to the women, and talk about the “violation of their holiest + feelings.” As a matter of fact, sad as it may appear, the Zulu women are + much attached to the custom, nor would they, as a general rule, consent to + marry a man who only purposed taking one wife. There are various reasons + for this: for instance, the first wife is a person of importance, and + takes precedence of all the others, a fact as much appreciated by the Zulu + woman as by the London lady. Again, the more wives there are, the more + wealth it brings into the family, since in the ordinary course of nature + more wives mean more female children, who, when they come to a + marriageable age, mean in their turn at least ten cows each (the + Government price for a wife). The amount thus obtained is placed to the + credit of the estate of the mother of the girl married, and for this + reason all Zulu women are extremely anxious to have children, especially + female children. Finally, the liking of Zulu women for the custom is bred + in them. It has been going on for countless generations, and it is + probable that it will go on for so long as the race endures. Nations do + not change such habits unless the change is forced on them, with the + alternative of extermination. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] As soon as a Zulu woman is discovered to be pregnant, + her husband ceases to cohabit with her, nor does he live + with her again until the child is weaned, eighteen months, + and sometimes two years, after its birth. +</pre> + <p> + Polygamy will never be eradicated by moral persuasion, because, even if a + native could be brought to think it wrong, which is in itself impossible, + its abolition would affect his interests irredeemably. A Zulu’s wives are + also his servants; they plough his land and husband his grain, in addition + to bearing his children. Had he but one wife most of her time would be + taken up with the latter occupation, and then the mealie-planting and + gathering would necessarily fall to the lot of the husband, a state of + affairs he would never consent to. Again, if monogamy were established, + girls would lose their value, and a great source of wealth would be + destroyed. It must, however, be understood that Zulu girls are not exactly + sold; the cows received by the parents are by a legal fiction supposed to + be a gift presented, not a price paid. Should the wife subsequently run + away, they are, I believe, returnable. + </p> + <p> + On these subjects, as is not to be wondered at when so many interests are + concerned, the Zulu law is a little intricate. The cleverest counsel in + the Temple could not give an opinion on such a case as the following:— + </p> + <p> + A. has four wives and children by Nos. 1 and 3. On his death his brother, + B., a rich man, takes over his wives and property, and has children by + each of the four women. He has also children by other wives. On his death, + in extreme old age, how should the property be divided amongst the + descendants of the various marriages? + </p> + <p> + It is clear that if such a case as this is to be dealt with at all it must + be under native law, and this is one of the great dangers of polygamy. + Once rooted in a state it necessitates a double system of laws, since + civilised law is quite unable to cope with the cases daily arising from + its practice. It is sometimes argued that the law employed is a matter of + indifference, provided that substantial justice is done, according to the + ideas of people concerned, and this is doubtless very true if it is + accepted as a fact that the Zulu population of Natal is always to remain + in its present condition of barbarism. To continue to administer their law + is to give it the sanction of the white man’s authority, and every day + that it is so administered makes it more impossible to do away with it. I + say “more impossible” advisedly, because I believe its abrogation is + already impossible. There is no satisfactory way out of the difficulty, + because it has its roots in, and draws its existence from, the principle + of polygamy, which I believe will last while the people last. + </p> + <p> + Some rely on the Missionary to effect this stupendous change, and turn a + polygamous people into monogamists. But it is a well-known fact that the + missionaries produce no more permanent effect on the Zulu mind than a + child does on the granite rock which he chips at with a chisel. How many + real Christians are there in Zululand and Natal, and of that select and + saintly band how many practise monogamy? But very few, and among those few + there is a large proportion of bad characters, men who have adopted + Christianity as a last resource. I mean no disrespect to the missionaries, + many of whom are good men, doing their best under the most unpromising + conditions, though some are simply traders and political agitators. But + the fact remains the same. Christianity makes no appreciable progress + amongst the Zulu natives, whilst, on the other hand, no one having any + experience in the country will, if he can avoid it, have a so-called + Christian Kafir in his house, because the term is but too frequently + synonymous with that of drunkard and thief. I do not wish it to be + understood that it is the fact of his Christianity that so degrades the + Zulu, because I do not think it has anything to do with it. It is only + that the novice, standing on the threshold of civilisation, as a rule + finds the vices of the white man more congenial than his virtues. + </p> + <p> + The Zulus are as difficult to convince of the truths of Christianity as + were the Jews, whom they so much resemble in their customs. They have a + natural disinclination to believe that which they cannot see, and, being + constitutionally very clever and casuistical, are prepared to argue each + individual point with an ability very trying to missionaries. It was one + of these Zulus, known as the Intelligent Zulu, but in reality no more + intelligent than his fellows, whose shrewd remarks first caused doubts to + arise in the mind of Bishop Colenso, and through him in those of thousands + of others. + </p> + <p> + Another difficulty in the way of the Missionary is, that he is obliged to + insist on the putting away of surplus wives, and thus to place himself out + of court at the outset. It is quite conceivable that in the opinion of + wild and savage men, it is preferable to let the new teaching alone, + rather than to adopt it at the cost of such a radical change in their + domestic arrangements. As a case in point I may quote that of Hlubi, the + Basutu appointed chief of one of the divisions of Zululand, by Sir G. + Wolseley. Hlubi is at heart a Christian, and a good man, and anxious to be + baptized. The missionaries, however, refuse to baptize him, because he has + two wives. Hlubi therefore remains a heathen, saying, not unnaturally, + that he feels it would be impossible for him to put away a woman with whom + he has lived for so many years. + </p> + <p> + Whilst polygamy endures Christianity will advance with but small strides. + It seems to me that we are beginning at the wrong end. We must civilise + first and Christianise afterwards. As well try to sow corn among rocks and + look to gather a full crop, as expect the words of Grace and Divine love + to bear fruit in the hearts of a people whose forefathers have for + countless generations been men of blood, whose prized traditions are one + long story of slaughter, and who, if they are now at peace are, as it + were, only gathering strength for a surer spring. First, the soil must be + prepared before the seed is sown. + </p> + <p> + To do this there is but one way. Abolish native customs and laws, + especially polygamy, and bring our Zulu subjects within the pale of our + own law. Deprive them of their troops of servants in the shape of wives, + and thus force them to betake themselves to honest labour like the rest of + mankind. + </p> + <p> + There is only one objection in the way of the realisation of this scheme, + which would, doubtless, bring about, in the course of a generation, a much + better state of things, and gather many thousand converts into the fold of + the Church; and that is, the opportunity has, so far as Natal is + concerned, been missed—the time has gone by when it could have been + carried out. To young countries, as to young men, there come sometimes + opportunities of controlling their future destinies which, if not seized + at the moment, pass away for ever, or only to return after long and + troubled years. Natal has had her chance, and it has gone away from her, + though through no fault of her own. If, when the colony was first settled, + the few natives who then lived there had been forced to conform to the + usages of civilised life or to quit its borders; if refugees had been + refused admission save on the same terms, it would not occupy the very + serious position it does at the present moment. + </p> + <p> + To understand the situation into which Natal has drifted with reference to + its native inhabitants, it is necessary to premise that that country has + hitherto had practically no control over its own affairs, more especially + as regards native legislation. + </p> + <p> + In its early days it was a happy, quiet place, a favoured clime, where the + traveller or settler could find good shooting, cheap labour, and cheap + living. No enemy threatened its rest, and the natives were respectful and + peaceful in their behaviour. But it was in those days that the native + difficulty, that Upas tree that now overshadows and poisons the whole + land, took root; for slowly, from all parts, all through that quiet time, + by ones, by tens, by hundreds, refugees were flowing in, and asking and + receiving land to settle on from the Government. + </p> + <p> + It is not, however, to be supposed that the local officials did not + perceive the gathering danger, since it has again and again been pointed + out to different Secretaries of State, and again and again been ignored by + them, or put off for the consideration of their successors. Hand-to-mouth + legislation has always been the characteristic of our rule in South + Africa. On one occasion Sir Theophilus, then Mr. Shepstone, went so far as + to offer to personally draw off a large portion of the native population, + and settle them on some vacant territory bordering on the Cape Colony, but + the suggestion was not acceded to, for fear lest the execution of the + scheme should excite disturbances amongst the natives of the Cape. Thus + year after year has passed away—plan after plan has been put aside,—and + nothing has been done. + </p> + <p> + In the colony a great deal of abuse is poured out on the head of Sir T. + Shepstone, to whom the present native situation is unjustly attributed by + a certain party of politicians. Sir T. Shepstone was for very many years + Secretary for Native Affairs in Natal, but until he came to England, + shortly before the termination of his official career, he was personally + unknown to the Colonial Office, and had no influence there. It was totally + out of his power to control the policy of the Home Government with + reference to the Natal natives; he could only take things as he found + them, and make the best of such materials as came to his hand. As he could + not keep the natives out of the colony or prevent polygamy, he did what he + could towards making them loyal and contented subjects. How well he + succeeded, and with what consummate tact and knowledge he must have + exercised his authority, is shown by the fact that in all these years + there has been but one native disturbance, namely that of Langalibalele, + and by the further fact that the loyalty of the Natal Zulus stood the + strain of the Zulu war. Also, there never has been, and probably never + will be, another white man so universally beloved and reverenced by the + natives throughout the length and breadth of South Africa. + </p> + <p> + But Sir T. Shepstone’s influence for good will pass away, as all purely + personal influence must, and meanwhile, what is the situation? On the one + hand, there is a very slowly increasing, scattered, and mixed population + of about 25,000 whites, capable, at the outside, of putting a force of + 4000 men in the field. On the other, there is a warlike native population, + united by the ties of race and common interests, numbering at the present + moment between 400,000 and 500,000, and increasing by leaps and bounds: + capable of putting quite 80,000 warriors into the field, and possessing, + besides, numerous strongholds called locations. At present these two rival + populations live side by side in peace and amity, though at heart neither + loves the other. The two races are so totally distinct that it is quite + impossible for them to have much community of feeling; they can never + mingle; their ideas are different, their objects are different, and in + Natal their very law is different. Kafirs respect and like individual + Englishmen, but I doubt whether they are particularly fond of us as a + race, though they much prefer us to any other white men, and are devoted + to our rule, so long as it is necessary to them. The average white man, on + the other hand, detests the Kafir, and looks on him as a lazy + good-for-nothing, who ought to work for him and will not work for him, + whilst he is quite incapable of appreciating his many good points. It is + an odd trait about Zulus that only gentlemen, in the true sense of the + word, can win their regard, or get anything out of them. + </p> + <p> + It is obvious that, sooner or later, these two races must come into + contact, the question being how long the present calm will last. To this + question I will venture to suggest an answer,—I believe the right + one. It will last until the native gets so cramped for room that he has no + place left to settle on, except the white man’s lands. The white man will + then try to turn him off, whereupon the native will fall back on the + primary resource of killing him, and possessing himself of the land by + force. This plan, simultaneously carried out on a large scale, would place + the colony at the mercy of its native inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + Nor is the time so very far distant when Englishmen and Zulus will stand + face to face over this land question. In the early days of the colony, + locations were established in the mountainous districts, because they were + comparatively worthless, and the natives were settled in them by tribes. + Of what goes on in these locations very little is known, except that they + are crowded, and that the inhabitants are as entirely wedded to their + savage customs as their forefathers were before them. As there is no more + room in the locations, many thousands of Kafirs have settled upon private + lands, sometimes with and sometimes without the leave of the owners. But, + for many reasons, this is a state of affairs that cannot go on for ever. + In a few years, the private lands will be filled up, as well as the + locations, and what then? + </p> + <p> + Zulus are a people who require a very large quantity of land, since they + possess great numbers of cattle which must have grazing room. Also their + cultivation being of the most primitive order, and consisting as it does + of picking out the very richest patches of land, and cropping them till + they are exhausted, all ordinary land being rejected as too much trouble + to work, the possession, or the right of usor, of several hundred acres is + necessary to the support of a single family. Nor, if we may judge from + precedent, and its well-marked characteristics, is it to be supposed that + this race will at the pinch suit itself to circumstances, take up less + land, and work harder. Zulus would rather fight to the last than discard a + cherished and an ancient custom. Savages they are, and savages they will + remain, and in the struggle between them and civilisation it is possible + that they may be conquered, but I do not believe that they will be + converted. The Zulu Kafir is incompatible with civilisation. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen, from what I have said, that Natal might more properly be + called a Black settlement than an English colony. Looking at it from the + former point of view, it is a very interesting experiment. For the first + time probably since their race came into existence, Zulu natives have got + a chance given them of increasing and multiplying without being + periodically decimated by the accidents of war, whilst at the same time + enjoying the protection of a strong and a just government. It remains to + be seen what use they will make of their opportunity. That they will avail + themselves of it for the purposes of civilising themselves I do not + believe; but it seems to me possible that they will learn from the white + man the advantages of combination, and aim at developing themselves into a + powerful and united black nation. + </p> + <p> + It is in the face of this state of things that Lord Kimberley now proposes + to grant responsible government to the white inhabitants of Natal, should + they be willing to accept it, providing that it is to carry with it the + responsibility of ruling the natives, and further, of defending the colony + from the attacks of its neighbours, whether white or coloured. + </p> + <p> + Natal has hitherto been ruled under a hybrid constitution, which, whilst + allowing the Legislative Assembly of the colony to pass laws, &c., + reserves all real authority to the Crown. There has, however, been for + some years past a growing agitation amongst a proportion of its + inhabitants, instituted with the object of inducing the Home Government to + concede practical independence to the colony, Her Majesty having on + several occasions been petitioned on the subject by the Legislative + Council. On the 13th February 1880, Sir G. Wolseley, who was at the time + Governor of Natal, wrote what I can only call, a very intemperate despatch + to the Secretary of State, commenting on the prayer for responsible + government, which he strongly condemned. He also took the opportunity to + make a series of somewhat vicious attacks on the colonists in general, + whose object in asking for independence was, he implied, to bring the + black man in relations of “appropriate servitude to his white superior.” + It would appear, however, from words used by him towards the end of his + despatch, that the real reason of his violence was, that he feared, that + one of the first acts of the Natal Parliament would be to put an end to + his settlement in Zululand, which was and is the laughing-stock of the + colony. He was probably right in this supposition. The various charges he + brings against the colonists are admirably and conclusively refuted in a + minute adopted by the Legislative Council of Natal, dated 20th December + 1880. + </p> + <p> + In a despatch, dated 15th March 1881, Lord Kimberley refuses to accede to + the request for the grant of Responsible Government. + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of December, the Legislative Council again petitioned the + Crown on the subject, and forward to Lord Kimberley a report of a Select + committee appointed to consider the matter, in which the following words + occur:— + </p> + <p> + “Your committee hold that while the colony may well be held responsible + for its defence from such aggression as may be caused by the acts or + policy of a responsible government, it cannot justly be saddled with the + obligation to meet acts of aggression from bordering territories that have + arisen out of the circumstances or measures over which such government + have had no control; although, as a matter of fact, the brunt of defence + (must be borne?) in the first instance by the colonists. The Council, + therefore, neither exercises, nor desires to exercise, any control over + territories adjacent to or bordering on the colony; for the preservation + of its own internal peace and order the colony is prepared to provide. The + duty of protecting the colony from external foes, whether by sea or land, + devolves on the Empire as a whole, otherwise to be a section of that + Empire constitutes no real privilege.” + </p> + <p> + To this report, somewhat to the surprise of the Natalians, Lord Kimberley + returned, in a despatch addressed to Sir H. Bulwer, on the occasion of his + departure to take up the Governorship of Natal, and dated 2d February + 1882, a most favourable reply. In fact, he is so obliging as to far exceed + the wishes of the Natalians, as expressed in the passage just quoted, and + to tell them that Her Majesty’s Government is not only ready to give them + responsible government, but that it will expect them to defend their own + frontiers, independently of any assistance from the Imperial Government. + He further informs them that the Imperial troops will be withdrawn, and + that the only responsibility Her Majesty’s Government will retain with + reference to the colony will be that of its defence against aggression by + foreign powers. + </p> + <p> + This sudden change of face on the part of the Imperial Government, which + had up till now flatly refused to grant <i>any measure</i> of + self-government to Natal, may at first seem rather odd, but on examination + it will be found to be quite in accordance with the recently developed + South African policy of Mr. Gladstone’s Government. There is little doubt + that it is an article of faith among the Liberal party that the less the + mother-country has to do with her colonies, and more especially her South + African colonies, the better. A grand step was made in the direction of + the abandonment of our South African Empire when we surrendered the + Transvaal to the Boers, and it is clear that if our troops can be + withdrawn from Natal and all responsibility for the safety of that colony + put an end to, the triumph of self-effacement will be still more complete. + But there is another and more immediate reason for Lord Kimberley’s + generous offer. He knows, no one better, that the policy pursued in South + Africa, both as regards the Transvaal and Zululand, must produce its + legitimate fruit—bloodshed—before very long. He, or rather his + Government, is consequently anxious to cut the connection before anything + of the sort occurs, when they will be able to attribute the trouble, + whatever it is, to the ill-advised action of the Colonial Legislature. + </p> + <p> + What is still more strange, however, is that the colonists, having regard + to the position they occupy with reference to the Kafirs that surround + them, to whom they bear the same relative proportion that the oases do in + the desert, or the islands of an archipelago to the ocean that washes + their shores, should wish for such a dangerous boon as that of + self-government, if indeed they really do wish it. When I lived in Natal, + I often heard the subject discussed, and watched the Legislative Council + pass its periodical resolutions about it, but I confess I always looked on + the matter as being more or less of a farce. There exists, however, in + Natal a knot of politicians who are doubtless desirous of the change, + partly because they think that it would be really beneficial, and partly + because they are possessed by a laudable ambition to fill the high + positions of Prime Minister, Treasurer, &c., in the future Parliament. + But these gentlemen for the most part live in towns, where they are + comparatively safe should a native rising occur. I have not noticed the + same enthusiasm for responsible government among those Natalians who live + up country in the neighbourhood of the locations. + </p> + <p> + Still there does exist a considerable party who are in favour of the + change, a party that has recently sprung into existence. Many things have + occurred within the last few years to irritate and even exasperate people + in Natal with the Imperial Government, and generally with the treatment + that they have received at our hands. For instance, colonists are + proverbially sensitive, and it is therefore rather hard that every + newspaper correspondent or itinerant bookmaker who comes to their shores, + should at once proceed to print endless letters and books abusing them + without mercy. The fact of the matter is that these gentlemen come, and + put up at the hotels and pot-shops, where they meet all the loafers and + bad characters in the country, whom they take to be specimens of the best + class of colonists, whom they describe accordingly as the “riddlings of + society.” Into the quiet, respectable, and happy homes that really give + the tone to the colony they do not enter. + </p> + <p> + It is also a favourite accusation to bring against the people of Natal + that they make the South African wars in order to make money out of them. + For instance, in a leading article of one of the principal English + journals, it was stated not long ago, that the murmurs of the colonists at + being forced to eat the bread of humiliation in the Transvaal matter, + arose from no patriotic feeling, but from sorrow at the early termination + of a war out of which they hoped to suck no small advantage. This + statement is quite untrue. + </p> + <p> + No doubt a great deal of money has been made out of the wars by a few + colonial speculators, some of it, maybe, dishonestly; but this is not an + unusual occurrence in a foreign war. Was no money made dishonestly by + English speculators and contractors in the Crimean War? Cannot Manchester + boast manufacturers ready to supply our enemies,—for cash payments,—with + guns to shoot us with, or any other material of war? + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed that because a few speculators made fortunes out + of the Commissariat that the whole colony participated in the spoils of + the various wars. On the contrary, the marjority of its inhabitants have + suffered very largely. Not only have they run considerable personal risk, + but since, and owing to, the Zulu and Boer wars the cost of living has + almost, if not quite doubled, which, needless to say, has not been the + case with their incomes. It is therefore particularly cruel that Natal + should be gibbeted as the abode of scoundrels of the worst sort, men + prepared to bring about bloodshed in order to profit by it. Sir Garnet + Wolseley, however, found in this report of colonial dishonesty a + convenient point of vantage from which to attack the colonists generally, + and in his despatch about responsible government we may be sure he did not + spare them. The Legislative Council thus comments on his remarks: “To + colonists a war means the spreading among them of distress, alarm, and + confusion, peril to life and property in outlying districts, the arrest of + progress, and general disorganisation. . . . The Council regard with pain + and indignation the uncalled-for and cruel stigma thus cast upon the + colonists by Sir Garnet Wolseley.” + </p> + <p> + At first sight these accusations may not appear to have much to do with + the question of whether or no the colonists should accept responsible + government, but in reality they have, inasmuch as they create a feeling of + soreness that inclines the Natalians to get rid of Imperial interference + and the attendant criticism at any price. + </p> + <p> + More substantial grievances against the English Government are the present + condition of the native problem, which the colonists justly attribute to + Imperial mismanagement, and that triumph of genius, Sir Garnet Wolseley’s + settlement in Zululand. They see these evils, which they know were + preventable, growing more formidable day by day, and they imagine, or some + of them do, that if they had free institutions it would still be in their + power to stop that growth. + </p> + <p> + The whole question has now been referred to the colony, which is to elect + a fresh Legislative Assembly on the issue of responsible government. The + struggle between “the party of progress,” i.e., the responsible government + section, and the reactionists, or those who are prepared to dispense with + “freedom,” provided they can be sure of safety, is being carried on + keenly, and at present it is doubtful which side will have a majority. I + do not, however, believe that the majority of any Council returned will + consent to accept Lord Kimberley’s proposal as it stands; to walk into a + parlour in which the spider is so very obvious, and to deliberately + undertake the guardianship of all the Imperial interests in South-Eastern + Africa. If they do, they will, in my opinion, deserve all they will + get.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Since this chapter was written the Natal constituencies + have, as I thought probable, declared against the acceptance + of Lord Kimberley’s offer in its present form, by returning + a majority of anti-responsible Government men. It is, + however, probable that the new Legislative Council will try + to re-open negotiations on a different, or, at any rate, a + modified basis. +</pre> + <p> + The Natalians are fortunate at the present crisis in having, by dint of + vigorous agitation against the appointment of Mr. Sendall, a gentleman + selected by Lord Kimberley to govern them, obtained the reappointment of + their former Governor, Sir Henry Bulwer. Sir Henry, during his first + tenure of office, lost credit with the South African colonists on account + of his lukewarmness with reference to the Zulu war, but the course of + events has gone far towards justifying his views. He is one of the most + hard-working and careful Governors that Natal has ever had, and, perhaps, + the most judicious. Of a temperate and a cautious mind, he may be more + safely trusted to pilot a country so surrounded with difficulties and + dangers as Natal is, than most men, and it is to be hoped that the + application to the questions of the day, of the strong common sense that + he possesses in such an eminent degree, may have a cooling effect on the + hot heads and excited imaginations of the “party of progress.” + </p> + <p> + In considering the pros and cons of the responsible government question, + it must be steadily kept in sight that Natal is not likely to be a country + with a peaceful future. To begin with, she has her native inhabitants to + deal with. To-day they number, say 450,000, fifteen or twenty years hence + they will number a million, or perhaps more. These men are no longer the + docile overgrown children they were twenty years ago. The lessons of our + performances in the Zulu and Boer wars, more especially the latter, have + not been lost upon them, and they are beginning to think that the white + man, instead of being the unconquerable demigod they thought him, is + somewhat of a humbug. Pharaoh, we know, grew afraid of the Israelites; + Natal, with a much weaker power at command than that of Pharaoh, has got + to cope with a still more dangerous element, and one that cannot be + induced to depart into the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + And after all what does the power of Natal amount to? Let us be liberal, + and say six thousand men, it is the outside. In the event of a native + rising, or any other serious war, I believe that of this number, at least + two thousand would make themselves scarce. There exists in all colonies a + floating element of individuals who have drifted there for the purpose of + making money, but who have no real affection for the (temporary) country + of their adoption. Their capital is, as a rule, small and easily realised, + and the very last thing that they would think of doing, would be to engage + in a deadly life or death struggle, on behalf of a land that they only + look on as a milch cow, out of which their object is to draw as much as + possible. On the contrary, they would promptly seek another cow, leaving + the old one to the tender mercies of the butcher. + </p> + <p> + Their defection would leave some 4000 men to cope with the difficulty, + whatever it was, of which number at least 1000 would be ineffective from + age and various other causes, whilst of the remainder, quite 1000 would be + obliged to remain where they were to protect women and children in + outlying districts. This would leave a total effective force of 2000 men, + or, deducting 500 for garrison purposes, of 1500 ready to take the field. + But it would take some time to collect, arm, and equip even this number, + and in the meanwhile, in the case of a sudden and preconcerted native + rising, half the inhabitants of the colony would be murdered in detail. + </p> + <p> + But Natalians have got other dangers to fear besides those arising from + the presence of this vast mass of barbarism in their midst. After a period + of anarchy a new king may possess himself of the throne of Zululand, and + it is even possible that he might, under circumstances that will arise + hereafter, lead his armies into Natal, and create a difficulty with which + the 1500 available white men would find it difficult to cope. Or the Boers + of the Orange Free State and Transvaal may get tired of paying customs + dues at Durban, and march 5000 men down to take possession of the port! + Perhaps Natal might provide herself with an effective force by enrolling + an army of 10,000 or 20,000 Kafirs, but it seems to me that the proceeding + would be both uncertain and expensive, and, should the army take it into + its head to mutiny, very dangerous to boot. + </p> + <p> + It is a noticeable fact that those who so ardently advocate the acceptance + of Lord Kimberley’s offer, in all their speeches, addresses, and articles, + almost entirely shirk this question of defence, which is, after all, the + root of the matter. I have formed my estimate of the number of men + forthcoming in time of danger, on the supposition that a burgher law was + in force in Natal, that is, that every man remaining in the country should + be obliged to take a part in its defence. But they do not even hint at a + burgher law—in fact, they repudiate the idea, because they know that + it would not be tolerated. The universal service system is not the + Natalian’s idea of happiness. They simply avoid the question, calling it + the “defence bugbear,” and assume that it will all be arranged in some + unforeseen way. + </p> + <p> + The only suggestion that I have yet seen as regards the arrangements for + the future defence of the colony should it become independent, is a + somewhat ominous one, namely:—that Natal should enter into a close + alliance, offensive and defensive, with the Transvaal and the Orange Free + State. But, as the advocates of “freedom” would soon find, the Orange Free + State (for even if willing to help them, the Transvaal will for some years + have enough to do with its own affairs) will not come forward for nothing. + There would first have to be a few business formalities with reference to + the customs dues collected in Durban, on goods passing through to the + interior, which yield the bulk of the Natal revenue: and possibly, some + concessions to Boer public opinion as regards the English mode of dealing + with the Natal natives. I incline to the opinion that in relying on the + assistance of the Boers in time of trouble the inhabitants of Natal would + be leaning on a broken reed. They are more likely to find them in arms + against them than fighting on their side. + </p> + <p> + The party of progress also talks much about the prospects of confederation + with the Cape, if once they get responsible government. Most people, + however, will think that the fact of their being independent, and + therefore responsible for their own defence, will hardly prove an + inducement to the Cape to offer to share those responsibilities. The only + confederation possible to Natal as a self-governing community will be a + Boer confederation, to which it may be admitted—on certain terms. + Another cry is that the moment responsible government is established + immigrants will flow into the country, and thus restore the balance of + races. I take the liberty to doubt the truth of this supposition. The + intending emigrant from Europe does not, it is true, understand the ins + and outs of the Natal native question, but he does now that it is a place + where there are wars and rumours of wars, and where he might possibly be + killed, and the result is that he wisely goes to some other colony, that + has equal advantages to offer and no Kafirs. To suppose that the emigrant + would go to Natal when he came to understand that it was an independent + settlement of a few white men, living in the midst of a mass of warlike + Kafirs, when Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, are + all holding out their arms to him, is to suppose him a bigger fool than he + is. At the best of times Natal is not likely to attract many desirable + emigrants: under a responsible government I do not believe that it will + attract any. + </p> + <p> + It seems to me, that there is only one condition of affairs under which it + would be at all possible for the Natalians to assume the responsibilities + of self-government with any safety, and that is when the great bulk of the + native population has been removed back to whence it came—Zululand. + Causes of a diametrically opposite nature to those that have been at work + among the natives of Natal, have been in operation amongst their brethren + in Zululand. In Natal, peace, polygamy, plenty and immigration have bred + up an enormous native population. In Zululand, war, private slaughter by + the king’s order, and the severe restrictions put upon marriage, have kept + down the increase of the race; also an enormous number of individuals have + fled from the one country into the other. I do not suppose that the + population of Zululand amounts, at the present moment, to much more than + half that of Natal. + </p> + <p> + In this state of affairs lies the only real key to the Natal native + difficulty. Let Zululand be converted into a black colony under English + control, and its present inhabitants be established in suitable locations; + then let all the natives of Natal, with the exception of those who choose + to become monogamists and be subject to civilised law, be moved into + Zululand, and also established in locations. There would be plenty of room + for them all. Of course there would be difficulties in the way of the + realisation of this scheme, but I do not think that they would prove + insuperable. It is probable, however, that it would require a show of + force before the Natal natives would consent to budge. Indeed, it is + absurd to suppose, that anything would induce them to leave peaceful + Natal, and plunge into the seething cauldron of bloodshed, extortion, and + political plots that we have cooked up in Zululand under the name of a + settlement. Proper provisions must first be made for the government of the + country, and security to life and property made certain. Till this is + done, no natives in their senses will return to Zululand. + </p> + <p> + Till this is done, too, or till some other plan is discovered by means of + which the native difficulty can be effectively dealt with, the Natalians + will indeed be foolish if they discard the protection of England, and + accept the fatal boon of self-government. If they do, their future career + may be brilliant; but I believe that it will be brief. + </p> + <p> + It is no answer to urge that at present the natives seem quite quiet, and + that there is no indication of disturbance. + </p> + <p> + History tells us that before the destruction of doomed Pompeii, Vesuvius + was very still; only day by day the dark cloud hanging over the mountain’s + summit grew denser and blacker. We know what happened to Pompeii. + </p> + <p> + I do not wish to suggest anything unpleasant, far from it; but sometimes, + I cannot help thinking, that it is perhaps a matter worth the + consideration of the Natalians, whether it might not be as well, instead + of talking about responsible government: to improve upon the example of + the inhabitants of Pompeii, and take to their ships <i>before</i> the + volcano begins to work. + </p> + <p> + It seems to me that there is an ugly cloud gathering on the political + horizon in Natal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TRANSVAAL + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + ITS INHABITANTS, LAWS, AND CUSTOMS + </h3> + <p> + <i>Invasion by Mosilikatze—Arrival of the emigrant Boers—Establishment + of the South African republic—The Sand River convention—Growth + of the territory of the republic—The native tribes surrounding it—Capabilities + of the country—Its climate—Its inhabitants—The Boers—Their + peculiarities and mode of life—Their abhorrence of settled + government and payment of taxes—The Dutch patriotic party—Form + of government previous to the annexation—Courts of law—The + commando system—Revenue arrangements—Native races in the + Transvaal.</i> + </p> + <p> + The Transvaal is a country without a history. Its very existence was + hardly known of until about fifty years ago. Of its past we know nothing. + The generations who peopled its great plains have passed utterly out of + the memory and even the traditions of man, leaving no monument to mark + that they have existed, not even a tomb. + </p> + <p> + During the reign of Chaka, 1813-1828, whose history has been sketched in a + previous chapter, one of his most famous generals, Mosilikatze, surnamed + the Lion, seceded from him with a large number of his soldiers, and + striking up in a north-westerly direction, settled in or about what is now + the Morico district of the Transvaal. The country through which + Mosilikatze passed was at that time thickly populated with natives of the + Basutu or Macatee race, whom the Zulus look upon with great contempt. + Mosilikatze expressed the feelings of his tribe in a practical manner, by + massacring every living soul of them that came within his reach. That the + numbers slaughtered were very great, the numerous ruins of Basutu kraals + all over the country testify. + </p> + <p> + It was Chaka’s intention to follow up Mosilikatze and destroy him, but he + was himself assassinated before he could do so. Dingaan, his successor, + however, carried out his brother’s design, and despatched a large force to + punish him. This army, after marching over 300 miles, burst upon + Mosilikatze, drove him back with slaughter, and returned home triumphant. + The invasion is important, because the Zulus claim the greater part of the + Transvaal territory by virtue of it. + </p> + <p> + About the time that Mosilikatze was conquered, 1835-1840, the discontented + Boers were leaving the Cape Colony exasperated at the emancipation of the + slaves by the Imperial authorities. First they made their way to Natal, + but being followed thither by the English flag they travelled further + inland over the Vaal River and founded the town of Mooi River Dorp or + Potchefstroom. Here they were joined by other malcontents from the Orange + Sovereignty, which, although afterwards abandoned, was at that time a + British possession. Acting upon + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The good old rule, the simple plan + Of let him take who has the power, + And let him keep who can, +</pre> + <p> + the Boers now proceeded to possess themselves of as much territory as they + wanted. Nor was this a difficult task. The country was, as I have said, + peopled by Macatees, who are a poor-spirited race as compared to the + Zulus, and had had what little courage they possessed crushed out of them + by the rough handling they had received at the hands of Mosilikatze and + Dingaan. The Boers, they argued, could not treat them worse than the Zulus + had done. Occasionally a Chief, bolder than the rest, would hold out, and + then such an example was made of him and his people that few cared to + follow in his footsteps. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Boers were fairly settled in their new home, they began to + think about setting up a Government. First they tried a system of + Commandants, with a Commandant-general, but this does not seem to have + answered. Next, those of their number who lived in Lydenburg district + (where the gold fields now are) set up a Republic, with a President and + Volksraad, or popular assembly. This example was followed by the other + white inhabitants of the country, who formed another Republic and elected + another President, with Pretoria for their capital. The two republics were + subsequently incorporated. + </p> + <p> + In 1852 the Imperial authorities, having regard to the expense of + maintaining an effective government over an unwilling people in an + undeveloped and half-conquered country, concluded a convention with the + emigrant Boers “beyond the Vaal River.” The following were the principal + stipulations of this convention, drawn up between Major Hogg and Mr. Owen, + Her Majesty’s Assistant-Commissioners for the settling and adjusting of + the affairs of the eastern and north-eastern boundaries of the Colony of + the Cape of Good Hope on the one part, and a deputation representative of + the emigrant farmers north of the Vaal River on the other. It was + guaranteed “in the fullest manner on the part of the British Government to + the emigrant farmers beyond the Vaal River the right to manage their own + affairs, and to govern themselves according to their own laws, without any + interference on the part of the British Government, and that no + encroachment shall be made by the said Government on the territory beyond + to the north of the Vaal River, with the further assurance that the + warmest wish of the British Government is to promote peace, free trade, + and friendly intercourse with the emigrant farmers now inhabiting, or who + hereafter may inhabit that country, it being understood that this system + of non-interference is binding on both parties.” + </p> + <p> + Next were disclaimed, on behalf of the British Government, “all alliances + whatever and with whomsoever of the coloured nations to the north of the + Vaal River.” + </p> + <p> + It was also agreed “that no slavery is or shall be permitted or practised + in the country to the north of the Vaal River by the emigrant farmers.” + </p> + <p> + It was further agreed “that no objection shall be made by any British + authority against the emigrant Boers purchasing their supplies of + ammunition in any of the British colonies and possessions of South Africa; + it being mutually understood that all trade in ammunition with the native + tribes is prohibited both by the British Government and the emigrant + farmers on both sides of the Vaal River.” + </p> + <p> + These were the terms of this famous convention, which is as slipshod in + its diction as it is vague in its meaning. What, for instance, is meant by + the territory to the north of the Vaal River? According to the letter of + the agreement, Messrs. Hogg and Owen ceded all the territory between the + Vaal and Egypt. This historical document was the Charta of the new-born + South African Republic. Under its provisions, the Boers, now safe from + interference on the part of the British, established their own Government + and promulgated their “Grond Wet,” or Constitution. + </p> + <p> + The history of the Republic between 1852 and 1876 is not very interesting, + and is besides too wearisome to enter into here. It consists of an + oft-told tale of civil broils, attacks on native tribes, and encroachment + on native territories. Until shortly before the Annexation, every burgher + was, on coming of age, entitled to receive from the Government 6000 acres + of land. As these rights were in the early days of the Republic frequently + sold to speculators for such trifles as a bottle of brandy or half a dozen + of beer, and as the seller still required his 6000 acres: for a Boer + considers it beneath his dignity to settle on less, it is obvious that it + required a very large country to satisfy all demands. To meet these + demands, the territories of the Republic had to be stretched like an + elastic band, and they were stretched accordingly,—at the expense of + the natives. The stretching process was an ingenious one, and is very well + described in a minute written by Mr. Osborn, the late Magistrate at Newcastle, + dated 22d September, 1876, in these words:— + </p> + <p> + “The Boers, as they have done in other cases and are still doing, + encroached by degrees on native territory, commencing by obtaining + permission to graze stock upon portions of it at certain seasons of the + year, followed by individual graziers obtaining from native headmen a sort + of right or license to squat upon certain defined portions, ostensibly in + order to keep other Boer squatters away from the same land. These + licenses, temporarily intended as friendly or neighbourly acts by + unauthorised headmen, after a few seasons of occupation by the Boer, are + construed by him as title, and his permanent occupation ensues. Damage for + trespass is levied by him from the very man from whom he obtained the + right to squat, to which the natives submit out of fear of the matter + reaching the ears of the paramount chief, who would in all probability + severely punish them for opening the door to encroachment by the Boer. + After a while, however, the matter comes to a crisis in consequence of the + incessant disputes between the Boers and the natives; one or other of the + disputants lays the case before the paramount chief, who, when hearing + both parties, is literally frightened with violence and threats by the + Boer into granting him the land. Upon this the usual plan followed by the + Boer is at once to collect a few neighbouring Boers, including a field + cornet, or even an acting provisional field cornet, appointed by the field + cornet or provisional cornet, the latter to represent the Government, + although without instructions authorising him to act in the matter. A few + cattle are collected among themselves, which the party takes to the chief, + and his signature is obtained to a written document alienating to the + Republican Boers a large slice of all his territory. The contents of this + document are, as far as I can make out, never clearly or intelligibly + explained to the chief who signs and accepts of the cattle under the + impression that it is all in settlement of hire for the grazing licenses + granted by his headmen. This, I have no hesitation in saying, is the usual + method by which the Boers obtain what they call cessions to them of + territories by native chiefs. In Secocoeni’s case they allege that his + father Sequati cedes to them the whole of his territory (hundreds of + square miles) for a hundred head of cattle.” + </p> + <p> + So rapidly did this progress go on that the little Republic to the “North + of the Vaal River,” had at the time of the Annexation grown into a country + of the size of France. Its boundaries had only been clearly defined where + they abutted on neighbouring White Communities, or on the territories of + great native powers, on which the Government had not dared to infringe to + any marked degree, such as those of Lo Bengula’s people in the north. But + wheresoever on the State’s borders there had been no white Power to limit + its advances, or where the native tribes had found themselves too isolated + or too weak to resist aggressions, there the Republic had by degrees + encroached and extended the shadow, if not the substance, of its + authority. + </p> + <p> + The Transvaal has a boundary line of over 1,600 miles in circumference, + and of this a large portion is disputed by different native tribes. + Speaking generally, the territory lies between the 22 and 28 degrees of + South Latitude and the 25 and 32 degrees of East Longitude, or between the + Orange Free State, Natal and Griqualand West on the south, and the Limpopo + River on the north; and between the Lebombo mountains on the east, and the + Kalihari desert on the west. On the north of its territory live three + great tribes, the Makalaka, the Matabele (descendants of the Zulus who + deserted Chaka under Mosilikatze) and the Matyana. These tribes are all + warlike. On the west, following the line down to the Diamond Field + territory, are the Sicheli, the Bangoaketsi, the Baralong and the Koranna + tribes. Passing round by Griqualand West, the Free State, and Natal, we + reach Zululand on the south-east corner; then come the Lebombo mountains + on the east, separating the Transvaal from Amatonga land, and from the + so-called Portuguese possessions, which are entirely in the hands of + native tribes, most of them subject to the great Zulu chief, Umzeila, who + has his stronghold in the north-east. + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that the country is almost surrounded by native + tribes. Besides these there are about one million native inhabitants + living within its borders. In one district alone, Zoutpansberg, it is + computed that there are 364,250 natives, as compared to about 750 whites. + </p> + <p> + If a beautiful and fertile country were alone necessary to make a state + and its inhabitants happy and prosperous, happiness and prosperity would + rain upon the Transvaal and the Dutch Boers. The capabilities of this + favoured land are vast and various. Within its borders are to be found + highlands and lowlands, vast stretches of rolling veldt like gigantic + sheep downs, hundreds of miles of swelling bushland, huge tracts of + mountainous country, and even little glades spotted with timber that + remind one of an English park. There is every possible variety of soil and + scenery. Some districts will grow all tropical produce, whilst others are + well suited for breeding sheep, cattle and horses. Most of the districts + will produce wheat and all other cereals in greater perfection and + abundance than any of the other South African colonies. Two crops of + cereals may be obtained from the soil every year, and both the vine and + tobacco are cultivated with great success. Coffee, sugar-cane and cotton + have been grown with profit in the northern parts of the State. Also the + undeveloped mineral wealth of the country is very great. Its known + minerals are gold, copper, lead, cobalt, iron, coal, tin and plumbago: + copper and iron having long been worked by the natives. Altogether there + is little doubt that the Transvaal is the richest of all the South African + states, and had it remained under English rule it would, with the aid of + English enterprise and capital, have become a very wealthy and prosperous + country. However there is little chance of that now. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the greatest charm of the Transvaal lies in its climate, which is + among the best in the world, and in all the southern districts very + healthy. During the winter months, that is from April to October, little + or no rain falls, and the climate is cold and bracing. In summer it is + rather warm, but not overpoweringly hot, the thermometer at Pretoria + averaging from 65 to 73 degrees, and in the winter from 59 to 56 degrees. + The population of the Transvaal is estimated at about 40,000 whites, + mostly of Dutch origin, consisting of about thirty vast families: and one + million natives. There are several towns, the largest of which are + Pretoria and Potchefstroom. + </p> + <p> + Such is the country that we annexed in 1877, and were drummed out of in + 1881. Now let us turn to its inhabitants. It has been the fashion to talk + of the Transvaal as though nobody but Boers lived in it. In reality the + inhabitants were divided into three classes: 1. Natives; 2. Boers; 3. + English. I say were divided, because the English class can now hardly be + said to exist, the country having been made too hot to hold it, since the + war. The natives stand in the proportion of nearly twenty to one to the + whites. The Boers were in their turn much more numerous than the English, + but the latter owned nearly all the trading establishments in the country, + and also a very large amount of property. + </p> + <p> + The Transvaal Boers have been very much praised up by members of the + Government in England, and others who are anxious to advance their + interests, as against English interests. Mr. Gladstone, indeed, can hardly + find words strong enough to express his admiration of their leaders, those + “able men,” since they inflicted a national humiliation on us; and + doubtless they are a people with many good points. That they are not + devoid of sagacity can be seen by the way they have dealt with the English + Government. + </p> + <p> + The Boers are certainly a peculiar people, though they can hardly be said + to be “zealous of good works.” They are very religious, but their religion + takes it colour from the darkest portions of the Old Testament; lessons of + mercy and gentleness are not at all to their liking, and they seldom care + to read the Gospels. What they delight in are the stories of wholesale + butchery by the Israelites of old; and in their own position they find a + reproduction of that of the first settlers in the Holy Land. Like them + they think they are entrusted by the Almighty with the task of + exterminating the heathen native tribes around them, and are always ready + with a scriptural precedent for slaughter and robbery. The name of the + Divinity is continually on their lips, sometimes in connection with very + doubtful statements. They are divided into three sects, none of which care + much for the other two. These are the Doppers, who number about half the + population, the Orthodox Reform, and the Liberal Reform, which is the + least numerous. Of these three sects, the Doppers are by far the most + uncompromising and difficult to deal with. They much resemble the puritans + of Charles the First’s time, of the extreme Hew-Agag-in-pieces stamp. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to agree with those who call the Boers cowards, an + accusation which the whole of their history belies. A Boer does not like + fighting if he can avoid it, because he sets a high value on his own life; + but if he is cornered, he will fight as well as anybody else. The Boers + fought well enough, in the late war, though that, it is true, is no great + criterion of courage, since they were throughout flushed with victory, + and, owing to the poor shooting of the British troop, in but little + personal danger. One very unpleasant characteristic they have, and that is + an absence of regard for the truth, especially where land is concerned. + Indeed the national characteristic is crystallised into a proverb, “I am + no slave to my word.” It has several times happened to me, to see one set + of highly respectable witnesses in a land case, go into the box and swear + distinctly that they saw a beacon placed on a certain spot, whilst an + equal number on the other side will swear that they saw it placed a mile + away. Filled as they are with a land hunger, to which that of the Irish + peasant is a weak and colourless sentiment, there is little that they will + not do to gratify their taste. It is the subject of constant litigation + amongst them, and it is by no means uncommon for a Boer to spend several + thousand pounds in lawsuits over a piece of land not worth as many + hundreds. + </p> + <p> + Personally Boers are fine men, but as a rule ugly. Their women-folk are + good-looking in early life, but get very stout as they grow older. They, + in common with most of their sex, understand how to use their tongues; + indeed, it is said, that it was the women who caused the rising against + the English Government. None of the refinements of civilisation enter into + the life of an ordinary Boer. He lives in a way that would shock an + English labourer at twenty-five shillings the week, although he is very + probably worthy fifteen or twenty thousand pounds. His home is but too + frequently squalid and filthy to an extraordinary degree. He himself has + no education, and does not care that his children should receive any. He + lives by himself in the middle of a great plot of land, his nearest + neighbour being perhaps ten or twelve miles away, caring but little for + the news of the outside world, and nothing for its opinions, doing very + little work, but growing daily richer through the increase of his flocks + and herds. His expenses are almost nothing, and as he gets older, wealth + increases upon him. The events in his life consist of an occasional trip + on “commando,” against some native tribe, attending a few political + meetings, and the journeys he makes with his family to the nearest town, + some four times a year, in order to be present at “Nachtmaal” or + communion. Foreigners, especially Englishmen, he detests, but he is kindly + and hospitable to his own people. Living isolated as he does, the lord of + a little kingdom, he naturally comes to have a great idea of himself, and + a corresponding contempt for all the rest of mankind. Laws and taxes are + things distasteful to him, and he looks upon it as an impertinence that + any court should venture to call him to account for his doings. He is rich + and prosperous, and the cares of poverty, and all the other troubles that + fall to the lot of civilised men, do not affect him. He has no romance in + him, nor any of the higher feelings and aspirations that are found in + almost every other race; in short, unlike the Zulu he despises, there is + little of the gentleman in his composition, though he is at times capable + of acts of kindness and even generosity. His happiness is to live alone in + the great wilderness, with his children, his men-servants and his + maid-servants, his flocks and his herds, the monarch of all he surveys. If + civilisation presses him too closely, his remedy is a simple one. He sells + his farm, packs up his goods and cash in his waggon, and starts for + regions more congenially wild. Such are some of the leading + characteristics of that remarkable product of South Africa, the Transvaal + Boer, who resembles no other white man in the world. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, however, the most striking of all his oddities is his abhorrence + of all government, more especially if that government be carried out + according to English principles. The Boers have always been more or less + in rebellion; they rebelled against the rule of the Company when the Cape + belonged to Holland, they rebelled against the English Government in the + Cape, they were always in a state of semi-rebellion against their own + government in the Transvaal, and now they have for the second time, with + the most complete success, rebelled against the English Government. The + fact of the matter is that the bulk of their number hate all Governments, + because Governments enforce law and order, and they hate the English + Government worst of all, because it enforces law and order most of all. It + is not liberty they long for, but license. The “sturdy independence” of + the Boer resolves itself into a determination not to have his affairs + interfered with by any superior power whatsoever, and not to pay taxes if + he can possibly avoid it. But he has also a specific cause of complaint + against the English Government, which would alone cause him to do his + utmost to get rid of it, and that is its mode of dealing with natives, + which is radically opposite to his own. This is the secret of Boer + patriotism. To understand it, it must be remembered that the Englishman + and the Boer look at natives from a different point of view. The + Englishman, though he may not be very fond of him, at any rate regards the + Kafir as a fellow human being with feelings like his own. The average Boer + does not. He looks upon the “black creature” as having been delivered into + his hand by the “Lord” for his own purposes, that is, to shoot and + enslave. He must not be blamed too harshly for this, for, besides being + naturally of a somewhat hard disposition, hatred of the native is + hereditary, and is partly induced by the history of many a bloody + struggle. Also the native hates the Boer fully as much as the Boer hates + the native, though with better reason. Now native labour is a necessity to + the Boer, because he will not as a rule do hard manual labour himself, and + there must be some one to plant and garner the crops, and herd the cattle. + On the other hand, the natives are not anxious to serve the Boers, which + means little or no pay and plenty of thick stick, and sometimes worse. The + result of this state of affairs is that the Boer often has to rely on + forced labour to a very great extent. But this is a thing that an English + Government will not tolerate, and the consequence is that under its rule + he cannot get the labour that is necessary to him. + </p> + <p> + Then there is the tax question. If he lives under the English flag the + money has to be paid regularly, but under his own Government he pays or + not as he likes. It was this habit of his of refusing payment of taxes + that brought the Republic into difficulties in 1877, and that will ere + long bring it into trouble again. He cannot understand that cash is + necessary to carry on a Government, and looks upon a tax as though it were + so much money stolen from him. These things are the real springs of the + “sturdy independence” and the patriotism of the ordinary Transvaal farmer. + Doubtless, there are some who are really patriotic; for instance, one of + their leaders, Paul Kruger. But with the majority, patriotism is only + another word for unbounded license and forced labour. + </p> + <p> + These remarks must not be taken to apply to the Cape Boers, who are a + superior class of men, since they, living under a settled and civilised + Government, have been steadily improving, whilst their cousins, living + every man for his own hand, have been deteriorating. The old Voortrekkers, + the fathers and grandfathers of the Transvaal Boer of to-day, were, + without doubt, a very fine set of men, and occasionally you may in the + Transvaal meet individuals of the same stamp whom it is a pleasure to + know. But these are generally men of a certain age with some experience of + the world; the younger men are very objectionable in their manners. + </p> + <p> + The real Dutch Patriotic party is not to be found in the Transvaal, but in + the Cape Colony. Their object, which, as affairs now are, is well within + the bounds of possibility, is by fair means or foul to swamp the English + element in South Africa, and to establish a great Dutch Republic. It was + this party, which consists of clever and well educated men, who raised the + outcry against the Transvaal Annexation, because it meant an enormous + extension of English influence, and who had the wit, by means of their + emissaries and newspapers, to work upon the feeling of the ignorant + Transvaal farmers until they persuaded them to rebel; and finally, to + avail themselves of the yearnings of English radicalism for the disruption + of the Empire and the minimisation of British authority, to get the + Annexation cancelled. All through this business the Boers have more or + less danced in obedience to strings pulled at Cape Town, and it is now + said that one of the chief wire-pullers, Mr. Hofmeyer, is to be asked to + become President of the Republic. These men are the real patriots of South + Africa, and very clever ones too, not the Transvaal Boers, who vapour + about their blood and their country and the accursed Englishman to order, + and are in reality influenced by very small motives, such as the desire to + avoid payment of taxes, or to hunt away a neighbouring Englishman, whose + civilisation and refinement are as offensive as his farm is desirable. + Such are the Dutch inhabitants of the Transvaal. I will now give a short + sketch of their institutions as they were before the Annexation, and to + which the community has reverted since its recision, with, I believe, but + few alterations. + </p> + <p> + The form of government is republican, and to all intents and purposes, + manhood suffrage prevails, supreme power resting in the people. The + executive power of the State centres in a President elected by the people + to hold office for a term of five years, every voter having a voice in his + election. He is assisted in the execution of his duties by an Executive + Council, consisting of the State Secretary and such other three members as + are selected for that purpose by the legislative body, the Volksraad. The + State Secretary holds office for four years, and is elected by the + Volksraad. The members of the Executive all have seats in the Volksraad, + but have no votes. The Volksraad is the legislative body of the State, and + consists of forty-two members. The country is divided into twelve + electoral districts, each of which has the right to return three members; + the Gold Fields have also the right of electing two members, and the four + principal towns, one member each. There is no power in the State competent + to either prorogue or dissolve the Volksraad except that body itself, so + that an appeal to the country on a given subject or policy is impossible + without its concurrence. Members are elected for four years, but half + retire by rotation every two years, the vacancies being filled by + re-elections. Members must have been voters for three years, and be not + less than thirty years of age, must belong to a Protestant Church, be + resident in the country, and owners of immovable property therein. A + father and son cannot sit in the same Raad, neither can seats be occupied + by coloured persons, bastards, or officials. + </p> + <p> + For each electoral district there is a magistrate or Landdrost whose + duties are similar to those of a Civil Commissioner. These districts are + again subdivided into wards presided over by field cornets, who exercise + judicial powers in minor matters, and in times of war have considerable + authority. The Roman Dutch law is the common law of the country, as it is + of the colonies of the Cape of Good Hope and Natal, and of the Orange Free + State. + </p> + <p> + Prior to the Annexation justice was administered in a very primitive + fashion. First, there was the Landdrosts’ Court, from which an appeal lay + to a court consisting of the Landdrost and six councillors elected by the + public. This was a court of first instance as well as a court of appeal. + Then there was a Supreme Court, consisting of three Landdrosts from three + different districts, and a jury of twelve selected from the burghers of + the State. There was no appeal from this court, but cases have sometimes + been brought under the consideration of the Volksraad as the supreme + power. It is easy to imagine what the administration of justice was like + when the presidents of all the law courts in the country were elected by + the mob, not on account of their knowledge of the law, but because they + were popular. Suitors before the old Transvaal courts found the law + surprisingly uncertain. A High Court of Justice was, however, established + after the Annexation, and has been continued by the Volksraad, but an + agitation is being got up against it, and it will possibly be abolished in + favour of the old system. + </p> + <p> + In such a community as that of the Transvaal Boers, the question of public + defence was evidently of the first importance. This is provided for under + what is known as the Commando system. The President, with the concurrence + of the Executive Council, has the right of declaring war, and of calling + up a Commando, in which the burghers are placed under the field cornets + and commandants. These last are chosen by the field cornets for each + district, and a Commandant-general is chosen by the whole laager or force, + but the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the army. All the + inhabitants of the state between sixteen and sixty, with a few exceptions, + are liable for service. Young men under eighteen, and men over fifty, are + only called out under circumstances of emergency. Members of the + Volksraad, officials, clergymen, and school-teachers are exempt from + personal service, unless martial law is proclaimed, but must contribute an + amount not exceeding 15 pounds towards the expense of the war. All legal + proceedings in civil cases are suspended against persons on commando, no + summonses can be made out, and as soon as martial law is proclaimed no + legal execution can be prosecuted, the pounds are closed, and transfer + dues payments are suspended, until after thirty days from the recall of + the proclamation of martial law. Owners of land residing beyond the + borders of the Republic are also liable, in addition to the ordinary war + tax, to place a fit and proper substitute at the disposal of the + Government, or otherwise to pay a fine of 15 pounds. The first levy of the + burghers is, of men from eighteen to thirty-four years of age; the second, + thirty-four to fifty; and the third, from sixteen to eighteen, and from + fifty to sixty years. Every man is bound to provide himself with clothing, + a gun, and ammunition, and there must be enough waggons and oxen found + between them to suffice for their joint use. Of the booty taken, one + quarter goes to Government and the rest to the burghers. The most + disagreeable part of the commandeering system is, however, yet to come; + personal service is not all that the resident in the Transvaal Republic + has to endure. The right is vested in field cornets to commandeer articles + as well as individuals, and to call upon inhabitants to furnish requisites + for the commando. As may be imagined, it goes very hard on these occasions + with the property of any individual whom the field cornet may not happen + to like. + </p> + <p> + Each ward is expected to turn out its contingent ready and equipped for + war, and this can only be done by seizing goods right and left. One + unfortunate will have to find a waggon, another to deliver his favourite + span of trek oxen, another his riding-horse, or some slaughter cattle, and + so on. Even when the officer making the levy is desirous of doing his duty + as fairly as he can, it is obvious that very great hardships must be + inflicted under such a system. Requisitions are made more with regard to + what is wanted, than with a view to an equitable distribution of demands; + and like the Jews in the time of the Crusades, he who has got most must + pay most, or take the consequences, which may be unpleasant. Articles + which are not perishable, such as waggons, are supposed to be returned, + but if they come back at all they are generally worthless. + </p> + <p> + In case of war, the native tribes living within the borders of the State + are also expected to furnish contingents, and it is on them that most of + the hard work of the campaign generally falls. They are put in the front + of the battle, and have to do the hand-to-hand fighting, which, however, + if of the Zulu race, they do not object to. + </p> + <p> + The revenue of the State is so arranged that the burden of it should fall + as much as possible on the trading community and as little as possible on + the farmer. It is chiefly derived from licenses on trades, professions, + and callings, 30s. per annum quit-rent on farms, transfer dues and stamps, + auction dues, court fees, and contributions from such native tribes as can + be made to pay them. Since we have given up the country, the Volksraad has + put a very heavy tax on all imported goods, hoping thereby to beguile the + Boers into paying taxes without knowing it, and at the same time strike a + blow at the trading community, which is English in its proclivities. The + result has been to paralyse what little trade there was left in the + country, and to cause great dissatisfaction amongst the farmers, who + cannot understand why, now that the English are gone, they should have to + pay twice as much for their sugar and coffee as they have been accustomed + to do. + </p> + <p> + I will conclude this chapter with a few words about the natives, who swarm + in and around the Transvaal. They can be roughly divided into two great + races, the Amazulu and their offshoots, and the Macatee or Basutu tribes. + All those of Zulu blood, including the Swazies, Mapock’s Kafirs, the + Matabele, the Knobnodes, and others are very warlike in disposition, and + men of fine physique. The Basutus (who must not be confounded with the + Cape Basutus), however, differ from these tribes in every respect, + including their language, which is called Sisutu, the only mutual feeling + between the two races being their common detestation of the Boers. They do + not love war; in fact, they are timid and cowardly by nature, and only + fight when they are obliged to. Unlike the Zulus, they are much addicted + to the arts of peace, show considerable capacities for civilisation, and + are even willing to become Christians. There would have been a far better + field for the Missionary in the Transvaal than in Zululand and Natal. + Indeed, the most successful mission station I have seen in Africa is near + Middelburg, under the control of Mr. Merensky. In person the Basutus are + thin and weakly when compared to the stalwart Zulu, and it is their + consciousness of inferiority both to the white men, and their black + brethren, that, together with their natural timidity, makes them submit as + easily as they do to the yoke of the Boer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + EVENTS PRECEDING THE ANNEXATION + </h3> + <p> + <i>Mr. Burgers elected president—His character and aspirations—His + pension from the English Government—His visit to England—The + railway loan—Relations of the republic with native tribes—The + pass laws—Its quarrel with Cetywayo—Confiscation of native + territory by the Keate award—Treaty with the Swazi king—The + Secocoeni war—Capture of Johannes’ stronghold by the Swazi allies—Attack + on Secocoeni’s mountain—Defeat and dispersion of the Boers—Elation + of the natives—Von Schlickmann’s volunteers—Cruelties + perpetrated—Abel Erasmus—Treatment of natives by Boers—Public + meeting at Potchefstroom in 1768—The slavery question—Some + evidence on the subject—Pecuniary position of the Transvaal prior to + the annexation—Internal troubles—Divisions amongst the Boers—Hopeless + condition of the country.</i> + </p> + <p> + In or about the year 1872, the burghers of the Republic elected Mr. + Burgers their President. This remarkable man was a native of the Cape + Colony, and passed the first sixteen or seventeen years of his life, he + once informed me, on a farm herding sheep. He afterwards became a + clergyman noted for the eloquence of his preaching, but his ideas proving + too broad for his congregation, he resigned his cure, and in an evil + moment for himself took to politics. + </p> + <p> + President Burgers was a man of striking presence and striking talents, + especially as regards his oratory, which was really of a very high class, + and would have commanded attention in our own House of Commons. He + possessed, however, a mind of that peculiarly volatile order, that is + sometimes met with in conjunction with great talents, and which seems to + be entirely without ballast. His intellect was of a balloon-like nature, + and as incapable of being steered. He was always soaring in the clouds, + and, as is natural to one in that elevated position, taking a very + different and more sanguine view of affairs to that which men of a more + lowly, and perhaps a more practical, turn of mind would do. + </p> + <p> + But notwithstanding his fly-away ideas, President Burgers was undoubtedly + a true patriot, labouring night and day for the welfare of the state of + which he had to undertake the guidance: but his patriotism was too exalted + for his surroundings. He wished to elevate to the rank of a nation a + people who had not got the desire to be elevated; with this view he + contracted railway loans, made wars, minted gold, &c., and then + suddenly discovered that the country refused to support him. In short, he + was made of a very different clay to that of the people he had to do with. + He dreamt of a great Dutch Republic “with eight millions of inhabitants,” + doing a vast trade with the interior through the Delagoa Bay Railway. + They, on the other hand, cared nothing about republics or railways, but + fixed their affections on forced labour and getting rid of the necessity + of paying taxes—and so between them the Republic came to grief. But + it must be borne in mind that President Burgers was throughout actuated by + good motives; he did his best by a stubborn and stiff-necked people; and + if he failed, as fail he did, it was more their fault than his. As regards + the pension he received from the English Government, which has so often + been brought up against him, it was after all no more than his due after + five years of arduous work. If the Republic had continued to exist, it is + to be presumed that they would have made some provision for their old + President, more especially as he seems to have exhausted his private means + in paying the debts of the country. Whatever may be said of some of the + other officials of the Republic, its President was, I believe, an honest + man. + </p> + <p> + In 1875, Mr. Burgers proceeded to Europe, having, he says in a posthumous + document recently published, been empowered by the Volksraad “to carry out + my plans for the development of the country, by opening up a direct + communication for it, free from the trammels of British ports and + influence.” According to this document, during his absence, two powerful + parties, viz., “the faction of unprincipled fortune-hunters, rascals, and + runaways on the one hand, and the faction of the extreme orthodox party in + a certain branch of the Dutch Reform Church on the other, began to + co-operate against the Government of the Republic and me personally. . . . + . . Ill as I was, and contrary to the advice of my medical men, I + proceeded to Europe, in the beginning of 1875, to carry out my project, + and no sooner was my back turned on the Transvaal, than the conspiring + elements began to act. The new coat of arms and flag adopted in the Raad + by an almost unanimous vote were abolished. The laws for a free and + secular education were tampered with, and my resistance to a reckless + inspection and disposal of Government lands, still occupied by natives, + was openly defied. The Raad, filled up to a large extent with men of ill + repute, who, under the cloak of progress and favour to the Government + view, obtained their seats, was too weak to cope with the skill of the + conspirators, and granted leave to the acting President to carry out + measures diametrically opposed to my policy. <i>Native lands</i> were + inspected and given out to a few speculators, who held large numbers of + claims to lands which were destined for citizens, and so a war was + prepared for me, on my return from Europe, which I could not avert.” This + extract is interesting, as showing the state of feeling existing between + the President and his officers previous to the outbreak of the Secocoeni + war. It also shows how entirely he was out of sympathy with the citizens, + seeing that as soon as his back was turned, they, with Mr. Joubert and + Paul Kruger at their head, at once undid all the little good he had done. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Burgers got to England, he found that city capitalists would have + nothing whatever to say to his railway scheme. In Holland, however, he + succeeded in getting 90,000 pounds of the 300,000 pounds he wished to + borrow at a high rate of interest, and by passing a bond on five hundred + government farms. This money was immediately invested in a railway plant, + which, when it arrived at Delagoa Bay, had to be mortgaged to pay the + freight on it, and that was the end of the Delagoa Bay railway scheme, + except that the 90,000 pounds is, I believe, still owing to the confiding + shareholders in Holland. + </p> + <p> + On his return to the Transvaal the President was well received, and for a + month or so all went smoothly. But the relations of the Republic with the + surrounding native tribes had by this time become so bad that an explosion + was imminent somewhere. In the year 1874 the Volksraad raised the price of + passes under the iniquitous pass law, by which every native travelling + through the territory was made to pay from 1 pound to five pounds. In case + of non-payment the native was made subject to a fine of from 1 pound to 10 + pounds, and to a beating of from “ten to twenty-five lashes.” He was also + to go into service for three months, and have a certificate thereof, for + which he must pay five shillings; the avowed object of the law being to + obtain a supply of Kafir labour. This was done in spite of the earnest + protest of the President, who gave the Raad distinctly to understand that + by accepting this law they would, in point of fact, annul treaties + concluded with the chiefs on the south-western borders. It was not clear, + however, if this amended pass law ever came into force. It is to be hoped + it did not, for even under the old law natives were shamefully treated by + the Boers, who would pretend that they were authorised by the Government + to collect the tax; the result being that the unfortunate Kafir was + frequently obliged to pay twice over. Natives had such a horror of the + pass laws of the country, that when travelling to the Diamond Fields to + work they would frequently go round some hundreds of miles rather than + pass through the Transvaal. + </p> + <p> + That the Volksraad should have thought it necessary to enact such a law in + order that the farmers should obtain a supply of Kafir labour in a + territory that had nearly a million of native inhabitants, who, unlike the + Zulus, are willing to work if only they meet with decent treatment, is in + itself an instructive commentary on the feelings existing between the Boer + master and Kafir servant. + </p> + <p> + But besides the general quarrel with the Kafir race in its entirety, which + the Boers always have on hand, they had just then several individual + differences, in each of which there lurked the possibilities of + disturbance. + </p> + <p> + To begin with, their relations with Cetywayo were by no means amicable. + During Mr. Burgers’ absence the Boer Government, then under the leadership + of P. J. Joubert, sent Cetywayo a very stern message—a message that + gives the reader the idea that Mr. Joubert was ready to enforce it with + ten thousand men. After making various statements and demands with + reference to the Amaswazi tribe, the disputed boundary line, &c., it + ends thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Although the Government of the South African Republic has never wished, + and does not now desire, that serious disaffection and animosities should + exist between you and them, yet it is not the less of the greatest + consequence and importance for you earnestly to weigh these matters and + risks, and to satisfy them; the more so, if you on your side also wish + that peace and friendship shall be maintained between you and us.” + </p> + <p> + The Secretary for Native Affairs for Natal comments on this message in + these words: “The tone of this message to Cetywayo is not very friendly, + it has the look of an ultimatum, and if the Government of the Transvaal + were in circumstances different to what it is, the message would suggest + an intention to coerce if the demands it conveys are not at once complied + with; but I am inclined to the opinion that no such intention exists, and + that the transmission of a copy of the message to the Natal Government is + intended as a notification that the Transvaal Government has proclaimed + the territory hitherto in dispute between it and the Zulus to be + Republican territory, and that the Republic intends to occupy it.” + </p> + <p> + In the territories marked out by a decision known as the Keate Award, in + which Lieutenant-Governor Keate of Natal, at the request of both parties, + laid down the boundary line between the Boers and certain native tribes, + the Boer Government carried it with a yet higher hand, insomuch as the + natives of those districts, being comparatively unwarlike, were less + likely to resist. + </p> + <p> + On the 18th August 1875, Acting President Joubert issued a proclamation by + which a line was laid down far to the southward of that marked out by Mr. + Keate, and consequently included more territory within the elastic + boundaries of the Republic. A Government notice of the same date invites + all claiming lands now declared to belong to the Republic, to send in + their claims to be settled by a land commission. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th March 1876, another chief in the same neighbourhood (Montsoia) + writes to the Lieutenant-Governor of Griqualand West in these terms:— + </p> + <p> + “My Friend,—I wish to acquaint you with the doings of some people + connected with the Boers. A man-servant of mine has been severely injured + in the head by one of the Boers’ servants, which has proved fatal. Another + of my people has been cruelly treated by a Boer tying a rein about his + neck, and then mounting his horse and dragging him about the place. My + brother Molema, who is the bearer of this, will give you full + particulars.” + </p> + <p> + Molema explains the assaults thus: “The assaulted man is not dead; his + skull was fractured. The assault was committed by a Boer named Wessels + Badenhorst, who shamefully ill-treated the man, beat him till he fainted, + and, on his revival, fastened a rim around his neck, and made him run to + the homestead by the side of his (Badenhorst’s) horse cantering. At the + homestead he tied him to the waggon-wheel, and flogged him again till Mrs. + Badenhorst stopped her husband.” + </p> + <p> + Though it will be seen that the Boers were on good terms neither with the + Zulus nor the Keate Award natives, they still had one Kafir ally, namely, + Umbandeni, the Amaswazi king. This alliance was concluded under + circumstances so peculiar that they are worthy of a brief recapitulation. + It appears that in the winter of the year 1875 Mr. Rudolph, the Landdrost + of Utrecht, went to Swazieland, and, imitating the example of the Natal + Government with Cetywayo, crowned Umbandeni king, on behalf of the Boer + Government. He further made a treaty of alliance with him, and promised + him a commando to help him in case of his being attacked by the Zulus. Now + comes the curious part of the story. On the 18th May 1876, a message came + from this same Umbandeni to Sir H. Bulwer, of which the following is an + extract:—“We are sent by our king to thank the Government of Natal + for the information sent to him last winter by that Government, and + conveyed by Mr. Rudolph, of the intended attack on his people by the + Zulus. We are further instructed by the king to thank the Natal Government + for the influence it used to stop the intended raid, and for instructing a + Boer commando to go to his country to render him assistance in case of + need; and further for appointing Mr. Randolph at the head of the commando + to place him (Umbandeni) as king over the Amaswazi, and to make a treaty + with him and his people on behalf of the Natal Government. . . . . . The + Transvaal Government has asked Umbandeni to acknowledge himself a subject + of the Republic, but he has distinctly refused to do so.” In a minute + written on this subject, the Secretary for Native Affairs for Natal says, + “No explanation or assurance was sufficient to convince them (Umbandeni’s + messengers) that they had on that occasion made themselves subjects of the + South African Republic; they declared it was not their wish or intention + to do so, and that they would refuse to acknowledge a position into which + they had been unwittingly betrayed.” I must conclude this episode by + quoting the last paragraph of Sir H. Bulwer’s covering despatch, because + it concerns larger issues than the supposed treaty: “It will not be + necessary that I should at present add any remarks to those contained in + the minute for the Secretary for Native Affairs, but I would observe that + the situation arising out of the relations of the Government of the South + African Republic with the neighbouring states is so complicated, and + presents so many elements of confusion and of danger to the peace of this + portion of South Africa, that I trust some way may be found to an early + settlement of questions that ought not, in my opinion, to be left alone, + as so many have been left, to take the chance of the future.” + </p> + <p> + And now I come to the last and most imminent native difficulty that at the + time faced the Republic. On the borders of Lydenburg district there lived + a powerful chief named Secocoeni. Between this chief and the Transvaal + Government difficulties arose in the beginning of 1876 on the usual + subject—land. The Boers declared that they had bought the land from + the Swazies, who had conquered portions of the country, and that the + Swazies offered to make it “clean from brambles,” i.e., kill everybody + living on it; but that they (the Boers) said that they were to let them + be, that they might be their servants. The Basutus, on the other hand, + said that no such sale ever took place, and, even if it did take place, it + was invalid, because the Swazies were not in occupation of the land, and + therefore could not sell it. It was a Christian Kafir called Johannes, a + brother of Secocoeni, who was the immediate cause of the war. This + Johannes used to live at a place called Botsobelo, the mission-station of + Mr. Merensky, but moved to a stronghold on the Spekboom river, in the + disputed territory. The Boers sent to him to come back, but he refused, + and warned the Boers off his land. Secocoeni was then appealed to, but + declared that the land belonged to his tribe, and would be occupied by + Johannes. He also told the Boers “that he did not wish to fight, but that + he was quite ready to do so if they preferred it.” Thereupon the Transvaal + Government declared war, although it does not appear that the natives + committed any outrage or acts of hostility before the declaration. As + regards the Boers’ right to Secocoeni’s country, Sir H. Barkly sums up the + question thus, in a despatch addressed to President Burgers, dated 28th + Nov. 1876:—“On the whole, it seems perfectly clear, and I feel bound + to repeat it, that Sikukuni was neither <i>de jure</i> or <i>de facto</i> + a subject of the Republic when your Honour declared war against him in + June last.” As soon as war had been declared, the clumsy commando system + was set working, and about 2500 white men collected; the Swazies also were + applied to to send a contingent, which they did, being only too glad of + the opportunity of slaughter. + </p> + <p> + At first all went well, and the President, who accompanied the commando in + person, succeeded in reducing a mountain stronghold, which, in his + high-flown way, he called a “glorious victory” over a “Kafir Gibraltar.” + </p> + <p> + On the 14th July another engagement took place, when the Boers and Swazies + attacked Johannes’ stronghold. The place was taken with circumstances of + great barbarity by the Swazies, for when the signal was given to advance + the Boers did not move. Nearly all the women were killed, and the brains + of the children were dashed out against the stones; in one instance, + before the captive mother’s face. Johannes was badly wounded, and died two + days afterwards. When he was dying he said to his brother, “I am going to + die. I am thankful I do not die by the hands of these cowardly Boers, but + by the hand of a black and courageous nation like myself . . .” He then + took leave of his people, told his brother to read the Bible, and expired. + The Swazies were so infuriated at the cowardice displayed by the Boers on + this occasion that they returned home in great dudgeon. + </p> + <p> + On the 2nd of August Secocoeni’s mountain, which is a very strong + fortification, was attacked in two columns, or rather an attempt was made + to attack it, for when it came to the pinch only about forty men, mostly + English and Germans, would advance. Thereupon the whole commando retreated + with great haste, the greater part of it going straight home. In vain the + President entreated them to shoot him rather than desert him; they had had + enough of Secocoeni and his stronghold, and home they went. The President + then retreated with what few men he had left to Steelport, where he built + a fort, and from thence returned to Pretoria. The news of the collapse of + the commando was received throughout the Transvaal, and indeed the whole + of South Africa, with the greatest dismay. For the first time in the + history of that country the white man had been completely worsted by a + native tribe, and that tribe wretched Basutus, people whom the Zulus call + their “dogs.” It was glad tidings to every native from the Zambesi to the + Cape, who learnt thereby that the white man was not so invincible as he + used to be. Meanwhile the inhabitants of Lydenburg were filled with alarm, + and again and again petitioned the Governors of the Cape and Natal for + assistance. Their fears were, however, to a great extent groundless, for, + with the exception of occasional cattle-lifting, Secocoeni did not follow + up his victory. + </p> + <p> + On the 4th September the President opened the special sitting of the + Volksraad, and presented to that body a scheme for the establishment of a + border force to take the place of the commando system, announcing that he + had appointed a certain Captain Von Schlickmann to command it. He also + requested the Raad to make some provision for the expenses of the + expedition, which they had omitted to do in their former sitting. + </p> + <p> + Captain Von Schlickmann determined to carry on the war upon a different + system. He got together a band of very rough characters on the Diamond + Fields, and occupied the fort built by the President, from whence he would + sally out from time to time and destroy kraals. He seems, if we may + believe the reports in the blue books and the stories of eye-witnesses, to + have carried on his proceedings in a somewhat savage way. The following is + an extract from a private letter written by one of his volunteers:— + </p> + <p> + “About daylight we came across four Kafirs. Saw them first, and charged in + front of them to cut off their retreat. Saw they were women, and called + out not to fire. In spite of that, one of the poor things got her head + blown off (a d——d shame). . . . Afterwards two women and a + baby were brought to the camp prisoners. The same night they were taken + out by our Kafirs and murdered in cold blood by the order of ——. + Mr. —— and myself strongly protested against it, but without + avail. I never heard such a cowardly piece of business in my life. No good + will come of it, you may depend. . . . —— says he would cut + all the women and children’s throats he catches. Told him distinctly he + was a d——d coward.” + </p> + <p> + Schlickmann was, however, a mild-mannered man when compared to a certain + Abel Erasmus, afterwards denounced at a public dinner by Sir Garnet + Wolseley as a “fiend in human form.” This gentleman, in the month of + October, attacked a friendly kraal of Kafirs. The incident is described + thus in a correspondent’s letter:— + </p> + <p> + “The people of the kraals, taken quite by surprise, fled when they saw + their foes, and most of them took shelter in the neighbouring bush. Two or + three men were distinctly seen in their flight from the kraal, and one of + them is known to have been wounded. According to my informant the + remainder were women and children, who were pursued into the bush, and + there, all shivering and shrieking, were put to death by the Boers’ + Kafirs, some being shot, but the majority stabbed with assegais. After the + massacre he counted thirteen women and three children, but he says he did + not see the body of a single man. Another Kafir said, pointing to a place + in the road where the stones were thickly strewn, ‘the bodies of the women + and children lay like these stones.’ The Boer before mentioned, who has + been stationed outside, has told one of his own friends, whom he thought + would not mention it, that the shrieks were fearful to hear.” + </p> + <p> + Several accounts of, or allusion to, this atrocity can be found in the + blue books, and I may add that it, in common with others of the same + stamp, was the talk of the country at the time. + </p> + <p> + I do not relate these horrors out of any wish to rake up old stories to + the prejudice of the Boers, but because I am describing the state of the + country before the Annexation, in which they form an interesting and + important item. Also, it is as well that people in England should know + into what hands they have delivered over the native tribes who trusted in + their protection. What happened in 1876 is probably happening again now, + and will certainly happen again and again. The character of the Transvaal + Boer and his sentiments towards the native races have not modified during + the last five years, but, on the contrary, a large amount of energy, which + has been accumulating during the period of British protection, will now be + expended on their devoted heads. + </p> + <p> + As regards the truth of these atrocities, the majority of them are beyond + the possibility of doubt; indeed, to the best of my knowledge, no serious + attempt has ever been made to refute such of them as have come into public + notice, except in a general way, for party purposes. As, however, they may + be doubted, I will quote the following extract from a despatch written by + Sir H. Barkly to Lord Carnarvon, dated 18th December 1876:— + </p> + <p> + “As Von Schlickmann has since fallen fighting bravely, it is not without + reluctance that I join in affixing this dark stain on his memory, but + truth compels me to add the following extract from a letter which I have + since received from one whose name (which I communicate to your Lordship + privately) forbids disbelief: ‘There is no longer the <i>slightest doubt</i> + as to the murder of the two women and the child at Steelport by the direct + order of Schlickmann, and in the attack on the kraal near which these + women were captured (or some attack about that period) he ordered his men + to cut the throats of all the wounded! This is no mere report; it is + positively true.’” He concludes by expressing a hope that the course of + events will enable Her Majesty’s Government to take such steps “as will + terminate this wanton and useless bloodshed, and prevent the recurrence of + the <i>scenes of injustice, cruelty, and rapine which abundant evidence is + every day forthcoming to prove have rarely ceased to disgrace the + Republics beyond the Vaal ever since they first sprang into existence.</i>”[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The italics are my own.—Author. +</pre> + <p> + These are strong words, but none too strong for the facts of the case. + Injustice, cruelty, and rapine have always been the watchwords of the + Transvaal Boers. The stories of wholesale slaughter in the earlier days of + the Republic are very numerous. One of the best known of those shocking + occurrences took place in the Zoutpansberg war in 1865. On this occasion a + large number of Kafirs took refuge in caves, where the Boers smoked them + to death. Some years afterwards Dr. Wangeman, whose account is, I believe, + thoroughly reliable, describes the scene of their operations in these + words:— + </p> + <p> + “The roof of the first cave was black with smoke; the remains of the logs + which were burnt lay at the entrance. The floor was strewn with hundreds + of skulls and skeletons. In confused heaps lay karosses, kerries, + assegais, pots, spoons, snuff-boxes, and the bones of men, giving one the + impression that this was the grave of a whole people. Some estimate the + number of those who perished here from twenty to thirty thousand. This is, + I believe, too high. In the one chamber there were from two hundred to + three hundred skeletons; the other chambers I did not visit.” + </p> + <p> + In 1868 a public meeting was held at Potchefstroom to consider the war + then going on with the Zoutpansberg natives. According to the report of + the proceedings, the Rev. Mr. Ludorf said that “on a particular occasion a + number of native children, who were too young to be removed, had been + collected in a heap, covered with long grass, and burned alive. Other + atrocities had also been committed, but these were too horrible to + relate.” When called upon to produce his authority for this statement, Mr. + Ludorf named his authority “in a solemn declaration to the State + Attorney.” At this same meeting Mr. J. G. Steyn, who had been Landdrost of + Potchefstroom, said “there now was innocent blood on our hands which had + not yet been avenged, and the curse of God rested on the land in + consequence.” Mr. Rosalt remarked that “it was a singular circumstance + that in the different colonial Kafir wars, as also in the Basutu wars, one + did not hear of destitute children being found by the commandoes, and + asked how it was that every petty commando that took the field in this + Republic invariably found numbers of destitute children. He gave it as his + opinion that the present system of apprenticeship was an essential cause + of our frequent hostilities with the natives.” Mr. Jan Talyard said, + “Children were forcibly taken from their parents, and were then called + destitute and apprenticed.” Mr. Daniel Van Nooren was heard to say, “If + they had to clear the country, and could not have the children they found, + he would shoot them.” Mr. Field-Cornet Furstenburg stated “that when he + was at Zoutpansberg with his burghers, the chief Katse-Kats was told to + come down from the mountains; that he sent one of his subordinates as a + proof of amity; that whilst a delay of five days was guaranteed by + Commandant Paul Kruger, who was then in command, orders were given at the + same time to attack the natives at break of day, which was accordingly + done, but which resulted in total failure.” Truly, this must have been an + interesting meeting. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving these unsavoury subjects, I must touch on the question of + slavery. It has been again and again denied, on behalf of the Transvaal + Boers, that slavery existed in the Republic. Now, this is, strictly + speaking, true; slavery did not exist, but apprenticeship did—the + rose was called by another name, that is all. The poor destitute children + who were picked up by kindhearted Boers, after the extermination of their + parents, were apprenticed to farmers till they came of age. It is a + remarkable fact that these children never attained their majority. You + might meet oldish men in the Transvaal who were not, according to their + masters’ reckoning, twenty-one years of age. The assertion that slavery + did not exist in the Transvaal is only made to hoodwink the English + public. I have known men who have owned slaves, and who have seen whole + waggon-loads of “black ivory,” as they were called, sold for about 15 + pounds a-piece. I have at this moment a tenant, Carolus by name, on some + land I own in Natal, now a well-to-do man, who was for many years—about + twenty, if I remember right—a Boer slave. During those years, he + told me, he worked from morning till night, and the only reward he + received was two calves. He finally escaped into Natal. + </p> + <p> + If other evidence is needed it is not difficult to find, so I will quote a + little. On the 22d August 1876 we find Khama, king of the Bamangwato, one + of the most worthy chiefs in South Africa, sending a message to “Victoria, + the great Queen of the English people,” in these words:— + </p> + <p> + “I write to you, Sir Henry, in order that your Queen may preserve for me + my country, it being in her hands. The Boers are coming into it, and I do + not like them. Their actions are cruel among us black people. We are like + money, they sell us and our children. I ask Her Majesty to pity me, and to + hear that which I write quickly. I wish to hear upon what conditions Her + Majesty will receive me, and my country and my people, under her + protection. I am weary with fighting. I do not like war, and I ask Her + Majesty to give me peace. I am very much distressed that my people are + being destroyed by war, and I wish them to obtain peace. I ask Her Majesty + to defend me, as she defends all her people. There are three things which + distress me very much—war, selling people, and drink. All these + things I shall find in the Boers, and it is these things which destroy + people to make an end of them in the country. <i>The custom of the Boers + has always been to cause people to be sold, and to-day they are still + selling people.</i> Last year I saw them pass with two waggons full of + people whom they had bought at the river at Tanane” (Lake Ngate). + </p> + <p> + The Special Correspondence of the “Cape Argus,” a highly respectable + journal, writes thus on the 28th November 1876:—“The Boer from whom + this information was gleaned has furnished besides some facts which may + not be uninteresting, as a commentary on the repeated denials by Mr. + Burgers of the existence of slavery. During the last week slaves have been + offered for sale on his farm. The captives have been taken from + Secocoeni’s country by Mapoch’s people, and are being exchanged at the + rate of a child for a heifer. He also assures us that the whole of the + Highveld is bring replenished with Kafir children, whom the Boers have + been lately purchasing from the Swazies at the rate of a horse for a + child. I should like to see this man and his father as witnesses before an + Imperial Commission. He let fall one or two incidents of the past which + were brought to mind by the occurrences of the present. In 1864, he says, + ‘The Swazies accompanied the Boers against Males. The Boers did nothing + but stand by and witness the fearful massacre. The men and women were also + murdered. One poor woman sat clutching her baby of eight days old. The + Swazies stabbed her through the body, and when she found that she could + not live, she wrung the baby’s neck with her own hands to save it from + future misery. On the return of that Commando the children who became too + weary to continue the journey were killed on the road. The survivors were + sold as slaves to the farmers.’” + </p> + <p> + The same gentleman writes in the issue of the 12th December as follows:—“The + whole world may know it, for it is true, and investigation will only bring + out the horrible details, that through the whole course of this Republic’s + existence it has acted in contravention of the Sand River Treaty; and + slavery has occurred not only here and there in isolated cases, but as an + unbroken practice, and has been one of the peculiar institutions of the + country, mixed up with all its social and political life. It has been at + the root of most of its wars. It has been carried on regularly even in + times of peace. It has been characterised by all those circumstances which + have so often roused the British nation to an indignant protest, and to + repeated efforts to banish the slave trade from the world. The Boers have + not only fallen on unsuspecting kraals simply for the purpose of obtaining + the women and children and cattle, but they have carried on a traffic + through natives who have kidnapped the children of their weaker + neighbours, and sold them to the white man. Again, the Boers have sold and + exchanged their victims among themselves. Waggon-loads of slaves have been + conveyed from one end of the country to the other for sale, and that with + the cognisance of, and for the direct advantage of, the highest officials + of the land. The writer has himself seen in a town, situated in the south + of the Republic, the children who had been brought down from a remote + northern district. One fine morning, in walking through the streets, he + was struck with the number of little black strangers standing about + certain houses, and wondered where they could have come from. He learnt a + few hours later that they were part of loads which were disposed of on the + outskirts of the town the day before. The circumstances connected with + some of these kidnapping excursions are appalling, and the barbarities + practised by cruel masters upon some of these defenceless creatures during + the course of their servitude are scarcely less horrible than those + reported from Turkey. It is no disgrace in this country for an official to + ride a fine horse which was got for two Kafir children, to procure whom + the father and mother were shot. No reproach is inherited by the mistress + who, day after day, tied up her female servant in an agonising posture, + and had her beaten until there was no sound part in her body, securing her + in the stocks during the intervals of torture. That man did not lose caste + who tied up another woman and had her thrashed until she brought forth at + the whipping-post. These are merely examples of thousands of cases which + could be proved were an Imperial Commission to sit, and could the wretched + victims of a prolonged oppression recover sufficiently from the dread of + their old tyrants to give a truthful report.” + </p> + <p> + To come to some evidence more recently adduced. On the 9th May 1881, an + affidavit was sworn to by the Rev. John Thorne, curate of St. John the + Evangelist, Lydenburg, Transvaal, and presented to the Royal Commission + appointed to settle Transvaal affairs, in which he states:—“That I + was appointed to the charge of a congregation in Potchefstroom, about + thirteen years ago, when the Republic was under the presidency of Mr. + Pretorius.[*] I remember noticing one morning, as I walked through the + streets, a number of young natives, whom I knew to be strangers. I + inquired where they came from. I was told that they had just been brought + from Zoutpansberg. This was the locality from which slaves were chiefly + brought at that time, and were traded for under the name of ‘Black Ivory.’ + One of these natives belonged to Mr. Munich, the State Attorney. It was a + matter of common remark at that time, that the President of the Republic + was himself one of the greatest dealers in slaves.” In the fourth + paragraph of the same affidavit Mr. Thorne says, “That the Rev. Doctor + Nachtigal, of the Berlin Missionary Society, was the interpreter for + Shatane’s people in the private office of Mr. Roth, and, at the close of + the interview, told me what had occurred. On my expressing surprise, he + went on to relate that he had information on native matters which would + surprise me more. He then produced the copy of a register, kept in the + landdrost’s office, of men, women, and children, to the number of four + hundred and eighty (480), who had been disposed of by one Boer to another + for a consideration. In one case an ox was given in exchange, in another + goats, in a third a blanket, and so forth. Many of these natives he (Mr. + Nachtigal) knew personally. The copy was certified as true and correct by + an official of the Republic, and I would mention his name now, only that I + am persuaded that it would cost the man his life if his act became known + to the Boers.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] One of the famous Triumvirate. +</pre> + <p> + On the 16th May 1881, a native, named Frederick Molepo, was examined by + the Royal Commission. The following are extracts from his examination:— + </p> + <p> + “(Sir E. Wood.) Are you a Christian?—Yes. + </p> + <p> + “(Sir H. de Villiers.) How long were you a slave?—Half a year. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that you were a slave? Might you not have been an + apprentice?—No, I was not apprenticed. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?—They got me from my parents, and ill-treated me. + </p> + <p> + “(Sir E. Wood.) How many times did you get the stick?—Every day. + </p> + <p> + “(Sir H. de Villiers.) What did the Boers do with you when they caught + you?—They sold me. + </p> + <p> + “How much did they sell you for?—One cow and a big pot.” + </p> + <p> + On the 28th May 1881, amongst the other documents handed in for the + consideration of the Royal Commission, is the statement of a headman, + whose name it has been considered advisable to omit in the blue book for + fear the Boers should take vengeance on him. He says, “I say, that if the + English Government dies I shall die too; I would rather die than be under + the Boer Government. I am the man who helped to make bricks for the church + you see now standing in the square here (Pretoria), as a slave without + payment. As a representative of my people I am still obedient to the + English Government, and willing to obey all commands from them, even to + die for their cause in this country, rather than submit to the Boers. + </p> + <p> + “I was under Shambok, my chief, who fought the Boers formerly, but he left + us, and we were <i>put up to auction</i> and sold among the Boers. I want + to state this myself to the Royal Commission in Newcastle. I was bought by + Fritz Botha and sold by Frederick Botha, who was then veld cornet (justice + of the peace) of the Boers.”[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] I have taken the liberty to quote all these extracts + exactly as they stand in the original, instead of weaving + their substance into my narrative, in order that I may not + be accused, as so often happens to authors who write upon + this subject, of having presented a garbled version of the + truth. The original of every extract is to be found in blue + books presented to Parliament. I have thought it best to + confine myself to these, and avoid repeating stories of + cruelties and slavery, however well authenticated, that have + come to my knowledge privately, such stories being always + more or less open to suspicion. +</pre> + <p> + It would be easy to find more reports of the slave-trading practices of + the Boers, but as the above are fair samples it will not be necessary to + do so. My readers will be able from them to form some opinion as to + whether or not slavery or apprenticeship existed in the Transvaal. If they + come to the conclusion that it did, it must be borne in mind that what + existed in the past will certainly exist again in the future. Natives are + not now any fonder of working for Boers than they were a few years back, + and Boers must get labour somehow. If, on the other hand, it did not + exist, then the Boers are a grossly slandered people, and all writers on + the subject, from Livingstone down, have combined to take away their + character. + </p> + <p> + Leaving native questions for the present, we must now return to the + general affairs of the country. When President Burgers opened the special + sitting of the Volksraad, on the 4th September, he appealed, it will be + remembered, to that body for pecuniary aid to liquidate the expenses of + the war. This appeal was responded to by the passing of a war tax, under + which every owner of a farm was to pay 10 pounds, the owner of half a farm + 5 pounds, and so on. The tax was not a very just one, since it fell with + equal weight on the rich man, who held twenty farms, and the poor man, who + held but one. Its justice or injustice was, however, to a great extent + immaterial, since the free and independent burghers, including some of the + members of the Volksraad who had imposed it, promptly refused to pay it, + or indeed, whilst they were about it, any other tax. As the Treasury was + already empty, and creditors were pressing, this refusal was most + ill-timed, and things began to look very black indeed. Meanwhile, in + addition to the ordinary expenditure, and the interest payable on debts, + money had to be found to pay Von Schlickmann’s volunteers. As there was no + cash in the country, this was done by issuing Government promissory notes, + known as “goodfors,” or vulgarly as “good for nothings,” and by promising + them all booty, and to each man a farm of two thousand acres, lying east + and north-east of the Loolu mountains; in other words, in Secocoeni’s + territory, which did not belong to the Government to give away. The + officials were the next to suffer, and for six months before the + Annexation these unfortunate individuals lived as best they could, for + they certainly got no salary, except in the case of a postmaster, who was + told to help himself to his pay in stamps. The Government issued large + numbers of bills, but the banks refused to discount them, and in some + cases the neighbouring Colonies had to advance money to the Transvaal + post-cart contractors, who were carrying the mails, as a matter of + charity. The Government even mortgaged the great salt-pan near Pretoria + for the paltry sum of 400 pounds, whilst the leading officials of the + Government were driven to pledging their own private credit in order to + obtain the smallest article necessary to its continuance. In fact, to such + a pass did things come that when the country was annexed a single + threepenny bit (which had doubtless been overlooked) was found in the + Treasury chest, together with acknowledgments of debts to the extent of + nearly 300,000 pounds. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the refusal to pay taxes, which they were powerless to enforce, + the only difficulty with which the Government had to contend. Want of + money is as bad and painful a thing to a State as to an individual, but + there are perhaps worse things than want of money, one of which is to be + deserted by your own friends and household. This was the position of the + Government of the Republic; no sooner was it involved in overwhelming + difficulties than its own subjects commenced to bait it, more especially + the English portion of its subjects. They complained to the English + authorities about the commandeering of members of their family or goods; + they petitioned the British Government to interfere, and generally made + themselves as unpleasant as possible to the local Authorities. Such a + course of action was perhaps natural, but it can hardly be said to be + either quite logical or just. The Transvaal Government had never asked + them to come and live in the country, and if they did so, it must be + remembered that many of the agitators had accumulated property, to leave + which would mean ruin; and they saw that, unless something was done, its + value would be destroyed. + </p> + <p> + Under the pressure of all these troubles the Boers themselves split up + into factions, as they are always ready to do. The Dopper party declared + that they had had enough progress, and proposed the extremely conservative + Paul Kruger as President, Burgers’ time having nearly expired. Paul Kruger + accepted the candidature, although he had previously promised his support + to Burgers, and distrust of each other was added to the other difficulties + of the Executive, the Transvaal becoming a house very much divided against + itself. Natives, Doppers, Progressionists, Officials, English, were all + pulling different ways, and each striving for his own advantage. Anything + more hopeless than the position of the country on the 1st January 1877 it + is impossible to conceive. Enemies surrounded it; on every border there + was the prospect of a serious war. In the exchequer there was nothing but + piles of overdue bills. The President was helpless, and mistrustful of his + officers, and the officers were caballing against the President. All the + ordinary functions of Government had ceased, and trade was paralysed. Now + and then wild proposals were made to relieve the State of its burdens, + some of which partook of the nature of repudiation, but these were the + exception; the majority of the inhabitants, who would neither fight nor + pay taxes, sat still and awaited the catastrophe, utterly careless of all + consequences. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <h3> + THE ANNEXATION + </h3> + <p> + <i>Anxiety of Lord Carnarvon—Despatch of Sir T. Shepstone as Special + Commissioner to the Transvaal—Sir T. Shepstone, his great experience + and ability—His progress to Pretoria and reception there—Feelings + excited by the arrival of the mission—The annexation </i>not<i> a + foregone conclusion—Charge brought against Sir T. Shepstone of + having called up the Zulu army to sweep the Transvaal—Its complete + falsehood—Cetywayo’s message to Sir T. Shepstone—Evidence on + the matter summed up—General desire of the natives for English rule—Habitual + disregard of their interests—Assembly of the Volksraad—Rejection + of Lord Carnarvon’s Confederation Bill and of President Burgers’ new + constitution— President Burgers’ speeches to the Raad—His + posthumous statement —Communication to the Raad of Sir T. + Shepstone’s intention to annex the country—Despatch of Commission to + inquire into the alleged peace with Secocoeni—Its fraudulent + character discovered—Progress of affairs in the Transvaal—Paul + Kruger and his party—Restlessness of natives—Arrangements for + the annexation—The annexation proclamation.</i> + </p> + <p> + The state of affairs described in the previous chapter was one that filled + the Secretary of State for the Colonies with alarm. During his tenure of + office, Lord Carnarvon evidently had the permanent welfare of South Africa + much at heart, and he saw with apprehension that the troubles that were + brewing in the Transvaal were of a nature likely to involve the Cape and + Natal in a native war. Though there is a broad line of demarcation between + Dutch and English, it is not so broad but that a victorious nation like + the Zulus might cross it, and beginning by fighting the Boer, might end by + fighting the white man irrespective of race. When the reader reflects how + terrible would be the consequences of a combination of native tribes + against the Whites, and how easily such a combination might at that time + have been brought about in the first flush of native successes, he will + understand the anxiety with which all thinking men watched the course of + events in the Transvaal in 1876. + </p> + <p> + At last they took such a serious turn that the Home Government saw that + some action must be taken if the catastrophe was to be averted, and + determined to despatch Sir Theophilus Shepstone as Special Commissioner to + the Transvaal, with powers, should it be necessary, to annex the country + to Her Majesty’s dominions, “in order to secure the peace and safety of + Our said colonies and of Our subjects elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + The terms of his Commission were unusually large, leaving a great deal to + his discretionary power. In choosing that officer for the execution of a + most difficult and delicate mission, the Government, doubtless, made a + very wise selection. Sir Theophilus Shepstone is a man of remarkable tact + and ability, combined with great openness and simplicity of mind, and one + whose name will always have a leading place in South African history. + During a long official lifetime he has had to do with most of the native + races in South Africa, and certainly knows them and their ways better than + any living man; whilst he is by them all regarded with a peculiar and + affectionate reverence. He is <i>par excellence</i> their great white + chief and “father,” and a word from him, even now that he has retired from + active life, still carries more weight than the formal remonstrances of + any governor in South Africa. + </p> + <p> + With the Boers he is almost equally well acquainted, having known many of + them personally for years. He possesses, moreover, the rare power of + winning the regard and affection, as well as the respect, of those about + him in such a marked degree that those who have served him once would go + far to serve him again. Sir T. Shepstone, however, has enemies like other + people, and is commonly reported among them to be a disciple of + Machiavelli, and to have his mind steeped in all the darker wiles of Kafir + policy. The Annexation of the Transvaal is by them attributed to a + successful and vigorous use of those arts that distinguished the diplomacy + of two centuries ago. Falsehood and bribery are supposed to have been the + great levers used to effect the change, together with threats of + extinction at the hands of a savage and unfriendly nation. + </p> + <p> + That the Annexation was a triumph of mind over matter is quite true, but + whether or not that triumph was unworthily obtained, I will leave those + who read this short chronicle of the events connected with it to judge. I + saw it somewhat darkly remarked in a newspaper the other day that the + history of the Annexation had evidently yet to be written; and I fear that + the remark represents the feeling of most people about the event; implying + as it did, that it was carried out, by means certainly mysterious, and + presumably doubtful. I am afraid that those who think thus will be + disappointed in what I have to say about the matter, since I know that the + means employed to bring the Boers— + </p> + <p> + “Fracti bello, fatisque repulsi”— + </p> + <p> + under her Majesty’s authority were throughout as fair and honest as the + Annexation itself was, in my opinion, right and necessary. + </p> + <p> + To return to Sir T. Shepstone. He undoubtedly had faults as a ruler, one + of the most prominent of which was that his natural mildness of character + would never allow him to act with severity even when severity was + necessary. The very criminals condemned to death ran a good chance of + reprieve when he had to sign their death-warrants. He had also that worst + of faults (so called), in one fitted by nature to become great—want + of ambition, a failing that in such a man marks him the possessor of an + even and a philosophic mind. It was no seeking of his own that raised him + out of obscurity, and when his work was done to comparative obscurity he + elected to return, though whether a man of his ability and experience in + South African affairs should, at the present crisis, be allowed to remain + there, is another question. + </p> + <p> + On the 20th December 1876, Sir T. Shepstone wrote to President Burgers, + informing him of his approaching visit to the Transvaal, to secure, if + possible, the adjustment of the existing troubles, and the adoption of + such measures as might be best calculated to prevent their recurrence in + the future. + </p> + <p> + On his road to Pretoria, Sir Theophilus received a hearty welcome from the + Boer as well as the English inhabitants of the country. One of these + addresses to him says: “Be assured, high honourable Sir, that we burghers, + now assembled together, entertain the most friendly feeling towards your + Government, and that we shall agree with anything you may do in + conjunction with our Government for the progress of our State, the + strengthening against our native enemies, and for the general welfare of + all the inhabitants of the whole of South Africa. Welcome in Heidelberg, + and welcome in the Transvaal.” + </p> + <p> + At Pretoria the reception of the Special Commissioner was positively + enthusiastic; the whole town came out to meet him, and the horses having + been taken out of the carriage, he was dragged in triumph through the + streets. In his reply to the address presented to him, Sir Theophilus + shadowed forth the objects of his mission in these words: “Recent events + in this country have shown to all thinking men the absolute necessity for + closer union and more oneness of purpose among the Christian Governments + of the southern portion of this Continent: the best interests of the + native races, no less than the peace and prosperity of the white, + imperatively demand it, and I rely upon you and upon your Government to + co-operate with me in endeavouring to achieve the great and glorious end + of inscribing on a general South African banner the appropriate motto—‘Eendragt + maakt magt’ (Unity makes strength).” + </p> + <p> + A few days after his arrival a commission was appointed, consisting of + Messrs. Henderson and Osborn, on behalf of the Special Commissioner, and + Messrs. Kruger and Jorissen, on behalf of the Transvaal Government, to + discuss the state of the country. This commission came to nothing, and was + on both sides nothing more than a bit of by-play. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of the mission was necessarily regarded with mixed feelings by + the inhabitants of the Transvaal. By one party it was eagerly greeted, + viz., the English section of the population, who devoutly hoped that it + had come to annex the country. With the exception of the Hollander + element, the officials also were glad of its arrival, and secretly hoped + that the country would be taken over, when there would be more chance of + their getting their arrear pay. The better educated Boers also were for + the most part satisfied that there was no hope for the country unless + England helped it in some way, though they did not like having to accept + the help. But the more bigoted and narrow-minded among them were + undoubtedly opposed to English interference, and under their leader, Paul + Kruger, who was at the time running for the President’s chair, did their + best to be rid of it. They found ready allies in the Hollander clientele, + with which Mr. Burgers had surrounded himself, headed by the famous Dr. + Jorissen, who was, like most of the rulers of this singular State, an + ex-clergyman, but now an Attorney-general, not learned in the law. These + men were for the most part entirely unfit for the positions they held, and + feared that in the event of the country changing hands they might be + ejected from them; and also, they did all Englishmen the favour to regard + them, with that particularly virulent and general hatred which is a part + of the secret creed of many foreigners, more especially of such as are + under our protection. As may easily be imagined, what between all these + different parties and the presence of the Special Commissioner, there were + certainly plenty of intrigues going on in Pretoria during the first few + months of 1877, and the political excitement was very great. Nobody knew + how far Sir T. Shepstone was prepared to go, and everybody was afraid of + putting out his hand further than he could pull it back, and trying to + make himself comfortable on two stools at once. Members of the Volksraad + and other prominent individuals in the country who had during the day been + denouncing the Commissioner in no measured terms, and even proposing that + he and his staff should be shot as a warning to the English Government, + might be seen arriving at his house under cover of the shades of evening, + to have a little talk with him, and express the earnest hope that it was + his intention to annex the country as soon as possible. It is necessary to + assist at a peaceable annexation to learn the depth of meanness human + nature is capable of. + </p> + <p> + In Pretoria, at any rate, the ladies were of great service to the cause of + the mission, since they were nearly all in favour of a change of + government, and, that being the case, they naturally soon brought their + husbands, brothers, and lovers to look at things from the same point of + view. It was a wise man who said that in any matter where it is necessary + to obtain the goodwill of a population you should win over the women; that + done, you need not trouble yourself about the men. + </p> + <p> + Though the country was thus overflowing with political intrigues, nothing + of the kind went on in the Commissioner’s camp. It was not he who made the + plots to catch the Transvaalers; on the contrary, they made the plots to + catch him. For several months all that he did was to sit still and let the + rival passions work their way, fighting what the Zulus afterwards called + the “fight of sit down.” When anybody came to see him he was very glad to + meet them, pointed out the desperate condition of the country, and asked + them if they could suggest a remedy. And that was about all he did do, + beyond informing himself very carefully as to all that was going on in the + country, and the movements of the natives within and outside its borders. + There was no money spent on bribery, as has been stated, though it is + impossible to imagine a state of affairs in which it would have been more + easy to bribe, or in which it could have been done with greater effect; + unless indeed the promise that some pension should be paid to President + Burgers can be called a bribe, which it was certainly never intended to + be, but simply a guarantee that after having spent all his private means + on behalf of the State he should not be left destitute. The statement that + the Annexation was effected under a threat that if the Government did not + give its consent Sir T. Shepstone would let loose the Zulus on the country + is also a wicked and malicious invention, but with this I shall deal more + at length further on. + </p> + <p> + It must not, however, be understood that the Annexation was a foregone + conclusion, or that Sir T. Shepstone came up to the Transvaal with the + fixed intention of annexing the country without reference to its position, + merely with a view of extending British influence, or, as has been + absurdly stated, in order to benefit Natal. He had no fixed purpose, + whether it were necessary or no, of exercising the full powers given to + him by his commission; on the contrary, he was all along most anxious to + find some internal resources within the State by means of which Annexation + could be averted, and of this fact his various letters and despatches give + full proof. Thus, in his letter to President Burgers, of the 9th April + 1877, in which he announces his intention of annexing the country, he + says: “I have more than once assured your Honour that if I could think of + any plan by which the independence of the State could be maintained by its + own internal resources I would most certainly not conceal that plan from + you.” It is also incidentally remarkably confirmed by a passage in Mr. + Burgers’ posthumous defence, in which he says: “Hence I met Shepstone + alone in my house, and opened up the subject of his mission. With a + candour that astonished me, he avowed that his purpose was to annex the + country, as he had sufficient grounds for it, unless I could so alter as + to satisfy his Government. My plan of a new constitution, modelled after + that of America, of a standing police force of two hundred mounted men, + was then proposed. He promised to give me time to call the Volksraad + together, and to <i>abandon his design</i> if the Volksraad would adopt + these measures, and the country be willing to submit to them, and to carry + them out.” Further on he says: “In justice to Shepstone I must say that I + would not consider an officer of my Government to have acted faithfully if + he had not done what Shepstone did.” + </p> + <p> + It has also been frequently alleged in England, and always seems to be + taken as the groundwork of argument in the matter of the Annexation, that + the Special Commissioner represented that the majority of the inhabitants + wished for the Annexation, and that it was sanctioned on that ground. This + statement shows the great ignorance that exists in this country of South + African affairs, an ignorance which in this case has been carefully + fostered by Mr. Gladstone’s Government for party purposes, they having + found it necessary to assume, in order to make their position in the + matter tenable, that Sir T. Shepstone and other Officials had been guilty + of misrepresentation. Unfortunately, the Government and its supporters + have been more intent upon making out their case than upon ascertaining + the truth of their statements. If they had taken the trouble to refer to + Sir T. Shepstone’s despatches, they would have found that the ground on + which the Transvaal was annexed was, not because the majority of the + inhabitants wished for it, but because the State was drifting into + anarchy, was bankrupt, and was about to be destroyed by native tribes. + They would further have found that Sir T. Shepstone never represented that + the majority of the Boers were in favour of Annexation. What he did say + was that most thinking men in the country saw no other way out of the + difficulty; but what proportion of the Boers can be called “thinking men?” + He also said, in the fifteenth paragraph of his despatch to Lord Carnarvon + of 6th March 1877, that petitions signed by 2500 people, representing + every class of the community, out of a total adult population of 8000, had + been presented to the Government of the Republic, setting forth its + difficulties and dangers, and praying it “to treat with me for their + amelioration or removal.” He also stated, and with perfect truth, that + many more would have signed had it not been for the terrorism that was + exercised, and that all the towns and villages in the country desired the + change, which was a patent fact. + </p> + <p> + This is the foundation on which the charge of misrepresentation is built—a + charge which has been manipulated so skilfully, and with such a charming + disregard for the truth, that the British public has been duped into + believing it. When it is examined into, it vanishes into thin air. + </p> + <p> + But a darker charge has been brought against the Special Commissioner—a + charge affecting his honour as a gentleman and his character as a + Christian; and, strange to say, has gained a considerable credence, + especially amongst a certain party in England. I allude to the statement + that he called up the Zulu army with the intention of sweeping the + Transvaal if the Annexation was objected to. I may state, from my own + personal knowledge, that the report is a complete falsehood, and that no + such threat was ever made, either by Sir T. Shepstone or by anybody + connected with him, and I will briefly prove what I say. + </p> + <p> + When the mission first arrived at Pretoria, a message came from Cetywayo + to the effect that he had heard that the Boers had fired at “Sompseu” (Sir + T. Shepstone), and announcing his intention of attacking the Transvaal if + “his father” was touched. About the middle of March alarming rumours began + to spread as to the intended action of Cetywayo with reference to the + Transvaal; but as Sir T. Shepstone did not think that the king would be + likely to make any hostile movement whilst he was in the country, he took + no steps in the matter. Neither did the Transvaal Government ask his + advice and assistance. Indeed, a remarkable trait in the Boers is their + supreme self-conceit, which makes them believe that they are capable of + subduing all the natives in Africa, and of thrashing the whole British + army if necessary. Unfortunately, the recent course of events has tended + to confirm them in their opinion as regards their white enemies. To + return: towards the second week in April, or the week before the + proclamation of annexation was issued, things began to look very serious; + indeed, rumours that could hardly be discredited reached the Special + Commissioner that the whole of the Zulu army was collected in a chain of + Impis or battalions, with the intention of bursting into the Transvaal and + sweeping the country. Knowing how terrible would be the catastrophe if + this were to happen, Sir T. Shepstone was much alarmed about the matter, + and at a meeting with the Executive Council of the Transvaal Government he + pointed out to them the great danger in which the country was placed. This + was done in the presence of several officers of his Staff, and it was on + this friendly exposition of the state of affairs that the charge that he + had threatened the country with invasion by the Zulus was based. On the + 11th of April, or the day before the Annexation, a message was despatched + to Cetywayo, telling him of the reports that had reached Pretoria, and + stating that if they were true he must forthwith give up all such + intentions, as the Transvaal would at once be placed under the sovereignty + of Her Majesty, and that if he had assembled any armies for purposes of + aggression they must be disbanded at once. Sir T. Shepstone’s message + reached Zululand not a day too soon. Had the Annexation of the Transvaal + been delayed by a few weeks even—and this is a point which I + earnestly beg Englishmen to remember in connection with that act—Cetywayo’s + armies would have entered the Transvaal, carrying death before them, and + leaving a wilderness behind them. + </p> + <p> + Cetywayo’s answer to the Special Commissioner’s message will sufficiently + show, to use Sir Theophilus’ own words in his despatch on the subject, + “the pinnacle of peril which the Republic and South Africa generally had + reached at the moment when the Annexation took place.” He says, “I thank + my Father Sompseu (Sir T. Shepstone) for his message. I am glad that he + has sent it, because the Dutch have tired me out, and I intended to fight + them once and once only, and to drive them over the Vaal. Kabana (name of + messenger), you see my Impis (armies) are gathered. It was to fight the + Dutch I called them together; now I will send them back to their homes. Is + it well that two men (‘amadoda-amabili’) should be made ‘iziula’ (fools)? + In the reign of my father Umpanda the Boers were constantly moving their + boundary further into my country. Since his death the same thing has been + done. I had therefore determined to end it once for all!” The message then + goes on to other matters, and ends with a request to be allowed to fight + the Amaswazi, because “they fight together and kill one another. This,” + says Cetywayo naively, “is wrong, and I want to chastise them for it.” + </p> + <p> + This quotation will suffice to convince all reasonable men, putting aside + all other matters, from what imminent danger the Transvaal was delivered + by the much-abused Annexation. + </p> + <p> + Some months after that event, however, it occurred to the ingenious mind + of some malicious individual in Natal that, properly used, much political + capital might be made out of this Zulu incident, and the story that + Cetywayo’s army had been called up by Sir Theophilus himself to overawe, + and, if necessary, subdue the Transvaal, was accordingly invented and + industriously circulated. Although Sir T. Shepstone at once caused it to + be authoritatively contradicted, such an astonishing slander naturally + took firm root, and on the 12th April 1879 we have Mr. M. W. Pretorius, + one of the Boer leaders, publicly stating at a meeting of the farmers that + “previous to the Annexation Sir T. Shepstone had threatened the Transvaal + with an attack from the Zulus as an argument for advancing the + Annexation.” Under such an imputation the Government could no longer keep + silence, and accordingly Sir Owen Lanyon, who was then Administrator of + the Transvaal, caused the matter to be officially investigated, with these + results, which are summed up by him in a letter to Mr. Pretorius, dated + 1st May 1879:— + </p> + <p> + 1. The records of the Republican Executive Council contained no allusion + to any such statement. + </p> + <p> + 2. Two members of that Council filed statements in which they unreservedly + denied that Sir T. Shepstone used the words or threats imputed to him. + </p> + <p> + 3. Two officers of Sir T. Shepstone’s staff, who were always present with + him at interviews with the Executive Council, filed statements to the same + effect. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt,” adds Sir Owen Lanyon, “that the report has been + originated and circulated by some evil-disposed persons.” + </p> + <p> + In addition to this evidence we have a letter written to the Colonial + Office by Sir T. Shepstone, dated London, August 12, 1879, in which he + points out that Mr. Pretorius was not even present at any of the + interviews with the Executive Council on which occasion he accuses him of + having made use of the threats. He further shows that the use of such a + threat on his part would have been the depth of folly, and “knowingly to + court the instant and ignominious failure of my mission,” because the + Boers were so persuaded of their own prowess that they could not be + convinced that they stood in any danger from native sources, and also + because “such play with such keen-edged tools as the excited passions of + savages are, and especially such savages as I knew the Zulus to be, is not + what an experience of forty-two years in managing them inclined me to.” + And yet, in the face of all this accumulated evidence, this report + continues to be believed, that is, by those who wished to believe it. + </p> + <p> + Such are the accusations that have been brought against the manner of the + Annexation and the Officer who carried it out, and never were accusations + more groundless. Indeed both for party purposes, and from personal animus, + every means, fair or foul, has been used to discredit it and all connected + with it. To take a single instance, one author (Miss Colenso, p. 134, + “History of the Zulu War”) actually goes the length of putting a portion + of a speech made by President Burgers into the mouth of Sir T. Shepstone, + and then abusing him for his incredible profanity. Surely this exceeds the + limits of fair criticism. + </p> + <p> + Before I go on to the actual history of the Annexation there is one point + I wish to submit to my reader. In England the change of Government has + always been talked of as though it only affected the forty thousand white + inhabitants of the country, whilst everybody seems to forget that this + same land had about a million human beings living on it, its original + owners, and only, unfortunately for themselves, possessing a black skin, + and therefore entitled to little consideration,—even at the hands of + the most philanthropic Government in the world. It never seems to have + occurred to those who have raised so much outcry on behalf of the forty + thousand Boers, to inquire what was thought of the matter by the million + natives. If they were to be allowed a voice in their own disposal, the + country was certainly annexed by the wish of a very large majority of its + inhabitants. It is true that Secocoeni, instigated thereto by the Boers, + afterwards continued the war against us, but, with the exception of this + one chief, the advent of our rule was hailed with joy by every native in + the Transvaal, and even he was glad of it at the time. During our period + of rule in the Transvaal the natives have had, as they foresaw, more peace + than at any time since the white man set foot in the land. They have paid + their taxes gladly, and there has been no fighting among themselves; but + since we have given up the country we hear a very different tale. It is + this million of men, women, and children who, notwithstanding their black + skins, live and feel, and have intelligence as much as ourselves, who are + the principal, because the most numerous sufferers from Mr. Gladstone’s + conjuring tricks, that can turn a Sovereign into a Suzerain as airily as + the professor of magic brings a litter of guinea-pigs out of a top hat. It + is our falsehood and treachery to them whom we took over “for ever,” as we + told them, and whom we have now handed back to their natural enemies to be + paid off for their loyalty to the Englishman, that is the blackest stain + in all this black business, and that has destroyed our prestige, and + caused us to be looked on amongst them, for they do not hide their + opinion, as “cowards and liars.” + </p> + <p> + But very little attention, however, seems to have been paid to native + views or claims at any time in the Transvaal; indeed they have all along + been treated as serfs of the soil, to be sold with it, if necessary, to a + new master. It is true that the Government, acting under pressure from the + Aborigines Protection Society, made, on the occasion of the Surrender, a + feeble effort to secure the independence of some of the native tribes; but + when the Boer leaders told them shortly that they would have nothing of + the sort, and that, if they were not careful, they would reoccupy Laing’s + Nek, the proposal was at once dropped, with many assurances that no + offence was intended. The worst of the matter is that this treatment of + our native subjects and allies will assuredly recoil on the heads of + future innocent Governments. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the appointment of the Joint-Commission alluded to at the + beginning of this chapter, President Burgers, who was now in possession of + the Special Commissioner’s intentions, should he be unable to carry out + reforms sufficiently drastic to satisfy the English Government, thought it + best to call together the Volksraad. In the meantime, it had been + announced that the “rebel” Secocoeni had sued for peace and signed a + treaty declaring himself a subject of the Republic. I shall have to enter + into the question of this treaty a little further on, so I will at present + only say that it was the first business laid before the Raad, and, after + some discussion, ratified. Next in order to the Secocoeni peace came the + question of Confederation, as laid down in Lord Carnarvon’s Permissive + Bill. This proposal was laid before them in an earnest and eloquent speech + by their President, who entreated them to consider the dangerous position + of the Republic, and to face their difficulties like men. The question was + referred to a committee, and an adverse report being brought up, was + rejected without further consideration. It is just possible that + intimidation had something to do with the summary treatment of so + important a matter, seeing that whilst it was being argued a large mob of + Boers, looking very formidable with their sea-cow hide whips, watched + every move of their representatives through the windows of the Volksraad + Hall. It was Mr. Chamberlain’s caucus system in practical and visible + operation. + </p> + <p> + A few days after the rejection of the Confederation Bill, President + Burgers, who had frequently alluded to the desperate condition of the + Republic, and stated that either some radical reform must be effected or + the country must come under the British flag, laid before the Raad a brand + new constitution of a very remarkable nature, asserting that they must + either accept it or lose their independence. + </p> + <p> + The first part of this strange document dealt with the people and their + rights, which remained much as they were before, with the exception that + the secrecy of all letters entrusted to the post was to be inviolable. The + recognition of this right is an amusing incident in the history of a free + Republic. Under following articles the Volksraad was entrusted with the + charge of the native inhabitants of the State, the provision for the + administration of justice, the conduct of education, the regulation of + money-bills, &c. It is in the fourth chapter, however, that we come to + the real gist of the Bill, which was the endowment of the State President + with the authority of a dictator. Mr. Burgers thought to save the State by + making himself an absolute monarch. He was to be elected for a period of + seven years instead of five years, and to be eligible for re-election. In + him was vested the power of making all appointments without reference to + the legislature. All laws were to be drawn up by him, and he was to have + the right of veto on Volksraad resolutions, which body he could summon and + dissolve at will. Finally, his Executive Council was to consist of heads + of departments appointed by himself, and of one member of the Volksraad. + The Volksraad treated this Bill in much the same way as they had dealt + with the Permissive Confederation Bill, gave it a casual consideration, + and threw it out. + </p> + <p> + The President, meanwhile, was doing his best to convince the Raad of the + danger of the country; that the treasury was empty, whilst duns were + pressing, that enemies were threatening on every side, and, finally, that + Her Majesty’s Special Commissioner was encamped within a thousand yards of + them, watching their deliberations with some interest. He showed them that + it was impossible at once to scorn reform and reject friendly offers, that + it was doubtful if anything could save them, but that if they took no + steps they were certainly lost as a nation. The “Fathers of the land,” + however, declined to dance to the President’s piping. Then he took a + bolder line. He told them that a guilty nation never can evade the + judgment that follows its steps. He asked them “conscientiously to advise + the people not obstinately to refuse a union with a powerful Government. + He could not advise them to refuse such a union. . . . He did not believe + that a new constitution would save them; for as little as the old + constitution had brought them to ruin, so little would a new constitution + bring salvation. . . . If the citizens of England had behaved towards the + Crown as the burghers of this State had behaved to their Government, + England would never have stood so long as she had.” He pointed out to them + their hopeless financial position. “To-day,” he said, “a bill for 1100 + pounds was laid before me for signature; but I would sooner have cut off + my right hand than sign that paper—(cheers)—for I have not the + slightest ground to expect that, when that bill becomes due, there will be + a penny to pay it with.” And finally, he exhorted them thus: “Let them + make the best of the situation, and get the best terms they possibly + could; let them agree to join their hands to those of their brethren in + the south, and then from the Cape to the Zambesi there would be one great + people. Yes, there was something grand in that, grander even than their + idea of a Republic, something which ministered to their national feeling—(cheers)—and + would this be so miserable? Yes, this would be miserable for those who + would not be under the law, for the rebel and the revolutionist, but + welfare and prosperity for the men of law and order.” + </p> + <p> + These powerful words form a strong indictment against the Republic, and + from them there can be little doubt that President Burgers was thoroughly + convinced of the necessity and wisdom of the Annexation. It is interesting + to compare them, and many other utterances of his made at this period, + with the opinions he expresses in the posthumous document recently + published, in which he speaks somewhat jubilantly of the lessons taught us + on Laing’s Nek and Majuba by such “an inherently weak people as the + Boers,” and points to them as striking instances of retribution. In this + document he attributes the Annexation to the desire to advance English + supremacy in South Africa, and to lay hold of the way to Central South + Africa. It is, however, noticeable that he does not in any way indicate + how it could have been averted, and the State continue to exist; and he + seems all along to feel that his case is a weak one, for in explaining, or + attempting to explain, why he had never defended himself from the charges + brought against him in connection with the Annexation, he says: “Had I not + endured in silence, had I not borne patiently all the accusations, but out + of selfishness or fear told the plain truth of the case, the Transvaal + would never have had the consideration it has now received from Great + Britain. However unjust the Annexation was, my self-justification would + have <i>exposed the Boers to such an extent</i>, and the state of the + country in such a way, that it would have deprived them both of the + sympathy of the world and the consideration of the English politicians.” + In other words, “If I had told the truth about things as I should have + been obliged to do to justify myself, there would have been no more outcry + about the Annexation, because the whole world, even the English Radicals, + would have recognised how necessary it was, and what a fearful state the + country was in.” + </p> + <p> + But to let that pass, it is evident that President Burgers did not take + the same view of the Annexation in 1877 as he did in 1881, and indeed his + speeches to the Volksraad would read rather oddly printed in parallel + columns with his posthumous statement. The reader would be forced to one + of two conclusions, either on one of the two occasions he is saying what + he does not mean, or he must have changed his mind. As I believe him to + have been an honest man, I incline to the latter supposition; nor do I + consider it so very hard to account for, taking into consideration his + natural Dutch proclivities. In 1877 Burgers is the despairing head of a + State driving rapidly to ruin, if not to actual extinction, when the + strong hand of the English Government is held out to him. What wonder that + he accepts it gladly on behalf of his country, which is by its help + brought into a state of greater prosperity than it has ever before known? + In 1881 the wheel has gone round, and great events have come about whilst + he lies dying. The enemies of the Boers have been destroyed, the powers of + the Zulus and Secocoeni are no more; the country has prospered under a + healthy rule, and its finances have been restored. More,—glad + tidings have come from Mid-Lothian, to the “rebel and the revolutionist,” + whose hopes were flagging, and eloquent words have been spoken by the new + English Dictator that have aroused a great rebellion. And, to crown all, + English troops have suffered one massacre and three defeats, and England + sues for peace from the South African peasant, heedless of honour or her + broken word, so that the prayer be granted. With such events before him, + that dying man may well have found cause to change his opinion. Doubtless + the Annexation was wrong, since England disowns her acts; and may not that + dream about the great South African Republic come true after all? Has not + the pre-eminence of the Englishman received a blow from which it can never + recover, and is not his control over Boers and natives irredeemably + weakened? And must he,—Burgers,—go down to posterity as a + Dutchman who tried to forward the interests of the English party? No, + doubtless the Annexation was wrong; but it has done good, for it has + brought about the downfall of the English: and we will end the argument in + the very words of his last public utterance, with which he ends his + statement: “South Africa gained more from this, and has made a larger step + forward in the march of freedom than most people can conceive.” + </p> + <p> + Who shall say that he is wrong? the words of dying men are sometimes + prophetic! South Africa has made a great advance towards the “freedom” of + a Dutch Republic. + </p> + <p> + This has been a digression, but I hope not an uninteresting one. To return—on + the 1st March, Sir T. Shepstone met the Executive Council, and told them + that in his opinion there was now but one remedy to be adopted, and that + was that the Transvaal should be united with English Colonies of South + Africa under one head, namely the Queen, saying at the same time that the + only thing now left to the Republic was to make the best arrangements it + could for the future benefit of its inhabitants, and to submit to that + which he saw to be, and every thinking man saw to be, inevitable. So soon + as this information was officially communicated to the Raad, for a good + proportion of its members were already acquainted with it unofficially, it + flew from a state of listless indifference into vigorous and hasty action. + The President was censured, and a Committee was appointed to consider and + report upon the situation, which reported in favour of the adoption of + Burgers’ new constitution. Accordingly, the greatest part of this measure, + which had been contemptuously rejected a few days before, was adopted + almost without question, and Mr. Paul Kruger was appointed Vice-President. + On the following day, a very drastic treason law was passed, borrowed from + the Statute book of the Orange Free State, which made all public + expression of opinion, if adverse to the Government, or in any way + supporting the Annexation party, high treason. This done, the Assembly + prorogued itself until—October 1881. + </p> + <p> + During and after the sitting of the Raad, rumours arose that the Chief + Secocoeni’s signature to the treaty of peace, ratified by that body, had + been obtained by misrepresentation. As ratified, this treaty consisted of + three articles, according to which Secocoeni consented, first to become a + subject of the Republic, and obey the laws of the country; secondly, to + agree to a certain restricted boundary line and, thirdly, to pay 2000 head + of cattle; which, considering he had captured quite 5000 head, was not + exorbitant. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of February a written message was received from Secocoeni + by Sir T. Shepstone, dated after the signing of the supposed treaty. The + original, which was written in Sisutu, was a great curiosity. The + following is a correct translation:— + </p> + <p> + “For Myn Heer Sheepstone,—I beg you, Chief, come help me, the Boers + are killing me, and I don’t know the reasons why they should be angry with + me; Chief, I beg you come with Myn Heer Merensky.—I am Sikukuni.” + </p> + <p> + This message was accompanied by a letter from Mr. Merensky, a well-known + and successful missionary, who had been for many years resident in + Secocoeni’s country, in which he stated that he heard on very good + authority that Secocoeni had distinctly refused to agree to that article + of the treaty by which he became a subject of the State. He adds that he + cannot remain “silent while such tricks are played.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this information, Sir T. Shepstone wrote to President Burgers, + stating that “if the officer in whom you have placed confidence has + withheld any portion of the truth from you, especially so serious a + portion of it, he is guilty of a wrong towards you personally, as well as + towards the Government, because he has caused you to assume an untenable + position,” and suggesting that a joint commission should be despatched to + Secocoeni, to thoroughly sift the question in the interest of all + concerned. This suggestion was after some delay agreed to, and a + commission was appointed, consisting of Mr. Van Gorkom, a Hollander, and + Mr. Holtshausen, a member of the Executive Council, on behalf of the + Transvaal Government, and Mr. Osborn, R.M., and Captain Clarke, R.A., on + behalf of the Commissioner, whom I accompanied as Secretary. + </p> + <p> + At Middelburg the native Gideon who acted as interpreter between + Commandant Ferreira, C.M.G. (the officer who negotiated the treaty on + behalf of the Boer Government), and Secocoeni was examined, and also two + natives, Petros and Jeremiah, who were with him, but did not actually + interpret. All these men persisted that Secocoeni had positively refused + to become a subject of the Republic, and only consented to sign the treaty + on the representations of Commandant Ferreira that it would only be + binding, as regards to the two articles about the cattle and the boundary + line. + </p> + <p> + The Commission then proceeded to Secocoeni’s town, accompanied by a fresh + set of interpreters, and had a long interview with Secocoeni. The chief’s + Prime Minister or “mouth,” Makurupiji, speaking in his presence, and on + his behalf and making use of the pronoun “I” before all the assembled + headmen of the tribe, gave an account of the interview between Commandant + Ferreira in the presence of that gentleman, who accompanied the commission + and Secocoeni, in almost the same words as had been used by the + interpreters at Middelburg. He distinctly denied having consented to + become a subject of the Republic or to stand under the law, and added that + he feared he “had touched the feather to” (signed) things that he did not + know of in the treaty. Commandant Ferreira then put some questions, but + entirely failed to shake the evidence; on the contrary, he admitted by his + questions that Secocoeni had not consented to become a subject of the + Republic. Secocoeni had evidently signed the piece of paper under the + impression that he was acknowledging his liability to pay 2000 head of + cattle, and fixing a certain portion of his boundary line, and on the + distinct understanding that he was not to become a subject of the State. + </p> + <p> + Now it was the Secocoeni war that had brought the English Mission into the + country, and if it could be shown that the Secocoeni war had come to a + successful termination, it would go far towards helping the Mission out + again. To this end, it was necessary that the Chief should declare himself + a subject of the State, and thereby, by implication acknowledge himself to + have been a rebel, and admit his defeat. All that was required was a + signature, and that once obtained the treaty was published and submitted + to the Raad for confirmation, without a whisper being heard of the + conditions under which this ignorant Basutu was induced to sign. Had no + Commission visited Secocoeni, this treaty would afterwards have been + produced against him in its entirety. Altogether, the history of the + Secocoeni Peace Treaty does not reassure one as to the genuineness of the + treaties which the Boers are continually producing, purporting to have + been signed by native chiefs, and as a general rule presenting the State + with great tracts of country in exchange for a horse or a few oxen. + However fond the natives may be of their Boer neighbours, such liberality + can scarcely be genuine. On the other hand, it is so easy to induce a + savage to sign a paper, or even, if he is reticent, to make a cross for + him, and once made, as we all know, <i>litera scripa manet</i>, and + becomes title to the lands. + </p> + <p> + During the Secocoeni investigation, affairs in the Transvaal were steadily + drifting towards anarchy. The air was filled with rumours; now it was + reported that an outbreak was imminent amongst the English population at + the Gold Fields, who had never forgotten Von Schlickmann’s kind suggestion + that they should be “subdued;” now it was said that Cetywayo had crossed + the border, and might shortly be expected at Pretoria; now that a large + body of Boers were on their road to shoot the Special Commissioner, his + twenty-five policemen and Englishmen generally, and so on. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Paul Kruger and his party were not letting the grass grow under + their feet, but worked public feeling with great vigour, with the double + object of getting Paul made President and ridding themselves of the + English. Articles in his support were printed in the well-known Dutch + paper “Die Patriot,” published in the Cape Colony, which are so typical of + the Boers and of the only literature that has the slightest influence over + them, that I will quote a few extracts from one of them. + </p> + <p> + After drawing a very vivid picture of the wretched condition of the + country as compared to what it was when the Kafirs had “a proper respect” + for the Boers, before Burgers came into power, the article proceeds to + give the cause of this state of affairs. “God’s word,” it says, “gives us + the solution. Look at Israel, while the people have a godly king, + everything is prosperous, but under a godless prince the land retrogrades, + and the whole of the people must suffer. Read Leviticus, chapter 26, with + attention, &c. In the day of the Voortrekkers (pioneers), a handful of + men chased a thousand Kafirs and made them run; so also in the Free State + War (Deut. xxxii. 30; Jos. xxiii. 10; Lev. xxvi. 8). But mark, now when + Burgers became President, he knows no Sabbath, he rides through the land + in and out of town on Sunday, he knows not the church and God’s service + (Lev. xxvi. 2-3) to the scandal of pious people. And he formerly was a + priest too. And what is the consequence? No harvest (Lev. xxvi. 16), an + army of 6,000 men runs because one man falls (Lev. xxvi. 17, &c.) What + is now the remedy?” The remedy proves to be Paul Kruger, “because there is + no other candidate. Because our Lord clearly points him out to be the man, + for why is there no other candidate? Who arranged it this way?” Then + follows a rather odd argument in favour of Paul’s election, “Because he + himself (P. Kruger) acknowledges in his own reply that he is <i>incompetent</i>, + but that all his ability is from our Lord. Because he is a warrior. + Because he is a Boer.” Then Paul Kruger, the warrior and the Boer, is + compared to Joan of Arc, “a simple Boer girl who came from behind the + sheep.” The Burghers of Transvaal are exhorted to acknowledge the hand of + the Lord, and elect Paul Kruger, or look for still heavier punishment. + (Lev. xxvi. 18 <i>et seq</i>.) Next the “Patriot” proceeds to give a bit + of advice to “our candidate, Paul Kruger.” He is to deliver the land from + the Kafirs. “The Lord has given you the heart of a warrior, arise and + drive them,” a bit of advice quite suited to his well-known character. But + this chosen vessel was not to get all the loaves and fishes; on the + contrary, as soon as he had fulfilled his mission of “driving” the Kafirs, + he was to hand over his office to a “good” president. The article ends + thus: “If the Lord wills to use you now to deliver this land from its + enemies, and a day of peace and prosperity arises again, and you see that + you are not exactly the statesman to further govern the Republic, then it + will be your greatest honour to say, ‘Citizens, I have delivered you from + the enemy, I am no statesman, but now you have peace and time to choose + and elect a <i>good</i> President.’” + </p> + <p> + An article such as the above is instructive reading as showing the low + calibre of the minds that are influenced by it. Yet such writings and + sermons have more power among the Boers than any other arguments, + appealing as they do to the fanaticism and vanity of their nature, which + causes them to believe that the Divinity is continually interfering on + their behalf at the cost of other people. It will be noticed that the + references given are all to the Old Testament, and nearly all refer to + acts of blood. + </p> + <p> + These doctrines were not, however, at all acceptable to Burgers’ party, or + the more enlightened members of the community, and so bitter did the + struggle of rival opinions become that there is very little doubt that had + the country not been annexed, civil war would have been added to its other + calamities. Meanwhile the natives were from day to day becoming more + restless, and messengers were constantly arriving at the Special + Commissioner’s camp, begging that their tribe might be put under the + Queen, and stating that they would fight rather than submit any longer to + the Boers. + </p> + <p> + At length on the 9th April, Sir T. Shepstone informed the Government of + the Republic that he was about to declare the Transvaal British territory. + He told them that he had considered and reconsidered his determination, + but that he could see no possible means within the State by which it could + free itself from the burdens that were sinking it to destruction, adding + that if he could have found such means he would certainly not have hidden + them from the Government. This intimation was received in silence, though + all the later proceedings with reference to the Annexation were in reality + carried out in concert with the Authorities of the Republic. Thus on the + 13th March the Government submitted a paper of ten questions to Sir T. + Shepstone as regards the future condition of the Transvaal under English + rule, whether the debts of the State would be guaranteed, &c. To these + questions replies were given which were on the whole satisfactory to the + Government. As these replies formed the basis of the proclamation + guarantees, it is not necessary to enter into them. + </p> + <p> + It was further arranged by the Republican Government that a formal protest + should be entered against the Annexation, which was accordingly prepared + and privately shown to the Special Commissioner. The annexation + proclamation was also shown to President Burgers, and a paragraph + eliminated at his suggestion. In fact, the Special Commissioner and the + President, together with most of his Executive, were quite at one as + regards the necessity of the proclamation being issued, their joint + endeavours being directed to the prevention of any disturbance, and to + secure a good reception for the change. + </p> + <p> + At length, after three months of inquiry and negotiation, the proclamation + of annexation was on the 12th of April 1877 read by Mr. Osborn, + accompanied by some other gentlemen of Sir T. Shepstone’s staff. It was an + anxious moment for all concerned. To use the words of the Special + Commissioner in his despatch home on the subject, “Every effort had been + made during the previous fortnight by, it is said, educated Hollanders, + and who had but lately arrived in the country to rouse the fanaticism of + the Boers and induce them to offer ‘bloody’ resistance to what it was + known I intended to do. The Boers were appealed to in the most + inflammatory language by printed manifestoes and memorials; . . . it was + urged that I had but a small escort which could easily be overpowered.” In + a country so full of desperadoes and fanatical haters of anything English, + it was more than possible than though such an act would have been + condemned by the general sense of the country, a number of men could + easily be found who would think they were doing a righteous act in + greeting the “annexationists” with an ovation of bullets. I do not mean + that the anxiety was personal, because I do not think the members of that + small party set any higher value on their lives than other people, but it + was absolutely necessary for the success of the act itself, and for the + safety of the country, that not a single shot should be fired. Had that + happened it is probable that the whole country would have been involved in + confusion and bloodshed, the Zulus would have broken in, and the Kafirs + would have risen; in fact, to use Cetywayo’s words, “the land would have + burned with fire.” + </p> + <p> + It will therefore be easily understood what an anxious hour that was both + for the Special Commissioner sitting up at Government House, and for his + Staff down on the Market Square, and how thankful they were when the + proclamation was received with hearty cheers by the crowd. Mr. Burgers’ + protest, which was read immediately afterwards, was received in respectful + silence. + </p> + <p> + And thus the Transvaal Territory passed for a while into the great family + of the English Colonies. I believe that the greatest political opponent of + the act will bear tribute to the very remarkable ability with which it was + carried out. When the variety and number of the various interests that had + to be conciliated, the obstinate nature of the individuals who had to be + convinced, as well as the innate hatred of the English name and ways which + had to be overcome to carry out this act successfully, are taken into + consideration: together with a thousand other matters, the neglect of any + one of which would have sufficed to make failure certain, it will be seen + what tact and skill, and knowledge of human nature were required to + execute so difficult a task. It must be remembered that no force was used, + and that there never was any threat of force. The few troops that were to + enter the Transvaal were four weeks’ march from Pretoria at the time. + There was nothing whatsoever to prevent the Boers putting a summary stop + to the proceedings of the Commissioner if they had thought fit. + </p> + <p> + That Sir Theophilus played a bold and hazardous game nobody will deny, + but, like most players who combine boldness with coolness of head and + justice of cause, he won; and, without shedding a single drop of blood, or + even confiscating an acre of land, and at no cost, annexed a great + country, and averted a very serious war. That same country four years + later cost us a million of money, the loss of nearly a thousand men killed + and wounded, and the ruin of many more confiding thousands, to surrender. + It is true, however, that nobody can accuse the retrocession of having + been conducted with judgment or ability—very much the contrary. + </p> + <p> + There can be no more ample justification of the necessity of the issue of + the annexation proclamation than the proclamation itself— + </p> + <p> + First, it touches on the Sand River Convention of 1852, by which + independence was granted to the State, and shows that the “evident objects + and inciting motives” in granting such guarantee were to promote peace, + free-trade and friendly intercourse, in the hope and belief that the + Republic “would become a flourishing and self-sustaining State, a source + of strength and security to neighbouring European communities, and a point + from which Christianity and civilisation might rapidly spread toward + Central Africa.” It goes on to show how these hopes have been + disappointed, and how that “increasing weakness in the State itself on the + one side, and more than corresponding growth of real strength and + confidence among the native tribes on the other have produced their + natural and inevitable consequence . . . that after more or less of + irritating conflict with aboriginal tribes to the north, there commenced + about the year 1867 gradual abandonment to the natives in that direction + of territory, settled by burghers of the Transvaal in well-built towns and + villages and on granted farms.” + </p> + <p> + It goes on to show that “this decay of power and ebb of authority in the + north, is being followed by similar processes in the south under yet more + dangerous circumstances. People of this State residing in that direction + have been compelled within the last three months, at the bidding of native + chiefs and at a moment’s notice, to leave their farms and homes, their + standing crops . . . all to be taken possession of by natives, but that + the Government is more powerless than ever to vindicate its assumed rights + or to resist the declension that is threatening its existence.” It then + recites how all the other colonies and communities of South Africa have + lost confidence in the State, how it is in a condition of hopeless + bankruptcy, and its commerce annihilated whilst the inhabitants are + divided into factions, and the Government has fallen into “helpless + paralysis.” How also the prospect of the election of a new President, + instead of being looked forward to with hope, would, in the opinion of all + parties, be the signal for civil war, anarchy, and bloodshed. How that + this state of things affords the very strongest temptation to the great + neighbouring native powers to attack the country, a temptation that they + were only too ready and anxious to yield to, and that the State was in far + too feeble a condition to repel such attacks, from which it had hitherto + only been saved by the repeated representations of the Government of + Natal. The next paragraphs I will quote as they stand, for they sum up the + reasons for the Annexation. + </p> + <p> + “That the Secocoeni war, which would have produced but little effect on a + healthy constitution, has not only proved suddenly fatal to the resources + and reputation of the Republic, but has shown itself to be a culminating + point in the history of South Africa, in that a Makatee or Basutu tribe, + unwarlike and of no account in Zulu estimation, successfully withstood the + strength of the State, and disclosed for the first time to the native + powers outside the Republic, from the Zambesi to the Cape, the great + change that had taken place in the relative strength of the white and + black races, that this disclosure at once shook the prestige of the white + man in South Africa, and placed every European community in peril, that + this common danger has caused universal anxiety, has given to all + concerned the right to investigate its cause, and to protect themselves + from its consequences, and has imposed the duty upon those who have the + power to shield enfeebled civilisation from the encroachments of barbarism + and inhumanity.” It proceeds to point out that the Transvaal will be the + first to suffer from the results of its own policy, and that it is for + every reason perfectly impossible for Her Majesty’s Government to stand by + and see a friendly white State ravaged, knowing that its own possessions + will be the next to suffer. That H. M. Government, being persuaded that + the only means to prevent such a catastrophe would be by the annexation of + the country, and, knowing that this was the wish of a large proportion of + the inhabitants of the Transvaal, the step must be taken. Next follows the + formal annexation. + </p> + <p> + Together with the proclamation, an address was issued by Sir T. Shepstone + to the burghers of the State, laying the facts before them in a friendly + manner, more suited to their mode of thought than it was possible to do in + a formal proclamation. This document, the issue of which was one of those + touches that ensured the success of the Annexation, was a powerful summing + up in colloquial language of the arguments used in the proclamation + strengthened by quotations from the speeches of the President. It ends + with these words: “It remains only for me to beg of you to consider and + weigh what I have said calmly and without undue prejudice. Let not mere + feeling or sentiment prevail over your judgment. Accept what Her Majesty’s + Government intends shall be, and what you will soon find from experience, + is a blessing not only to you and your children, but to the whole of South + Africa through you, and I believe that I speak these words to you as a + friend from my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Two other proclamations were also issued, one notifying the assumption of + the office of Administrator of the Government by Sir T. Shepstone, and the + other repealing the war-tax, which was doubtless an unequal and oppressive + impost. + </p> + <p> + I have in the preceding pages stated all the principal grounds of the + Annexation and briefly sketched the history of that event. In the next + chapter I propose to follow the fortunes of the Transvaal under British + Rule. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + THE TRANSVAAL UNDER BRITISH RULE + </h3> + <p> + <i>Reception of the annexation—Major Clarke and the Volunteers— + Effect of the annexation on credit and commerce—Hoisting of the + Union Jack—Ratification of the annexation by Parliament—Messrs. + Kruger and Jorissen’s mission to England—Agitation against the + annexation in the Cape Colony—Sir T. Shepstone’s tour—Causes + of the growth of discontent among the Boers—Return of Messrs. + Jorissen and Kruger—The Government dispenses with their services—Despatch + of a second deputation to England—Outbreak of war with Secocoeni—Major + Clarke, R.A.—The Gunn of Gunn plot—Mission of Captain Paterson + and Mr. Sergeaunt to Matabeleland—Its melancholy termination—The + Isandhlwana disaster—Departure of Sir T. Shepstone for England—Another + Boer meeting—The Pretoria Horse—Advance of the Boers on + Pretoria—Arrival of Sir B. Frere at Pretoria and dispersion of the + Boers—Arrival of Sir Garnet Wolseley—His proclamation—The + Secocoeni expedition—Proceedings of the Boers—Mr. Pretorius—Mr. + Gladstone’s Mid-Lothian speeches, their effect—Sir G. Wolseley’s + speech at Pretoria, its good results—Influx of Englishmen and + cessation of agitation—Financial position of the country after three + years of British rule—Letter of the Boer leaders to Mr. Courtney.</i> + </p> + <p> + The news of the Annexation was received all over the country with a sigh + of relief, and in many parts of it with great rejoicings. At the Gold + Fields, for instance, special thanksgiving services were held, and “God + save the Queen” was sung in church. Nowhere was there the slightest + disturbance, but, on the contrary, addresses of congratulation and thanks + literally poured in by every mail, many of them signed by Boers who have + since been conspicuous for their bitter opposition to English rule. At + first, there was some doubt as to what would be the course taken under the + circumstances by the volunteers enlisted by the late Republic. Major + Clarke, R.A., was sent to convey the news, and to take command of them, + unaccompanied save by his Kafir servant. On arrival at the principal fort, + he at once ordered the Republican flag to be hauled down and the Union + Jack run up, and his orders were promptly obeyed. A few days afterwards + some members of the force thought better of it, and having made up their + minds to kill him, came to the tent where he was sitting to carry out + their purpose. On learning their kind intentions, Major Clarke fixed his + eye-glass in his eye, and, after steadily glaring at them through it for + some time, said, “You are all drunk, go back to your tents.” The + volunteers, quite overcome by his coolness and the fixity of his gaze, at + once slipped off, and there was no further trouble. About three weeks + after the Annexation, the 1-13th Regiment arrived at Pretoria, having been + very well received all along the road by the Boers, who came from miles + round to hear the band play. Its entry into Pretoria was quite a sight; + the whole population turned out to meet it; indeed the feeling of + rejoicing and relief was so profound that when the band began to play “God + save the Queen” some of the women burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the effect of the Annexation on the country was perfectly + magical. Credit and commerce were at once restored; the railway bonds that + were down to nothing in Holland rose with one bound to par, and the value + of landed property nearly doubled. Indeed it would have been possible for + any one, knowing what was going to happen, to have realised large sums of + money by buying land in the beginning of 1877, and selling it shortly + after the Annexation. + </p> + <p> + On the 24th May, being Her Majesty’s birthday, all the native chiefs who + were anywhere within reach, were summoned to attend the first formal + hoisting of the English flag. The day was a general festival, and the + ceremony was attended by a large number of Boers and natives in addition + to all the English. At mid-day, amidst the cheers of the crowd, the salute + of artillery, and the strains of “God save the Queen,” the Union Jack was + run up a lofty flagstaff, and the Transvaal was formally announced to be + British soil. The flag was hoisted by Colonel Brooke, R.E., and the + present writer. Speaking for myself, I may say that it was one of the + proudest moments of my life. Could I have foreseen that I should live to + see that same flag, then hoisted with so much joyous ceremony, within a + few years shamefully and dishonourably hauled down and buried,[*] I think + it would have been the most miserable. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The English flag was during the signing of the + Convention at Pretoria formally buried by a large crowd of + Englishmen and loyal natives. +</pre> + <p> + The Annexation was as well received in England as it was in the Transvaal. + Lord Carnarvon wrote to Sir T. Shepstone to convey “the Queen’s entire + approval of your conduct since you received Her Majesty’s commission, with + a renewal of my own thanks on behalf of the Government for the admirable + prudence and discretion with which you have discharged a great and + unwonted responsibility.” It was also accepted by Parliament with very few + dissentient voices, since it was not till afterwards, when the subject + became useful as an electioneering howl, that the Liberal party, headed by + our “powerful popular minister,” discovered the deep iniquity that had + been perpetrated in South Africa. So satisfied were the Transvaal Boers + with the change that Messrs. Kruger, Jorissen, and Bok, who formed the + deputation to proceed to England and present President Burgers’ formal + protest against the Annexation, found great difficulty in raising one-half + of the necessary expenses—something under one thousand pounds—towards + the cost of the undertaking. The thirst for independence cannot have been + very great when all the wealthy burghers in the Transvaal put together + would not subscribe a thousand pounds towards retaining it. Indeed, at + this time the members of the deputation themselves seem to have looked + upon their undertaking as being both doubtful and undesirable, since they + informed Sir T. Shepstone that they were going to Europe to discharge an + obligation which had been imposed upon them, and if the mission failed, + they would have done their duty. Mr. Kruger said that if they did fail, he + would be found to be as faithful a subject under the new form of + government as he had been under the old; and Dr. Jorissen admitted with + equal frankness that “the change was inevitable, and expressed his belief + that the cancellation of it would be calamitous.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst the Annexation was thus well received in the country immediately + interested, a lively agitation was commenced in the Western Province of + the Cape Colony, a thousand miles away, with a view of inducing the Home + Government to repudiate Sir T. Shepstone’s act. The reason of this + movement was that the Cape Dutch party, caring little or nothing for the + real interests of the Transvaal, did care a great deal about their scheme + to turn all the white communities of South Africa into a great Dutch + Republic, to which they thought the Annexation would be a deathblow. As I + have said elsewhere, it must be borne in mind that the strings of the + anti-annexation agitation have all along been pulled in the Western + Province, whilst the Transvaal Boers have played the parts of puppets. The + instruments used by the leaders of the movement in the Cape were, for the + most part, the discontented and unprincipled Hollander element, a + newspaper of an extremely abusive nature called the “Volkstem,” and + another in Natal known as the “Natal Witness,” lately edited by the + notorious Aylward, which has an almost equally unenviable reputation. + </p> + <p> + On the arrival of Messrs. Jorissen and Kruger in England, they were + received with great civility by Lord Carnarvon, who was, however, careful + to explain to them that the Annexation was irrevocable. In this decision + they cheerfully acquiesced, assuring his lordship of their determination + to do all they could to induce the Boers to accept the new state of + things, and expressing their desire to be allowed to serve under the new + Government. + </p> + <p> + Whilst these gentlemen were thus satisfactorily arranging matters with + Lord Carnarvon, Sir T. Shepstone was making a tour round the country which + resembled a triumphal progress more than anything else. He was everywhere + greeted with enthusiasm by all classes of the community, Boers, English, + and natives, and numerous addresses were presented to him couched in the + warmest language, not only by Englishmen but also by Boers. + </p> + <p> + It is very difficult to reconcile the enthusiasm of a great number of the + inhabitants of the Transvaal for English rule, and the quite acquiescence + of the remainder, at this time, with the decidedly antagonistic attitude + assumed later on. It appears to me, however, that there are several + reasons that go far towards accounting for it. The Transvaal, when we + annexed it, was in the position of a man with a knife at his throat, who + is suddenly rescued by some one stronger than he, on certain conditions + which at the time he gladly accepts, but afterwards, when the danger is + passed, wishes to repudiate. In the same way the inhabitants of the South + African Republic, were in the time of need very thankful for our aid, but + after a while, when the recollection of their difficulties had grown + faint, when their debts had been paid and their enemies defeated, they + began to think that they would like to get rid of us again, and start + fresh on their own account, with a clean sheet. What fostered agitation + more than anything else, however, was the perfect impunity in which it was + allowed to be carried on. Had only a little firmness and decision been + shown in the first instance there would have been no further trouble. We + might have been obliged to confiscate half-a-dozen farms, and perhaps + imprison as many free burghers for a few months, and there it would have + ended. Neither Boers or natives understand our namby-pamby way of playing + at government; they put it down to fear. What they want, and what they + expect, is to be governed with a just but a firm hand. Thus when the Boers + found that they could agitate with impunity, they naturally enough + continued to agitate. Anybody who knows them will understand that it was + very pleasant to them to find themselves in possession of that delightful + thing, a grievance, and, instead of stopping quietly at home on their + farms, to feel obliged to proceed, full of importance and long words, to a + distant meeting, there to spout and listen to the spouting of others. It + is so much easier to talk politics than to sow mealies. Some attribute the + discontent among the Boers to the postponement of the carrying out of the + annexation proclamation promises with reference to the free institutions + to be granted to the country, but in my opinion it had little or nothing + to do with it. The Boers never understood the question of responsible + government, and never wanted that institution; what they did want was to + be free of all English control, and this they said twenty times in the + most outspoken language. I think there is little doubt the causes I have + indicated are the real sources of the agitation, though there must be + added to them their detestation of our mode of dealing with natives, and + of being forced to pay taxes regularly, and also the ceaseless agitation + of the Cape wire-pullers, through their agents the Hollanders, and their + organs in the press. + </p> + <p> + On the return of Messrs. Kruger and Jorissen to the Transvaal, the latter + gentleman resumed his duties as Attorney-General, on which occasion, if I + remember aright, I myself had the honour of administering to him the oath + of allegiance to Her Majesty, that he afterwards kept so well. The former + reported the proceedings of the deputation to a Boer meeting, when he took + a very different tone to that in which he addressed Lord Carnarvon, + announcing that if there existed a majority of the people in favour of + independence, he still was Vice-President of the country. + </p> + <p> + Both these gentlemen remained for some time in the pay of the British + Government, Mr. Jorissen as Attorney-General, and Mr. Kruger as member of + the Executive Council. The Government, however, at length found it + desirable to dispense with their services, though on different grounds. + Mr. Jorissen had, like several other members of the Republican Government, + been a clergyman, and was quite unfit to hold the post of Attorney-General + in an important colony like the Transvaal, where legal questions were + constantly arising requiring all the attention of a trained mind; and + after he had on several occasions been publicly admonished from the bench, + the Government retired him on liberal terms. Needless to say, his + opposition to English rule then became very bitter. Mr. Kruger’s + appointment expired by law in November 1877, and the Government did not + think it advisable to re-employ him. The terms of his letter of dismissal + can be found on page 135 of Blue Book (c. 144), and involving as they do a + serious charge of misrepresentation in money matters, are not very + creditable to him. After this event he also pursued the cause of + independence with increased vigour. + </p> + <p> + During the last months of 1877 and the first part of 1878 agitation + against British rule went on unchecked, and at last grew to alarming + proportions, so much so that Sir T. Shepstone, on his return from the Zulu + border in March 1878, where he had been for some months discussing the + vexed and dangerous question of the boundary line with the Zulus, found it + necessary to issue a stringent proclamation warning the agitators that + their proceedings and meetings were illegal, and would be punished + according to law. This document which was at the time vulgarly known as + the “Hold-your-jaw” proclamation, not being followed by action, produced + but little effect. + </p> + <p> + On the 4th April 1878 another Boer meeting was convened, at which it was + decided to send a second deputation to England, to consist this time of + Messrs. Kruger and Joubert, with Mr. Bok as secretary. This deputation + proved as abortive as the first, Sir M. Hicks Beach assuring it, in a + letter dated 6th August 1878, that it is “impossible, for many reasons, . + . . . that the Queen’s sovereignty should now be withdrawn.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst the Government was thus hampered by internal disaffection, it had + also many other difficulties on its hands. First, there was the Zulu + boundary question, which was constantly developing new dangers to the + country. Indeed, it was impossible to say what might happen in that + direction from one week to another. Nor were its relations with Secocoeni + satisfactory. It will be remembered that just before the Annexation this + chief had expressed his earnest wish to become a British subject, and even + paid over part of the fine demanded from him by the Boer Government to the + Civil Commissioner, Major Clarke. In March 1878, however, his conduct + towards the Government underwent a sudden change, and he practically + declared war. It afterwards appeared, from Secocoeni’s own statement, that + he was instigated to this step by a Boer, Abel Erasmus by name—the + same man who was concerned in the atrocities in the first Secocoeni war—who + constantly encouraged him to continue the struggle. I do not propose to + minutely follow the course of this long war, which, commencing in the + beginning of 1878, did not come to an end till after the Zulu war: when + Sir Garnet Wolseley attacked Secocoeni’s stronghold with a large force of + troops, volunteers, and Swazi allies, and took it with great slaughter. + The losses on our side were not very heavy, so far as white men were + concerned, but the Swazies are reported to have lost 400 killed and 500 + wounded. + </p> + <p> + The struggle was, during the long period preceding the final attack, + carried on with great courage and ability by Major Clarke, R.A., C.M.G., + whose force, at the best of times, only consisted of 200 volunteers and + 100 Zulus. With this small body of men he contrived, however, to keep + Secocoeni in check, and to take some important strongholds. It was marked + also by some striking acts of individual bravery, of which one, performed + by Major Clarke himself, whose reputation for cool courage and presence of + mind in danger is unsurpassed in South Africa, is worthy of notice; and + which, had public attention been more concentrated on the Secocoeni war, + would doubtless have won him the Victoria Cross. On one occasion, on + visiting one of the outlying forts, he found that a party of hostile + natives, who were coming down to the fort on the previous day with a flag + of truce, had been accidentally fired upon, and had at once retreated. As + his system in native warfare was always to try and inspire his enemy with + perfect faith in the honour of Englishmen, and their contempt of all + tricks and treachery even towards a foe, he was very angry at this + occurrence, and at once, unarmed and unattended save by his native + servant, rode up into the mountains to the kraal from which the white flag + party had come on the previous day, and apologised to the Chief for what + had happened. When I consider how very anxious Secocoeni’s natives were to + kill or capture Clarke, whom they held in great dread, and how terrible + the end of so great a captain would in all probability have been had he + taken alive by these masters of refined torture, I confess that I think + this act of gentlemanly courage is one of the most astonishing things I + ever heard of. When he rode up those hills he must have known that he was + probably going to meet his death at the hands of justly incensed savages. + When Secocoeni heard of what Major Clarke had done he was so pleased that + he shortly afterwards released a volunteer whom he had taken prisoner, and + who would otherwise, in all probability, have been tortured to death. I + must add that Major Clarke himself never reported to or alluded to this + incident, but an account of it can be found in a despatch written by Sir + O. Lanyon to the Secretary of State, dated 2d February 1880. + </p> + <p> + Concurrently with, though entirely distinct from, the political agitation + that was being carried on among the Boers having for object the + restoration of independence, a private agitation was set on foot by a few + disaffected persons against Sir T. Shepstone, with the view of obtaining + his removal from office in favour of a certain Colonel Weatherley. The + details of this impudent plot are so interesting, and the plot itself so + typical of the state of affairs with which Sir T. Shepstone had to deal, + that I will give a short account of it. + </p> + <p> + After the Annexation had taken place, there were naturally enough a good + many individuals who found themselves disappointed in the results so far + as they personally were concerned; I mean that they did not get so much + out of it as they expected. Among these was a gentleman called Colonel + Weatherley, who had come to the Transvaal as manager of a gold-mining + company, but getting tired of that had taken a prominent part in the + Annexation, and who, being subsequently disappointed about an appointment, + became a bitter enemy of the Administrator. I may say at once that Colonel + Weatherley seems to me to have been throughout the dupe of the other + conspirators. + </p> + <p> + The next personage was a good-looking desperado, who called himself + Captain Gunn of Gunn, and who was locally somewhat irreverently known as + the very Gunn of very Gunn. This gentleman, whose former career had been + of a most remarkable order, was, on the annexation of the country, found + in the public prison charged with having committed various offences, but + on Colonel Weatherley’s interesting himself strongly on his behalf, he was + eventually released without trial. On his release, he requested the + Administrator to publish a Government notice declaring him innocent of the + charges brought against him. This Sir T. Shepstone declined to do, and so, + to use his own words, in a despatch to the High Commissioner on the + subject, Captain Gunn of Gunn at once became “what in this country is + called a patriot.” + </p> + <p> + The third person concerned was a lawyer, who had got into trouble on the + Diamond Fields, and who felt himself injured because the rules of the High + Court did not allow him to practise as an advocate. The quartet was made + up by Mr. Celliers, the editor of the patriotic organ, the “Volkstem,” + who, since he had lost the Government printing contract, found that no + language could be too strong to apply to the <i>personnel</i> of the + Government, more especially its head. Of course, there was a lady in it; + what plot would be complete without? She was Mrs. Weatherley, now, I + believe, Mrs. Gunn of Gunn. These gentlemen began operations by drawing up + a long petition to Sir Bartle Frere as High Commissioner, setting forth a + string of supposed grievances, and winding up with a request that the + Administrator might be “promoted to some other sphere of political + usefulness.” This memorial was forwarded by the “committee,” as they + called themselves, to various parts of the country for signature, but + without the slightest success, the fact of the matter being that it was + not the Annexor but the Annexation that the Boers objected to. + </p> + <p> + At this stage in the proceedings Colonel Weatherley went to try and + forward the good cause with Sir Bartle Frere at the Cape. His letters to + Mrs. Weatherley from thence, afterwards put into Court in the celebrated + divorce case, contained many interesting accounts of his attempts in that + direction. I do not think, however, that he was cognisant of what was + being concocted by his allies in Pretoria, but being a very vain, weak + man, was easily deceived by them. With all his faults he was a gentleman. + As soon as he was gone a second petition was drawn up by the “committee,” + showing “the advisability of immediately suspending our present + Administrator, and temporarily appointing and recommending for Her + Majesty’s royal and favourable consideration an English gentleman of high + integrity and honour, in whom the country at large has respect and + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + The English gentleman of high integrity and honour of course proves to be + Colonel Weatherley, whose appointment is, further on, “respectfully but + earnestly requested,” since he had “thoroughly gained the affections, + confidence, and respect of Boers, English, and other Europeans in this + country.” But whilst it is comparatively easy to write petitions, there is + sometimes a difficulty in getting people to sign them, as proved to be the + case with reference to the documents under consideration. When the + “committee” and the employes in the office of the “Volkstem” had affixed + their valuable signatures it was found to be impossible to induce anybody + else to follow their example. Now, a petition with some half dozen + signatures attached would not, it was obvious, carry much weight with the + Imperial Government, and no more could be obtained. + </p> + <p> + But really great minds rise superior to such difficulties, and so did the + “committee,” or some of them, or one of them. If they could not get + genuine signatures to their petitions, they could at any rate manufacture + them. This great idea once hit out, so vigorously was it prosecuted that + they, or some of them, or one of them, produced in a very little while no + less than 3883 signatures, of which sixteen were proved to be genuine, + five were doubtful, and all the rest fictitious. But the gentleman, + whoever he was, who was the working partner in the scheme—and I may + state, by way of parenthesis, that when Gunn of Gunn was subsequently + arrested, petitions in process of signature were found under the mattress + of his bed—calculated without his host. He either did not know, or + had forgotten, that on receipt of such documents by a superior officer, + they are at once sent to the officer accused to report upon. This course + was followed in the present case, and the petitions were discovered to be + gross impostures. The ingenuity exercised by their author or authors was + really very remarkable, for it must be remembered that not one of the + signatures was forged; they were all invented, and had, of course, to be + written in a great variety of hands. The plan generally pursued was to put + down the names of people living in the country, with slight variations. + Thus “De <i>V</i>illiers” became “De <i>W</i>illiers,” and “Van Z<i>y</i>l” + “Van Z<i>u</i>l.” I remember that my own name appeared on one of the + petitions with some slight alteration. Some of the names were evidently + meant to be facetious. Thus there was a “Jan Verneuker,” which means “John + the Cheat.” + </p> + <p> + Of the persons directly or indirectly concerned in this rascally plot, the + unfortunate Colonel Weatherly subsequently apologised to Sir T. Shepstone + for his share in the agitation, and shortly afterwards died fighting + bravely on Kambula. Captain Gunn of Gunn and Mrs. Weatherley, after having + given rise to the most remarkable divorce case I ever heard,—it took + fourteen days to try—were, on the death of Colonel Weatherley, + united in the bonds of holy matrimony, and are, I believe, still in + Pretoria. The lawyer vanished I know not where, whilst Mr. Celliers still + continues to edit that admirably conducted journal the “Volkstem;” nor, if + I may judge from the report of a speech made by him recently at a Boer + festival, which, by the way, was graced by the presence of our + representative, Mr. Hudson, the British Resident: has his right hand + forgotten its cunning, or rather his tongue lost the use of those peculiar + and recherche epithets that used to adorn the columns of the “Volkstem.” I + see that he, on this occasion, denounced the English element as being + “poisonous and dangerous” to a State, and stated, amidst loud cheers, that + “he despised” it. Mr. Cellier’s lines have fallen in pleasant places; in + any other country he would long ago have fallen a victim to the stern laws + of libel. I recommend him to the notice of enterprising Irish newspapers. + Such is the freshness and vigour of his style that I am confident he would + make the fortune of any Hibernian journal. + </p> + <p> + Some little time after the Gunn of Gunn frauds a very sad incident + happened in connection with the Government of the Transvaal. Shortly after + the Annexation, the Home Government sent out Mr. Sergeaunt, C.M.G., one of + the Crown Agents for the Colonies, to report on the financial condition of + the country. He was accompanied, in an unofficial capacity, amongst other + gentlemen, by Captain Patterson and his son, Mr. J Sergeaunt; and when he + returned to England, these two gentlemen remained behind to go on a + shooting expedition. About this time Sir Bartle Frere was anxious to send + a friendly mission to Lo Bengula, king of the Matabele, a branch of the + Zulu tribe, living up towards the Zambesi. This chief had been making + himself unpleasant by causing traders to be robbed, and it was thought + desirable to establish friendly relations with him, so it was suggested to + Captain Patterson and Mr. Sergeaunt that they should combine business with + pleasure, and go on a mission to Lo Bengula, an offer which they accepted, + and shortly afterwards started for Matabeleland with an interpreter and a + few servants. They reached their destination in safety; and having + concluded their business with the king, started on a visit to the Zambesi + Falls on foot, leaving the interpreter with the wagon. The falls were + about twelve days’ walk from the king’s kraal, and they were accompanied + thither by young Mr. Thomas, the son of the local missionary, two Kafir + servants, and twenty native bearers supplied by Lo Bengula. The next thing + that was heard of them was that they had all died through drinking + poisoned water, full details of the manner of their deaths being sent down + by Lo Bengula. + </p> + <p> + In the first shock and confusion of such news it was not very closely + examined, at any rate by the friends of the dead men, but, on reflection, + there were several things about it that appeared strange. For instance, it + was well known that Captain Patterson had a habit, for which indeed, we + had often laughed at him, of, however thirsty he might be, always having + his water boiled when he was travelling, in order to destroy impurities: + and it seemed odd, that he should on this one occasion, have neglected the + precaution. Also, it was curious that the majority of Lo Bengula’s bearers + appeared to have escaped, whereas all the others were, without exception, + killed; nor even in that district is it usual to find water so bad that it + will kill with the rapidity it had been supposed to do in this case, + unless indeed it had been designedly poisoned. These doubts of the + poisoning-by-water-story resolved themselves into certainty when the + waggon returned in charge of the interpreter, when, by putting two and two + together, we were able to piece out the real history of the diabolical + murder of our poor friends with considerable accuracy, a story which shows + what bloodthirsty wickedness a savage is capable of when he fancies his + interests are threatened. + </p> + <p> + It appeared that, when Captain Patterson first interviewed Lo Bengula, he + was not at all well received by him. I must, by way of explanation, state + that there exists a Pretender to his throne, Kruman by name, who, as far + as I can make out, is the real heir to the kingdom. This man had, for some + cause or other, fled the country, and for a time acted as gardener to Sir + T. Shepstone in Natal. At the date of Messrs. Patterson and Sergeaunt’s + mission to Matabeleland he was living, I believe, in the Transvaal. + Captain Patterson, on finding himself so ill received by the king, and not + being sufficiently acquainted with the character of savage chiefs, most + unfortunately, either by accident or design, dropped some hint in the + course of conversation about this Kruman. From that moment, Lo Bengula’s + conduct towards the mission entirely changed, and, dropping his former + tone, he became profusely civil; and from that moment, too, he doubtless + determined to kill them, probably fearing that they might forward some + scheme to oust him and place Kruman, on whose claim a large portion of his + people looked favourably, on the throne. + </p> + <p> + When their business was done, and Captain Patterson told the king that + they were anxious, before returning, to visit the Zambesi Falls, he + readily fell in with their wish, but, in the first instance, refused + permission to young Thomas, the son of the missionary, to accompany them, + only allowing him to do so on the urgent representation of Captain + Patterson. The reason for this was, no doubt, that he had kindly feelings + towards the lad, and did not wish to include him in the slaughter. + </p> + <p> + Captain Patterson was a man of extremely methodical habits, and, amongst + other things, was in the habit of making notes of all that he did. His + note-book had been taken off his body, and sent down to Pretoria with the + other things. In it we found entries of his preparations for the trip, + including the number and names of the bearers provided by Lo Bengula. We + also found the chronicle of the first three days’ journey, and that of the + morning of the fourth day, but there the record stopped. The last entry + was probably made a few minutes before he was killed; and it is to be + observed that there was no entry of the party having been for several days + without water, as stated by the messengers, and then finding the poisoned + water. + </p> + <p> + This evidence by itself would not have amounted to much, but now comes the + curious part of the story, showing the truth of the old adage, “Murder + will out.” It appears that when the waggon was coming down to Pretoria in + charge of the interpreter, it was outspanned one day outside the borders + of Lo Bengula’s country, when some Kafirs—Bechuanas, I think—came + up, asked for some tobacco, and fell into conversation with the driver, + remarking that he had come up with a full waggon, and now he went down + with an empty one. The driver replied by lamenting the death by poisoned + water of his masters, whereupon one of the Kafirs told him the following + story:—He said that a brother of his was out hunting, a little while + back, in the desert for ostriches, with a party of other Kafirs, when + hearing shots fired some way off, they made for the spot, thinking that + white men were out shooting, and that they would be able to beg meat. On + reaching the spot, which was by a pool of water, they saw the bodies of + three white men lying on the ground, and also those of a Hottentot and a + Kafir, surrounded by an armed party of Kafirs. They at once asked the + Kafirs what they had been doing killing the white men, and were told to be + still, for it was by “order of the king.” They then learned the whole + story. It appeared that the white men had made a mid-day halt by the + water, when one of the bearers, who had gone to the edge of the pool, + suddenly shouted to them to come and look at a great snake in the water. + Captain Patterson ran up, and, as he leaned over the edge, was instantly + killed by a blow with an axe; the others were then shot and assegaied. The + Kafir further described the clothes that his brother had seen on the + bodies, and also some articles that had been given to his party by the + murderers, that left little doubt as to the veracity of his story. And so + ended the mission to Matabeleland. + </p> + <p> + No public notice was taken of the matter, for the obvious reason that it + was impossible to get at Lo Bengula to punish him; nor would it have been + easy to come by legal evidence to disprove the ingenious story of the + poisoned water, since anybody trying to reach the spot of the massacre + would probably fall a victim to some similar accident before he got back + again. It is devoutly to be hoped that the punishment he deserves will + sooner or later overtake the author of this devilish and wholesale murder. + </p> + <p> + The beginning of 1879 was signalised by the commencement of operations in + Zululand and by the news of the terrible disaster at Isandhlwana, which + fell on Pretoria like a thunderclap. It was not, however, any surprise to + those who were acquainted with Zulu tactics and with the plan of attack + adopted by the English commanders. In fact, I know that one solemn warning + of what would certainly happen to him, if he persisted in his plan of + advance, was addressed to Lord Chelmsford, through the officer in command + at Pretoria, by a gentlemen whose position and long experience of the + Zulus and their mode of attack should have carried some weight. If it ever + reached him, he took, to the best of my recollection, no notice of it + whatever. + </p> + <p> + But though some such disaster was daily expected by a few, the majority of + both soldiers and civilians never dreamed of anything of the sort, the + general idea being that the conquest of Cetywayo was a very easy + undertaking: and the shock produced by the news of Isandhlwana was + proportionally great, especially as it reached Pretoria in a much + exaggerated form. I shall never forget the appearance of the town that + morning; business was entirely suspended, and the streets were filled with + knots of men talking, with scared faces, as well they might: for there was + scarcely anybody but had lost a friend, and many thought that their sons + or brothers were among the dead on that bloody field. Among others, Sir T. + Shepstone lost one son, and thought for some time that he had lost three. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this event Sir T. Shepstone went to England to confer with + the Secretary of State on various matters connected with the Transvaal, + carrying with him the affection and respect of all who knew him, not + excepting the majority of the malcontent Boers. He was succeeded by + Colonel, now Sir Owen Lanyon, who was appointed to administer the + Government during the absence of Sir T. Shepstone. + </p> + <p> + By the Boers, however, the news of our disaster was received with great + and unconcealed rejoicing, or at least by the irreconcilable portion of + that people. England’s necessity was their opportunity, and one of which + they certainly meant to avail themselves. Accordingly, notices were sent + out summoning the burghers of the Transvaal to attend a mass meeting on + the 18th March, at a place about thirty miles from Pretoria. Emissaries + were also sent to native chiefs, to excite them to follow Cetywayo’s + example, and massacre all the English within reach, of whom a man called + Solomon Prinsloo was one of the most active. The natives, however, + notwithstanding the threats used towards them, one and all declined the + invitation. + </p> + <p> + It must not be supposed that all the Boers who attended these meetings did + so of their own free will; on the contrary, a very large number came under + compulsion, since they found that the English authorities were powerless + to give them protection. The recalcitrants were threatened with all sorts + of pains and penalties if they did not attend, a favourite menace being + that they should be made “biltong” of when the country was given back + (i.e., be cut into strips and hung in the sun to dry). Few, luckily for + themselves, were brave enough to tempt fortune by refusing to come, but + those who did, have had to leave the country since the war. Whatever were + the means employed, the result was an armed meeting of about 3000 Boers, + who evidently meant mischief. + </p> + <p> + Just about this time a corps had been raised in Pretoria, composed, for + the most part, of gentlemen, and known as the Pretoria Horse; for the + purpose of proceeding to the Zulu border, where cavalry, especially + cavalry acquainted with the country, was earnestly needed. In the + emergency of the times officials were allowed to join this corps, a + permission of which I availed myself, and was elected one of the + lieutenants.[*] The corps was not, after all, allowed to go to Zululand on + account of the threatening aspect adopted by the Boers, against whom it + was retained for service. In my capacity as an officer of the corps I was + sent out with a small body of picked men, all good riders and light + weights, to keep up a constant communication between the Boer camp and the + Administrator, and found the work both interesting and exciting. My + head-quarters were at an inn about twenty-five miles from Pretoria, to + which our agents in the meeting used to come every evening and report how + matters were proceeding, whereupon, if the road was clear, I despatched a + letter to head-quarters; or, if I feared that the messengers would be + caught <i>en route</i> by Boer patrols and searched, I substituted + different coloured ribbons according to what I wished to convey. There was + a relief hidden in the trees or rocks every six miles, all day and most of + the night, whose business it was to take the despatch or ribbon and gallop + on with it to the next station, in which way we used to get the despatches + into town in about an hour and a quarter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] It is customary in South African volunteer forces to + allow the members to elect their own officers, provided the + men elected are such as the Government approves. This is + done, so that the corps may not afterwards be able to + declare that they have no confidence in their officers in + action, or to grumble at their treatment by them. +</pre> + <p> + On one or two occasions the Boers came to the inn and threatened to shoot + us, but as our orders were to do nothing unless our lives were actually in + danger, we took no notice. The officer who came out to relieve me had not, + however, been there more than a day or two before he and all his troopers, + were hunted back into Pretoria by a large mob of armed Boers whom they + only escaped by very hard riding. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Boers were by degrees drawing nearer and nearer to the town, + till at last they pitched their laagers within six miles, and practically + besieged it. All business was stopped, the houses were loopholed and + fortified, and advantageous positions were occupied by the military and + the various volunteer corps. The building, normally in the occupation of + the Government mules, fell to the lot of the Pretoria Horse, and, though + it was undoubtedly a post of honour, I honestly declare that I have no + wish to sleep for another month in a mule stable that has not been cleaned + out for several years. However, by sinking a well, and erecting bastions + and a staging for sharp-shooters, we converted it into an excellent + fortress, though it would not have been of much use against artillery. Our + patrols used to be out all night, since we chiefly feared a night attack, + and generally every preparation was made to resist the onset that was + hourly expected, and I believe that it was that state of preparedness that + alone prevented it. + </p> + <p> + Whilst this meeting was going on, and when matters had come to a point + that seemed to render war inevitable, Sir B. Frere arrived at Pretoria and + had several interviews with the Boer leaders, at which they persisted in + demanding their independence, and nothing short of it. After a great deal + of talk the meeting finally broke up without any actual appeal to arms, + though it had, during its continuance, assumed many of the rights of + government, such as stopping post-carts and individuals, and sending armed + patrols about the country. The principal reason of its break-up was that + the Zulu war was now drawing to a close, and the leaders saw that there + would soon be plenty of troops available to suppress any attempt at + revolt, but they also saw to what lengths they could go with impunity. + They had for a period of nearly two months been allowed to throw the whole + country into confusion, to openly violate the laws, and to intimidate and + threaten Her Majesty’s loyal subjects with war and death. The lesson was + not lost on them; but they postponed action till a more favourable + opportunity offered. + </p> + <p> + Sir Bartle Frere before his departure took an opportunity at a public + dinner given him at Potchefstroom of assuring the loyal inhabitants of the + country that the Transvaal would never be given back. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile a new Pharaoh had arisen in Egypt, in the shape of Sir G. + Wolseley, and on the 29th June 1879 we find him communicating the fact to + Sir O. Lanyon in very plain language, telling him that he disapproved of + his course of action with regard to Secocoeni, and that “in future you + will please take orders only from me.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Sir Garnet had completed his arrangements for the pacification + of Zululand, he proceeded to Pretoria, and having caused himself to be + sworn in as Governor, set vigorously to work. I must say that in his + dealings with the Transvaal he showed great judgment and a keen + appreciation of what the country needed, namely, strong government; the + fact of the matter being, I suppose, that being very popular with the Home + authorities he felt that he could more or less command their support in + what he did, a satisfaction not given to most governors, who never know + but that they may be thrown overboard in emergency, in lighten the ship. + </p> + <p> + One of his first acts was to issue a proclamation, stating that “Whereas + it appears that, notwithstanding repeated assurances of the contrary given + by Her Majesty’s representatives in this territory, uncertainty or + misapprehension exists amongst some of Her Majesty’s subjects as to the + intention of Her Majesty’s Government regarding the maintenance of British + rule and sovereignty over the territory of the Transvaal: and whereas it + is expedient that all grounds for such uncertainty or misapprehension + should be removed once and for all beyond doubt or question: now therefore + I do hereby proclaim and make known, in the name and on behalf of Her + Majesty the Queen, that it is the will and determination of Her Majesty’s + Government that this Transvaal territory shall be, <i>and shall continue + to be for ever</i>, an integral portion of Her Majesty’s dominions in + South Africa.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! Sir G. Wolseley’s estimate of the value of a solemn pledge thus made + in the name of Her Majesty, whose word has hitherto been held to be + sacred, differed greatly to that of Mr. Gladstone and his Government. + </p> + <p> + Sir Garnet Wolseley’s operations against Secocoeni proved eminently + successful, and were the best arranged bit of native warfare that I have + yet heard of in South Africa. One blow was struck, and only one, but that + was crushing. Of course the secret of his success lay in the fact that he + had an abundance of force; but it was not ensured by that alone, good + management being very requisite in an affair of the sort, especially where + native allies have to be dealt with. The cost of the expedition, not + counting other Secocoeni war expenditure, amounted to over 300,000 pounds, + all of which is now lost to this country. + </p> + <p> + Another step in the right direction undertaken by Sir Garnet was the + establishment of an Executive Council and also of a Legislative Council, + for the establishment of which Letters Patent were sent from Downing + Street in November 1880. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Boers, paying no attention to the latter proclamation, for + they guessed that it, like other proclamations in the Transvaal, would be + a mere <i>brutum fulmen</i>, had assembled for another mass meeting, at + which they went forward a step, and declared a Government which was to + treat with the English authorities. They had now learnt that they could do + what they liked with perfect impunity, provided they did not take the + extreme course of massacring the English. They had yet to learn that they + might even do that. At the termination of this meeting, a vote of thanks + was passed to “Mr. Leonard Courtney of London, and other members of the + British Parliament.” It was wise of the Boer leaders to cultivate Mr. + Courtney of London. As a result of this meeting, Pretorius, one of the + principal leaders, and Bok, the secretary, were arrested on a charge of + treason, and underwent a preliminary examination; but as the Secretary of + State, Sir M. Hicks Beach, looked rather timidly on the proceeding, and + the local authorities were doubtful of securing a verdict, the prosecution + was abandoned, and necessarily did more harm than good, being looked upon + as another proof of the impotence of the Government. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards, Sir G. Wolseley changed his tactics, and, instead of + attempting to imprison Pretorius, offered him a seat on the Executive + Council, with a salary attached. This was a much more sensible way of + dealing with him, and he at once rose to the bait, stating his willingness + to join the Government after a while, but that he could not publicly do so + at the moment lest he should lose his influence with those who were to be + brought round through him. It does not, however, appear that Mr. Pretorius + ever did actually join the Executive, probably because he found public + opinion too strong to allow him to do so. + </p> + <p> + In December 1879, a new light broke upon the Boers, for, in the previous + month Mr. Gladstone had been delivering his noted attack on the policy of + the Conservative Government. Those Mid-Lothian speeches did harm, it is + said, in many parts of the world; but I venture to think that they have + proved more mischievous in South Africa than anywhere else; at any rate, + they have borne fruit sooner. It is not to be supposed that Mr. Gladstone + really cared anything about the Transvaal or its independence when he was + denouncing the hideous outrage that had been perpetrated by the + Conservative Government in annexing it. On the contrary, as he acquiesced + in the Annexation at the time (when Lord Kimberley stated that it was + evidently unavoidable), and declined to rescind it when he came into + power, it is to be supposed that he really approved of it, or at the least + looked on it as a necessary evil. However this may be, any stick will do + to beat a dog with, and the Transvaal was a convenient point on which to + attack the Government. He probably neither knew nor cared what effect his + reckless words might have on ignorant Boers thousands of miles away; and + yet, humanly speaking, many a man would have been alive and strong to-day, + whose bones now whiten the African Veldt, had those words never been + spoken. Then, for the first time, the Boers learnt that, if they played + their cards properly and put on sufficient pressure, they would, in the + event of the Liberal party coming to office, have little difficulty in + coercing it as they wished. + </p> + <p> + There was a fair chance at the time of the utterance of the Mid-Lothian + speeches that the agitation would, by degrees, die away; Sir G. Wolseley + had succeeded in winning over Pretorius, and the Boers in general were + sick of mass meetings. Indeed, a memorial was addressed to Sir G. Wolseley + by a number of Boers in the Potchefstroom district, protesting against the + maintenance of the movement against Her Majesty’s rule, which, considering + the great amount of intimidation exercised by the malcontents, may be + looked upon as a favourable sign. + </p> + <p> + But when it slowly came to be understood among the Boers that a great + English Minister had openly espoused their cause, and that he would + perhaps soon be all-powerful, the moral gain to them was incalculable. + They could now go to the doubting ones and say,—we must be right + about the matter, because, putting our own feelings out of the question, + the great Gladstone says we are. We find the committee of the Boer + malcontents, at their meeting in March 1880, reading a letter to Mr. + Gladstone, “in which he was thanked for the great sympathy shown to their + fate,” and a hope expressed that, if he succeeded in getting power, he + would not forget them. In fact, a charming unanimity prevailed between our + great Minister and the Boer rebels, for their interests were the same, the + overthrow of the Conservative Government. If, however, every leader of the + Opposition were to intrigue, or countenance intrigues with those who are + seeking to undermine the authority of Her Majesty, whether they be Boers + or Irishmen, in order to help himself to power, the country might suffer + in the long run. + </p> + <p> + But whatever feelings may have prompted Her Majesty’s opposition, the Home + Government, and their agent, Sir Garnet Wolseley, blew no uncertain blast, + if we may judge from their words and actions. Thus we find Sir Garnet + speaking as follows at a banquet given in his honour at Pretoria:— + </p> + <p> + “I am told that these men (the Boers) are told to keep on agitating in + this way, for a change of Government in England may give them again the + old order of things. Nothing can show greater ignorance of English + politics than such an idea; I tell you that there is no Government, Whig + or Tory, Liberal, Conservative, or Radical, <i>who would dare under any + circumstances to give back this country</i>. They would not dare, because + the English people would not allow them. To give back the country, what + would it mean? To give it back to external danger, to the danger of attack + by hostile tribes on its frontier, and who, if the English Government were + removed for one day, would make themselves felt the next. Not an official + of Government paid for months; it would mean national bankruptcy. No taxes + being paid, the same thing recurring again which had existed before would + mean danger without, anarchy and civil war within, every possible misery; + the strangulation of trade, and the destruction of property.” + </p> + <p> + It is very amusing to read this passage by the light of after events. On + other occasions Sir Garnet Wolseley will probably not be quite so + confident as to the future when it is to be controlled by a Radical + Government. + </p> + <p> + This explicit and straightforward statement of Sir Garnet’s produced a + great effect on the loyal inhabitants of the Transvaal, which was + heightened by the publication of the following telegram from the Secretary + of State:—“You may fully confirm explicit statements made from the + time to time as to inability of Her Majesty’s Government to entertain <i>any + proposal</i> for withdrawal of the Queen’s sovereignty.” + </p> + <p> + On the faith of these declarations many Englishmen migrated to the + Transvaal and settled there, whilst those who were in the country now + invested all their means, being confident that they would not lose their + property through its being returned to the Boers. The excitement produced + by Mr. Gladstone’s speeches began to quiet down and be forgotten for the + time, arrear taxes were paid up by the malcontents, and generally the + aspect of affairs was such, in Sir Garnet Wolseley’s opinion, as justified + him in writing, in April 1880, to the Secretary of State expressing his + belief that the agitation was dying out.[*] Indeed, so sanguine was he on + that point that he is reported to have advised the withdrawal of the + cavalry regiment stationed in the territory, a piece of economy that was + one of the immediate causes of the revolt. + </p> + <p> + The reader will remember the financial condition of the country at the + time of the Annexation, which was one of utter bankruptcy. After three + years of British rule, however, we find, notwithstanding the constant + agitation that had been kept up, that the total revenue receipts for the + first quarter of 1879 and 1880 amounted to 22,773 pounds, and 44,982 + pounds respectively. That is to say, that, during the last year of British + rule, the revenue of the country more than doubled itself, and amounted to + about 160,000 pounds a-year, taking the quarterly returns at the low + average of 40,000 pounds. It must, however, be remembered that this sum + would have been very largely increased in subsequent years, most probably + doubled. At any rate the revenue would have been amply sufficient to make + the province one of the most prosperous in South Africa, and to have + enabled it to shortly repay all debts due to the British Government, and + further to provide for its own defence. Trade also, which in April 1877, + was completely paralysed, had increased enormously. So early as the middle + of 1879, the Committee of the Transvaal Chamber of Commerce pointed out, + in a resolution adopted by them, that the trade of the country had in two + years, risen from almost nothing to the considerable sum of two millions + sterling per annum, and that it was entirely in the hands of those + favourable to British rule. They also pointed out that more than half the + land tax was paid by Englishmen, or other Europeans adverse to Boer + Government. Land, too, had risen greatly in value, of which I can give the + following instance. About a year after the Annexation I, together with a + friend, bought a little property on the outskirts of Pretoria, which, with + a cottage we put up on it, cost some 300 pounds. Just before the rebellion + we fortunately determined to sell it, and had no difficulty in getting 650 + pounds for it. I do not believe that it would now fetch a fifty pound + note. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] In Blue Book No. (C. 2866) of September 1881, which is + descriptive of various events connected with the Boer + rising, is published, as an appendix, a despatch from Sir + Garnet Wolseley, dated October 1879. This despatch declares + the writer’s opinion that the Boer discontent is on the + increase. Its publication thus—<i>apropos des bottes</i>—nearly + two years after it was written, is rather an amusing + incident. It certainly gives one the idea that Sir Garnet + Wolseley, fearing that his reputation for infallibility + might be attacked by scoffers for not having foreseen the + Boer rebellion, and perhaps uneasily conscious of other + despatches very different in tenor and subsequent in date: + and, mindful of the withdrawal of the cavalry regiment by + his advice, had caused it to be tacked on to the Blue Book + as a documentary “I told you so,” and a proof that, whoever + else was blinded, he foresaw. It contains, however, the + following remarkable passage:—“Even were it not impossible, + for many other reasons, to contemplate a withdrawal of our + authority from the Transvaal, the position of insecurity in + which we should leave this loyal and important section of + the community (the English inhabitants), by exposing them to + the certain retaliation of the Boers, would constitute, in + my opinion, an insuperable obstacle to retrocession. + Subjected to the same danger, moreover, would be those of + the Boers, whose superior intelligence and courageous + character has rendered them loyal to our Government.” + + As the Government took the trouble to publish the despatch, + it is a pity that they did not think fit to pay more + attention to its contents. +</pre> + <p> + I cannot conclude this chapter better than by drawing attention to a + charming specimen of the correspondence between the Boer leaders and their + friend Mr. Courtney. The letter in question, which is dated 26th June, + purports to be written by Messrs. Kruger and Joubert, but it is obvious + that it owes its origin to some member or members of the Dutch party at + the Cape, from whence, indeed, it is written. This is rendered evident + both by its general style, and also by the use of such terms as “Satrap,” + and by references to Napoleon III. and Cayenne, about whom Messrs. Kruger + and Joubert know no more than they do of Peru and the Incas. + </p> + <p> + After alluding to former letters, the writers blow a blast of triumph over + the downfall of the Conservative Government, and then make a savage attack + on the reputation of Sir Bartle Frere. The “stubborn Satrap” is throughout + described as a liar, and every bad motive imputed to him. Really, the fact + that Mr. Courtney should encourage such epistles as this is enough to give + colour to the boast made by some of the leading Boers, after the war, that + they had been encouraged to rebel by a member of the British Government. + </p> + <p> + At the end of this letter, and on the same page of the Blue Book, is + printed the telegram recalling Sir Bartle Frere, dated 1st August 1880. It + really reads as though the second document was consequent to the first. + One thing is very clear, the feelings of Her Majesty’s new Government + towards Sir Bartle Frere differed only in the method of their expression, + from those set forth by the Boer leaders in their letter to Mr. Courtney, + whilst their object, namely, to be rid of him, was undoubtedly identical + with that of the Dutch party in South Africa. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + THE BOER REBELLION + </h3> + <p> + <i>Accession of Mr. Gladstone to power—His letters to the Boer + leaders and the loyals—His refusal to rescind the annexation—The + Boers encouraged by prominent members of the Radical party—The + Bezuidenhout incident—Despatch of troops to Potchefstroom—Mass + meeting of the 8th December 1880—Appointment of the Triumvirate and + declaration of the republic—Despatch of Boer proclamation to Sir O. + Lanyon—His reply—Outbreak of hostilities at Potchefstroom—Defence + of the court-house by Major Clarke—The massacre of the detachment of + the 94th under Colonel Anstruther—Dr. Ward—The Boer rejoicings—The + Transvaal placed under martial law—Abandonment of their homes by the + people of Pretoria—Sir Owen Lanyon’s admirable defence organisation—Second + proclamation issued by the Boers—Its complete falsehood—Life + at Pretoria during the siege—Murders of natives by the Boers—Loyal + conduct of the native chiefs—Difficulty of preventing them from + attacking the Boers—Occupation of Lang’s Nek by the Boers—Sir + George Colley’s departure to Newcastle—The condition of that town—The + attack on Lang’s Nek—Its desperate nature—Effect of victory on + the Boers—The battle at the Ingogo—Our defeat—Sufferings + of the wounded—Major Essex—Advance of the Boers into Natal—Constant + alarms—Expected attack on Newcastle—Its unorganised and + indefensible condition—Arrival of the reinforcements and retreat of + the Boers to the Nek—Despatch of General Wood to bring up more + reinforcements—Majuba Hill—Our disaster, and death of Sir + George Colley—Cause of our defeat—A Boer version of the + disaster—Sir George Colley’s tactics.</i> + </p> + <p> + When the Liberal ministry became an accomplished fact instead of a happy + possibility, Mr. Gladstone did not find it convenient to adopt the line of + policy with reference to the Transvaal, that might have been expected from + his utterances whilst leader of the Opposition. On the contrary, he + declared in Parliament that the Annexation could not be cancelled, and on + the 8th June 1880 we find him, in answer to a Boer petition, written with + the object of inducing him to act up to the spirit of his words and + rescind the Annexation, writing thus:—“Looking to all circumstances, + both of the Transvaal and the rest of South Africa, and to the necessity + of preventing a renewal of disorders which might lead to disastrous + consequences, not only to the Transvaal, but to the whole of South Africa, + our judgment is, that the <i>Queen cannot be advised to relinquish her + sovereignty over the Transvaal;</i> but, consistently with the maintenance + of that sovereignty, we desire that the white inhabitants of the Transvaal + should, without prejudice to the rest of the population, enjoy the fullest + liberty to manage their local affairs. We believe that this liberty may be + most easily and promptly conceded to the Transvaal as a member of a South + African confederation.” + </p> + <p> + Unless words have lost their signification, this passage certainly means + that the Transvaal must remain a British colony, but that England will be + prepared to grant it responsible government, more especially if it will + consent to a confederation scheme. Mr. Gladstone, however, in a + communication dated 1st June 1881, and addressed to the unfortunate + Transvaal loyals, for whom he expresses “respect and sympathy,” interprets + his meaning thus: “It is stated, as I observe, that a promise was given to + me that the Transvaal should never be given back. There is no mention of + the terms or date of this promise. If the reference be to my letter, of + 8th June 1880, to Messrs. Kruger and Joubert, I do not think the language + of that letter justifies the description given. Nor am I sure in what + manner or to what degree the fullest liberty to manage their local + affairs, which I then said Her Majesty’s Government desired to confer on + the white population of the Transvaal, differs from the settlement now + about being made in its bearing on the interests of those whom your + Committee represents.” + </p> + <p> + Such twisting of the meaning of words would, in a private person, be + called dishonest. It will also occur to most people that Mr. Gladstone + might have spared the deeply wronged and loyal subjects of Her Majesty + whom he was addressing, the taunt he levels at them in the second + paragraph I have quoted. If asked, he would no doubt say that he had not + the slightest intention of laughing at them; but when he deliberately + tells them that it makes no difference to their interests whether they + remain Her Majesty’s subjects under a responsible Government, or become + the servants of men who were but lately in arms against them and Her + Majesty’s authority, he is either mocking them, or offering an insult to + their understandings. + </p> + <p> + By way of comment on his remarks, I may add that he had, in a letter + replying to a petition from these same loyal inhabitants, addressed to him + in May 1880, informed them that he had already told the Boer + representatives that the Annexation could not be rescinded. Although Mr. + Gladstone is undoubtedly the greatest living master of the art of getting + two distinct and opposite sets of meanings out of one set of words, it + would try even his ingenuity to make out, to the satisfaction of an + impartial mind, that he never gave any pledge about the retention of the + Transvaal. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, it is from other considerations clear that he had no intention of + giving up the country to the Boers, whose cause he appears to have taken + up solely for electioneering purposes. Had he meant to do so, he would + have carried out his intention on succeeding to office, and, indeed, as + things have turned out, it is deeply to be regretted that he did not; for, + bad as such a step would have been, it would at any rate have had a better + appearance than our ultimate surrender after three defeats. It would also + have then been possible to secure the repayment of some of the money owing + to this country, and to provide for the proper treatment of the natives, + and the compensation of the loyal inhabitants who could no longer live + there: since it must naturally have been easier to make terms with the + Boers before they had defeated our troops. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, we should have missed the grandest and most + soul-stirring display of radical theories, practically applied, that has + as yet lightened the darkness of this country. But although Mr. Gladstone + gave his official decision against returning the country, there seems to + be little doubt that communications on the subject were kept up with the + Boer leaders through some prominent members of the Radical party, whom, it + was said, went so far as to urge the Boers to take up arms against us. + When Mr. White came to this country on behalf of the loyalists, after the + surrender, he stated that this was so at a public meeting, and said + further that he had in his possession proofs of his statements. He even + went so far as to name the gentleman he accused, and to challenge him to + deny it. I have not been able to gather that Mr. White’s statements were + contradicted. + </p> + <p> + However this may be, after a pause, agitation in the Transvaal suddenly + recommenced with redoubled vigour. It began through a man named + Bezuidenhout, who refused to pay his taxes. Thereupon a waggon was seized + in execution under the authority of the court and put up to auction, but + its sale was prevented by a crowd of rebel Boers, who kicked the + auctioneer off the waggon and dragged the vehicle away. This was on the + 11th November 1880. When this intelligence reached Pretoria, Sir Owen + Lanyon sent down a few companies of the 21st Regiment, under the command + of Major Thornhill, to support the Landdrost in arresting the rioters, and + appointed Captain Raaf, C.M.G., to act as special messenger to the + Landdrost’s Court at Potchefstroom, with authority to enrol special + constables to assist him to carry out the arrests. On arrival at + Potchefstroom Captain Raaf found that, without an armed force, it was + quite impossible to effect any arrest. On the 26th November Sir Owen + Lanyon, realising the gravity of the situation, telegraphed to Sir George + Colley, asking that the 58th Regiment should be sent back to the + Transvaal. Sir George replied that he could ill spare it on account of + “daily expected outbreak of Pondos and possible appeal for help from Cape + Colony,” and that the Government must be supported by the loyal + inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen that the Boers had, with some astuteness, chosen a very + favourable time to commence operations. The hands of the Cape Government + were full with the Basutu war, so no help could be expected from it. Sir + G. Wolseley had sent away the only cavalry regiment that remained in the + country, and lastly, Sir Owen Lanyon had quite recently allowed a body of + 300 trained volunteers, mostly, if not altogether, drawn from among the + loyalists, to be raised for service in the Basutu war, a serious drain + upon the resources of a country so sparsely populated as the Transvaal. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile a mass meeting had been convened by the Boers for the 8th + January to consider Mr. Gladstone’s letter, but the Bezuidenhout incident + had the effect of putting forward the date of assembly by a month, and it + was announced that it would be held on the 8th December. Subsequently the + date was shifted to the 15th, and then back again to the 8th. Every effort + was made, by threats of future vengeance, to secure the presence of as + many burghers as possible; attempts were also made to persuade the native + chiefs to send representatives, and to promise to join in an attack on the + English. These entirely failed. The meeting was held at a place called + Paarde Kraal, and resulted in the sudden declaration of the Republic and + the appointment of the famous triumvirate Kruger, Joubert, and Pretorius. + It then moved into Heidelberg, a little town about sixty miles from + Pretoria, and on the 16th December the Republic was formally proclaimed in + a long proclamation, containing a summary of the events of the few + preceding years, and declaring the arrangements the malcontents were + willing to make with the English authorities. The terms offered in this + document are almost identical with those finally accepted by Her Majesty’s + Government, with the exception that in the proclamation of the 16th + December the Boer leaders declare their willingness to enter into + confederation, and to guide their native policy by general rules adopted + in concurrence “with the Colonies and States of South Africa.” This was a + more liberal offer than that which we ultimately agreed to, but then the + circumstances had changed. + </p> + <p> + This proclamation was forwarded to Sir Owen Lanyon with a covering letter, + in which the following words occur:—“We declare in the most solemn + manner that we have no desire to spill blood, and that from our side we do + not wish war. It lies in your hands to force us to appeal to arms in + self-defence. . . . . We expect your answer within twice twenty-four + hours.” + </p> + <p> + I beg to direct particular attention to these paragraphs, as they have a + considerable interest in view of what followed. + </p> + <p> + The letter and proclamation reached Government House, Pretoria, at 10.30 + on the evening of Friday the 17th December. Sir Owen Lanyon’s + proclamation, written in reply, was handed to the messenger at noon on + Sunday, 19th December, or within about thirty-six hours of his arrival, + and could hardly have reached the rebel camp, sixty miles off, before dawn + the next day, the 20th December, on which day, at about one o’clock, a + detachment of the 94th was ambushed and destroyed on the road between + Middelburg and Pretoria, about eighty miles off, by a force despatched + from Heidelburg for that purpose some days before. On the 16th December, + or the <i>same day</i> on which the Triumvirate had despatched the + proclamation to Pretoria containing their terms, and expressing in the + most solemn manner that they had no desire to shed blood, a large Boer + force was attacking Potchefstroom. + </p> + <p> + So much then for the sincerity of the professions of their desire to avoid + bloodshed. + </p> + <p> + The proclamation sent by Sir O. Lanyon in reply recited in its preamble + the various acts of which the rebels had been guilty, including that of + having “wickedly sought to incite the said loyal native inhabitants + throughout the province to take up arms against Her Majesty’s Government,” + announced that matters had now been put into the hands of the officer + commanding Her Majesty’s troops, and promised pardon to all who would + disperse to their homes. + </p> + <p> + It was at Potchefstroom, which town had all along been the nursery of the + rebellion, that actual hostilities first broke out. Potchefstroom as a + town is much more Boer in its sympathies than Pretoria, which is, or + rather was, almost purely English. Sir Owen Lanyon had, as stated before, + sent a small body of soldiers thither to support the civil authorities, + and had also appointed Major Clarke, C.M.G., an officer of noted coolness + and ability, to act as Special Commissioner for the district. + </p> + <p> + Major Clarke’s first step was to try, in conjunction with Captain Raaf, to + raise a corps of volunteers, in which he totally failed. Those of the + townsfolk who were not Boers at heart had too many business relations with + the surrounding farmers, and perhaps too little faith in the stability of + English rule after Mr. Gladstone’s utterances, to allow them to indulge in + patriotism. At the time of the outbreak, between seventy and eighty + thousand sterling was owing to firms in Potchefstroom by neighbouring + Boers, a sum amply sufficient to account for their lukewarmness in the + English cause. Subsequent events have shown that the Potchefstroom + shopkeepers were wise in their generation. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th December a large number of Boers came into the town and took + possession of the printing-office in order to print the proclamation + already alluded to. Major Clarke made two attempts to enter the office and + see the leaders, but without success. + </p> + <p> + On the 16th a Boer patrol fired on some of the mounted infantry, and the + fire was returned. These were the first shots fired during the war, and + they were fired by Boers. Orders were thereupon signalled to Clarke by + Lieutenant-Colonel Winsloe, 21st Regiment, now commanding at the fort + which he afterwards defended so gallantly, that he was to commence firing. + Clarke was in the Landdrost’s office on the Market Square with a force of + about twenty soldiers under Captain Falls and twenty civilians under + Captain Raaf, C.M.G., a position but ill-suited for defensive purposes, + from whence fire was accordingly opened, the Boers taking up positions in + the surrounding houses commanding the office. Shortly after the + commencement of the fighting, Captain Falls was shot dead whilst talking + to Major Clarke, the latter having a narrow escape, a bullet grazing his + head just above the ear. The fighting continued during the 17th and till + the morning of the 18th, when the Boers succeeded in firing the roof, + which was of thatch, by throwing fire-balls on to it. Major Clarke then + addressed the men, telling them that, though personally he did not care + about his own life, he did not see that they could serve any useful + purpose by being burned alive, so he should surrender, which he did, with + a loss of about six killed and wounded. The camp meanwhile had repulsed + with loss the attack made on it, and was never again directly attacked. + </p> + <p> + Whilst these events were in progress at Potchefstroom, a much more awful + tragedy was in preparation on the road between Middelburg and Pretoria. + </p> + <p> + On the 23rd November Colonel Bellairs, at the request of Sir Owen Lanyon, + directed a concentration on Pretoria of most of the few soldiers that + there were in the territory, in view of the disturbed condition of the + country. In accordance with these orders, Colonel Anstruther marched from + Lydenburg, a town about 180 miles from Pretoria, on the 5th December, with + the headquarters and two companies of the 94th Regiment, being a total of + 264 men, three women, and two children, and the disproportionately large + train of thirty-four ox-waggons, or an ox-waggon capable of carrying five + thousand pounds’ weight to every eight persons. And here I may remark that + it is this enormous amount of baggage, without which it appears to be + impossible to move the smallest body of men, that renders infantry + regiments almost useless for service in South Africa except for + garrisoning purposes. Both Zulus and Boers can get over the ground at + thrice the pace possible to the unfortunate soldier, and both races + despise them accordingly. The Zulus call our infantry “pack oxen.” In this + particular instance, Colonel Anstruther’s defeat, or rather, annihilation, + is to a very great extent referable to his enormous baggage train; since, + in the first place, had he not lost valuable days in collecting more + waggons, he would have been safe in Pretoria before danger arose. It must + also be acknowledged that his arrangements on the line of march were + somewhat reckless, though it can hardly be said that he was ignorant of + his danger. Thus we find that Colonel Bellairs wrote to Colonel + Anstruther, warning him of the probability of an attack, and impressing on + him the necessity of keeping a good look-out, the letter being received + and acknowledged by the latter on the 17th December. + </p> + <p> + To this warning was added a still more impressive one, that came to my + knowledge privately. A gentleman well known to me received, on the morning + after the troops had passed through the town of Middelburg on their way to + Pretoria, a visit from an old Boer with whom he was on friendly terms, who + had purposely come to tell him that a large patrol was out to ambush the + troops on the Pretoria road. My informant having convinced himself of the + truth of the statement, at once rode after the soldiers, and catching them + up some distance from Middelburg, told Colonel Anstruther what he had + heard, imploring him, he said, with all the energy he could command, to + take better precautions against surprise. The Colonel, however, laughed at + his fears, and told him that if the Boers came “he would frighten them + away with the big drum.” + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock on Sunday, the 20th December, the column was marching along + about a mile and a half from a place known as Bronker’s Spruit, and + thirty-eight miles from Pretoria, when suddenly a large number of mounted + Boers were seen in loose formation on the left side of the road. The band + was playing at the time, and the column was extended over more than half a + mile, the rear-guard being about a hundred yards behind the last waggon. + The band stopped playing on seeing the Boers, and the troops halted, when + a man was seen advancing with a white flag, whom Colonel Anstruther went + out to meet, accompanied by Conductor Egerton, a civilian. They met about + one hundred and fifty yards from the column, and the man gave Colonel + Anstruther a letter, which announced the establishment of the South + African Republic, stated that until they heard Lanyon’s reply to their + proclamation they did not know if they were at war or not; that, + consequently, they could not allow any movements of troops which would be + taken as a declaration of war. This letter was signed by Joubert, one of + the Triumvirate. Colonel Anstruther replied that he was ordered to + Pretoria, and to Pretoria he must go. + </p> + <p> + Whilst this conference was going on, the Boers, of whom there were quite + five hundred, had gradually closed round the column, and took up positions + behind rocks and trees which afforded them excellent cover, whilst the + troops were on a bare plain, and before Colonel Anstruther reached his men + a murderous fire was poured in upon them from all sides. The fire was + hotly returned by the soldiers. Most of the officers were struck down by + the first volley, having, no doubt, been picked out by the marksmen. The + firing lasted about fifteen minutes, and at the end of that time seven out + of the nine officers were down killed and wounded; an eighth (Captain + Elliot), one of two who escaped untouched, being reserved for an even more + awful fate. The majority of the men were also down, and had the hail of + lead continued much longer it is clear that nobody would have been left. + Colonel Anstruther, who was lying badly wounded in five places, seeing + what a hopeless state affairs were in, ordered the bugler to sound the + cease firing, and surrendered. One of the three officers who were not much + hurt was, most providentially, Dr. Ward, who had but a slight wound in the + thigh; all the others, except Captain Elliot and one lieutenant, were + either killed or died from the effects of their wounds. There were + altogether 56 killed and 101 wounded, including a woman, Mrs. Fox. Twenty + more afterwards died of their wounds. The Boer loss appears to have been + very small. + </p> + <p> + After the fight Conductor Egerton, with a sergeant, was allowed to walk + into Pretoria to obtain medical assistance, the Boers refusing to give him + a horse, or even to allow him to use his own. The Boer leader also left + Dr. Ward eighteen men and a few stores for the wounded, with which he made + shift as best he could. Nobody can read this gentleman’s report without + being much impressed with the way in which, though wounded himself, he got + through his terrible task of, without assistance, attending to the wants + of 101 sufferers. Beginning the task at two P.M., it took him till six the + next morning before he had seen the last man. It is to be hoped that his + services have met with some recognition. Dr. Ward remained near the scene + of the massacre with his wounded men till the declaration of peace, when + he brought them down to Maritzburg, having experienced great difficulty in + obtaining food for them during so many weeks. + </p> + <p> + This is a short account of what I must, with reluctance, call a most cruel + and carefully planned massacre. I may mention that a Zulu driver, who was + with the rear-guard, and escaped into Natal, stated that the Boers shot + all the wounded men who formed that body. His statement was to a certain + extent borne out by the evidence of one of the survivors, who stated that + all the bodies found in that part of the field (nearly three-quarters of a + mile away from the head of the column), had a bullet hole through the head + or breast in addition to their other wounds. + </p> + <p> + The Administrator in the Transvaal in council thus comments on the + occurrence in an official minute:—“The surrounding and gradual + hemming in under a flag of truce of a force, and the selection of spots + from which to direct their fire, as in the case of the unprovoked attack + by the rebels upon Colonel Anstruther’s force, is a proceeding of which + very few like incidents can be mentioned in the annals of civilised + warfare.” + </p> + <p> + The Boer leaders, however, were highly elated at their success, and + celebrated it in a proclamation of which the following is an extract:—“Inexpressible + is the gratitude of the burghers for this blessing conferred on them. + Thankful to the brave General F. Joubert and his men who have upheld the + honour of the Republic on the battlefield. Bowed down in the dust before + Almighty God, who had thus stood by them, and, with a loss of over a + hundred of the enemy, only allowed two of ours to be killed.” + </p> + <p> + In view of the circumstances of the treacherous hemming in and destruction + of this small body of unprepared men, most people would think this + language rather high-flown, not to say blasphemous. + </p> + <p> + On the news of this disaster reaching Pretoria, Sir Owen Lanyon issued a + proclamation placing the country under martial law. As the town was large, + straggling, and incapable of defence, all the inhabitants, amounting to + over four thousand souls, were ordered up to camp, where the best + arrangements possible were made for their convenience. In these quarters + they remained for three months, driven from their comfortable homes, and + cheerfully enduring all the hardships, want, and discomforts consequence + on their position, whilst they waited in patience for the appearance of + that relieving column that never came. People in England hardly understand + what these men and women went through because they chose to remain loyal. + Let them suppose that all the inhabitants of an ordinary English town, + with the exception of the class known as poor people, which can hardly be + said to exist in a colony, were at an hour’s notice ordered—all, the + aged, and the sick, delicate women, and tiny children—to leave their + homes to the mercy of the enemy, and crowd up in a little space under + shelter of a fort, with nothing but canvas tents or sheds to cover them + from the fierce summer suns and rains, and the coarsest rations to feed + them; whilst the husbands and brothers were daily engaged with a cunning + and dangerous enemy, and sometimes brought home wounded or dead. They + will, then, have some idea of what was gone through by the loyal people of + Pretoria, in their weak confidence in the good faith of the English + Government. + </p> + <p> + The arrangements made for the defence of the town were so ably and + energetically carried out by Sir Owen Lanyon, assisted by the military + officers, that no attack upon it was ever attempted. It seems to me that + the organisation that could provide for the penning up of four thousand + people for months, and carry it out without the occurrence of a single + unpleasantness or expression of discontent, must have had something + remarkable about it. Of course, it would have been impossible without the + most loyal co-operation on the part of those concerned. Indeed, everybody + in the town lent a helping hand; judges served out rations, members of the + Executive inspected nuisances, and so forth. There was only one instance + of “striking;” and then, of all people in the world, it was the five civil + doctors who, thinking it a favourable opportunity to fleece the + Government, combined to demand five guineas a-day each for their services. + I am glad to say that they did not succeed in their attempt at extortion. + </p> + <p> + On the 23d December, the Boer leaders issued a second proclamation in + reply to that of Sir O. Lanyon of the 18th, which is characterised by an + utter absence of regard for the truth, being, in fact, nothing but a + tissue of impudent falsehoods. It accuses Sir O. Lanyon of having + bombarded women and children, of arming natives against the Boers, and of + firing on the Boers without declaring war. Not one of these accusations + has any foundation in fact, as the Boers well knew; but they also knew + that Sir Owen, being shut up in Pretoria, was not in a position to rebut + their charges, which they hoped might, to some extent, be believed, and + create sympathy for them in other parts of the world. This was the reason + for the issue of the proclamation, which well portrays the character of + its framers. + </p> + <p> + Life at Pretoria was varied by occasional sorties against the Boer + laagers, situated at different points in the neighbourhood, generally + about six or eight miles from the town. These expeditions were carried out + with considerable success, though with some loss, the heaviest incurred + being when the Boers, having treacherously hoisted the white flag, opened + a heavy fire on the Pretoria forces, as soon as they, beguiled into + confidence, emerged from their cover. In the course of the war, one in + every four of the Pretoria mounted volunteers was killed or wounded. + </p> + <p> + But perhaps the most serious of all the difficulties the Government had to + meet, was that of keeping the natives in check. As has before been stated + they were devotedly attached to our rule, and, during the three years of + its continuance, had undergone what was to them a strange experience, they + had neither been murdered, beaten, or enslaved. Naturally they were in no + hurry to return to the old order of things, in which murder, flogging, and + slavery were events of everyday occurrence. Nor did the behaviour of the + Boers on the outbreak of the war tend to reconcile them to any such idea. + Thus we find that the farmers had pressed a number of natives from + Waterberg into one of their laagers (Zwart Koppies); two of them tried to + run away, a Boer saw them and shot them both. Again, on the 7th January a + native reported to the authorities at Pretoria that he and some others + were returning from the Diamond Fields driving some sheep. A Boer came and + asked them to sell the sheep. They refused, whereupon he went away, but + returning with some other Dutchmen fired on the Kafirs, killing one. + </p> + <p> + On the 2d January information reached Pretoria that on the 26th December + some Boers fired on some natives who were resting outside Potchefstroom + and killed three; the rest fled, whereupon the Boers took the cattle they + had with them. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th January some men, who had been sent from Pretoria with + despatches for Standerton, were taken prisoners. Whilst prisoners they saw + ten men returning from the Fields stopped by the Boers and ordered to come + to the laager. They refused and ran away, were fired on, five being killed + and one getting his arm broken. + </p> + <p> + These are a few instances of the treatment meted out to the unfortunate + natives, taken at haphazard from the official reports. There are plenty + more of the same nature if anybody cares to read them. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the news of the rising reached them, every chief of any + importance sent in to offer aid to Government, and many of them, + especially Montsoia, our old ally in the Keate Award district, took the + loyals of the neighbourhood under their protection. Several took charge of + Government property and cattle during the disturbances, and one had four + or five thousand pounds in gold, the product of a recently collected tax + given him to take care of by the Commissioner of his district, who was + afraid that the money would be seized by the Boers. In every instance the + property entrusted to their charge was returned intact. The loyalty of all + the native chiefs under very trying circumstances (for the Boers were + constantly attempting to cajole or frighten them into joining them) is a + remarkable proof of the great affection of the Kafirs, more especially + those of the Basutu tribes, who love peace better than war, for the + Queen’s rule. The Government of Pretoria need only have spoken one word, + to set an enormous number of armed men in motion against the Boers, with + the most serious results to the latter. Any other Government in the world + would, in its extremity, have spoken that word, but, fortunately for the + Boers, it is against English principles to set black against white under + any circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Besides the main garrison at Pretoria there were forts defended by + soldiery and loyals at the following places:—Potchefstroom, + Rustenburg, Lydenburg, Marabastad, and Wakkerstroom, none of which were + taken by the Boers.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Colonel Winsloe, however, being short of provisions, was + beguiled by the fraudulent representations and acts of the + Boer commander into surrendering the fort at Potchefstroom + during the armistice. +</pre> + <p> + One of the first acts of the Triumvirate was to despatch a large force + from Heidelberg with orders to advance into Natal Territory, and seize the + pass over the Drakensberg known as Lang’s Nek, so as to dispute the + advance of any relieving column. This movement was promptly executed, and + strong Boer troops patrolled Natal country almost up to Newcastle. + </p> + <p> + The news of the outbreak, followed as it was by that of the Bronker’s + Spruit massacre, and Captain Elliot’s murder, created a great excitement + in Natal. All available soldiers were at once despatched up country, + together with a naval brigade, who, on arrival at Newcastle, brought up + the strength of the Imperial troops of all arms to about a thousand men. + On the 10th January Sir George Colley left Maritzburg to join the force at + Newcastle, but at this time nobody dreamt that he meant to attack the Nek + with such an insignificant column. It was known that the loyals and troops + who were shut up in the various towns in the Transvaal had sufficient + provisions to last for some months, and that there was therefore nothing + to necessitate a forlorn hope. Indeed the possibility of Sir George Colley + attempting to enter the Transvaal was not even speculated upon until just + before his advance, it being generally considered as out of the question. + </p> + <p> + The best illustration I can give of the feeling that existed about the + matter is to quote my own case. I had been so unfortunate as to land in + Natal with my wife and servants just as the Transvaal troubles began, my + intention being to proceed to a place I had near Newcastle. For some weeks + I remained in Maritzburg, but finding that the troops were to concentrate + on Newcastle, and being besides heartily wearied of the great expense and + discomfort of hotel life in that town, I determined to go on up country, + looking on it as being as safe as any place in the Colony. Of course the + possibility of Sir George attacking the Nek before the arrival of the + reinforcements did not enter into my calculations, as I thought it a + venture that no sensible man would undertake. On the day of my start, + however, there was a rumour about the town that the General was going to + attack the Boer position. Though I did not believe it, I thought it as + well to go and ask the Colonial Secretary, Colonel Mitchell, privately, if + there was any truth in it, adding that if there was, as I had a pretty + intimate knowledge of the Boers and their shooting powers, and what the + inevitable result of such a move would be, I should certainly prefer, as I + had ladies with me, to remain where I was. Colonel Mitchell told me + frankly that he knew no more about Sir George’s plans than I did; but he + added I might be sure that so able and prudent a soldier would not do + anything rash. His remark concurred with my own opinion; so I started, and + on arrival at Newcastle a week later was met by the intelligence that Sir + George had advanced that morning to attack the Nek. To return was almost + impossible, since both horses and travellers were pretty nearly knocked + up. Also, anybody who has travelled with his family in summer-time over + the awful track of alternate slough and boulders between Maritzburg and + Newcastle, known in the Colony as a road, will understand, that at the + time, the adventurous voyagers would far rather risk being shot than face + a return journey. + </p> + <p> + The only thing to do under the circumstances was to await the course of + events, which were now about to develop themselves with startling + rapidity. The little town of Newcastle was at this time an odd sight, and + remained so all through the war. The hotels were crowded to overflowing + with refugees, and on every spare patch of land were erected tents, mud + huts, canvas houses, and every kind of covering that could be utilised + under the pressure of necessity, to house the many homeless families who + had succeeded in effecting their escape from the Transvaal, many of whom + were reduced to great straits. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 28th January, anybody listening attentively in the + neighbourhood of Newcastle could hear the distant boom of heavy guns. We + were not kept long in suspense, for in the afternoon news arrived that Sir + George had attacked the Nek, and failed with heavy loss. The excitement in + the town was intense, for, in addition to other considerations, the 58th + Regiment, which had suffered most, had been quartered there for some time, + and both the officers and men were personally known to the inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + The story of the fight is well known, and needs little repetition, and a + sad story it is. The Boers, who at that time were some 2000 strong, were + posted and entrenched on steep hills, against which Sir George Colley + hurled a few hundred soldiers. It was a forlorn hope, but so gallant was + the charge, especially that of the mounted squadron led by Major Bronlow, + that at one time it nearly succeeded. But nothing could stand under the + withering fire from the Boer schanses, and as regards the foot soldiers, + they never had a chance. Colonel Deane tried to take them up the hill with + a rush, with the result that by the time they reached the top, some of the + men were actually sick from exhaustion, and none could hold a rifle + steady. There on the bare hill-top, they crouched and lay, while the + pitiless fire from redoubt and rock lashed them like hail, till at last + human nature could bear it no longer, and what was left of them retired + slowly down the slope. But for many, that gallant charge was their last + earthly action. As they charged they fell, and where they fell they were + afterwards buried. The casualties, killed and wounded, amounted to 195, + which, considering the small number of troops engaged in the actual + attack, is enormously heavy, and shows more plainly than words can tell, + the desperate nature of the undertaking. Amongst the killed were Colonel + Deane, Major Poole, Major Hingeston, and Lieutenant Elwes. Major Essex was + the only staff officer engaged who escaped, the same officer who was one + of the fortunate four who lived through Isandhlwana. On this occasion his + usual good fortune attended him, for though his horse was killed and his + helmet knocked off, he was not touched. The Boer loss was very trivial. + </p> + <p> + Sir George Colley, in his admirably lucid despatch about this occurrence + addressed to the Secretary of State for War, does not enter much into the + question as to the motives that prompted him to attack, simply stating + that his object was to relieve the besieged towns. He does not appear to + have taken into consideration, what was obvious to anybody who knew the + country and the Boers, that even if he had succeeded in forcing the Nek, + in itself almost an impossibility, he could never have operated with any + success in the Transvaal with so small a column, without cavalry, and with + an enormous train of waggons. He would have been harassed day and night by + the Boer skirmishers, his supplies cut off, and his advance made + practically impossible. Also the Nek would have been re-occupied behind + him, since he could not have detached sufficient men to hold it, and in + all probability Newcastle, his base of supplies, would have fallen into + the hands of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The moral effect of our defeat on the Boers was very great. Up to this + time there had been many secret doubts amongst a large section of them as + to what the upshot of an encounter with the troops might be; and with this + party, in the same way that defeat, or even the anxiety of waiting to be + attacked, would have turned the scale one way, victory turned it the + other. It gave them unbounded confidence in their own superiority, and + infused a spirit of cohesion and mutual reliance into their ranks which + had before been wanting. Waverers wavered no longer, but gave a loyal + adherence to the good cause, and, what was still more acceptable, large + numbers of volunteers,—whatever President Brand may say to the + contrary,—poured in from the Orange Free State. + </p> + <p> + What Sir George Colley’s motive was in making so rash a move is, of + course, quite inexplicable to the outside observer. It was said at the + time in Natal that he was a man with a theory: namely, that small bodies + of men properly handled were as useful and as likely to obtain the object + in view as a large force. Whether or no this was so, I am not prepared to + say; but it is undoubtedly the case that very clever men have sometimes + very odd theories, and it may be that he was a striking instance in point. + </p> + <p> + For some days after the battle at Lang’s Nek affairs were quiet, and it + was hoped that they would remain so till the arrival of the + reinforcements, which were on their way out. The hope proved a vain one. + On the 7th February it was reported that the escort proceeding from + Newcastle to the General’s camp with the post, a distance of about + eighteen miles, had been fired on and forced to return. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th, about mid-day, we were all startled by the sound of fighting, + proceeding apparently from a hill known as Scheins Hoogte, about ten miles + from Newcastle. It was not know that the General contemplated any move, + and everybody was entirely at a loss to know what was going on, the + general idea being, however, that the camp near Lang’s Nek had been + abandoned, and that Sir George was retiring on Newcastle. + </p> + <p> + The firing grew hotter and hotter, till at last it was perfectly + continuous, the cannon evidently being discharged as quickly as they could + be loaded, whilst their dull booming was accompanied by the unceasing + crash and roll of the musketry. Towards three o’clock the firing + slackened, and we thought it was all over, one way or the other, but about + five o’clock it broke out again with increased vigour. At dusk it finally + ceased. About this time some Kafirs came to my house and told us that an + English force was hemmed in on a hill this side of the Ingogo River, that + they were fighting bravely, but that “their arms were tired,” adding that + they thought they would be all killed at night. + </p> + <p> + Needless to say we spent that night with heavy hearts, expecting every + minute to hear the firing begin again, and ignorant of what fate had + befallen our poor soldiers on the hill. Morning put an end to our + suspense, and we then learnt that we had suffered what, under the + circumstances, amounted to a crushing defeat. It appears that Sir George + had moved out with a force of five companies of the 60th Regiment, two + guns, and a few mounted men, to, in his own words, “patrol the road, and + meet and escort some waggons expected from Newcastle.” As soon as he + passed the Ingogo he was surrounded by a body of Boers sent after him from + Lang’s Nek, on a small triangular plateau, and sharply assailed on all + sides. With a break of about two hours, from three to five, the assault + was kept up till nightfall, with very bad results so far as we were + concerned, seeing that out of a body of about 500 men, over 150 were + killed and wounded. The reinforcements sent for from the camp apparently + did not come into action. For some unexplained reason the Boers did not + follow up their attack that night, perhaps because they did not think it + possible that our troops could effect their escape back to the camp, and + considered that the next morning would be soon enough to return and finish + the business. The General, however, determined to get back, and scratch + teams of such mules, riding-horses, and oxen as had lived through the day + being harnessed to the guns, the dispirited and exhausted survivors of the + force managed to ford the Ingogo, now swollen by rain which had fallen in + the afternoon, poor Lieutenant Wilkinson, the Adjutant of the 60th, losing + his life in the operation, and to struggle through the dense darkness back + to camp. + </p> + <p> + On the hill-top they had lately held, the dead lay thick. There, too, + exposed to the driving rain and bitter wind lay the wounded, many of whom + would be dead before the rising of the morrow’s sun. It must, indeed, have + been a sight never to be forgotten by those who saw it. The night—I + remember well—was cold and rainy, the great expanses of hill and + plain being sometimes lit by the broken gleams of an uncertain moon, and + sometimes plunged into intensest darkness by the passing of a heavy cloud. + Now and again flashes of lightning threw every crag and outline into vivid + relief, and the deep muttering of distant thunder made the wild gloom more + solemn. Then a gust of icy wind would come tearing down the valleys to be + followed by a pelting thunder shower—and thus the night wore away. + </p> + <p> + When one reflects what discomfort, and even danger, an ordinary healthy + person would suffer if left after a hard day’s work to lie all night in + the rain and wind on the top of a stony mountain, without food, or even + water to assuage his thirst, it becomes to some degree possible to realise + what the sufferings of our wounded after the battle of Ingogo must have + been. Those who survived were next day taken to the hospital at Newcastle. + </p> + <p> + What Sir George Colley’s real object was in exposing himself to the attack + has never transpired. It can hardly have been to clear the road, as he + says in his despatch, because the road was not held by the enemy, but only + visited occasionally by their patrols. The result of the battle was to + make the Boers, whose losses were trifling, more confident than ever, and + to greatly depress our soldiers. Sir George had now lost between three and + four hundred men, out of his column of little over a thousand, which was + thereby entirely crippled. Of his staff Officers Major Essex now alone + survived, his usual good fortune having carried him safe through the + battle of Ingogo. What makes his repeated escapes the more remarkable is + that he was generally to be found in the heaviest firing. A man so + fortunate as Major Essex ought to be rewarded for his good fortune if for + no other reason, though, if reports are true, there would be no need to + fall back on that to find grounds on which to advance a soldier who has + always borne himself so well. + </p> + <p> + Another result of the Ingogo battle was that the Boers, knowing that we + had no force to cut them off, and always secure of a retreat into the Free + State, passed round Newcastle in Free State Territory, and descended from + fifteen hundred to two thousand strong into Natal for the purpose of + destroying the reinforcements which were now on their way up under General + Wood. This was on the 11th of February, and from that date till the 18th, + the upper districts of Natal were in the hands of the enemy, who cut the + telegraph wires, looted waggons, stole herds of cattle and horses, and + otherwise amused themselves at the expense of Her Majesty’s subjects in + Natal. + </p> + <p> + It was a very anxious time for those who knew what Boers are capable of, + and had women and children to protect, and who were never sure if their + houses would be left standing over their heads from one day to another. + </p> + <p> + Every night we were obliged to place out Kafirs as scouts to give us + timely warning of the approach of marauding parties, and to sleep with + loaded rifles close to our hands, and sometimes, when things looked very + black, in our clothes, with horses ready saddled in the stable. Nor were + our fears groundless, for one day a patrol of some five hundred Boers + encamped on the next place, which by the way belonged to a Dutchman, and + stole all the stock on it, the property of an Englishman. They also + intercepted a train of waggons, destroyed the contents, and burnt them. + Numerous were the false alarms it was our evil fortune to experience. For + instance, one night I was sitting in the drawing-room reading, about + eleven o’clock, with a door leading on to the verandah slightly ajar, for + the night was warm, when suddenly I heard myself called by name in a + muffled voice, and asked if the place was in the possession of the Boers. + Looking towards the door I saw a full-cocked revolver coming round the + corner, and on opening it in some alarm, I could indistinctly discern a + line of armed figures in a crouching attitude stretching along the + verandah into the garden beyond. It turned out to be a patrol of the + mounted police, who had received information that a large number of Boers + had seized the place and had come to ascertain the truth of the report. As + we gathered from them that the Boers were certainly near, we did not pass + a very comfortable night. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, we were daily expecting to hear that the troops had been + attacked along the line of march, and knowing the nature of the country + and the many opportunities it affords for ambuscading and destroying one + of our straggling columns encumbered with innumerable waggons, we had the + worst fears for the result. At length a report reached us to the effect + that the reinforcements were expected on the morrow, and that they were + not going to cross the Ingagaan at the ordinary drift, which was much + commanded by hills, but at a lower drift on our own place, about three + miles from Newcastle, which was only slightly commanded. We also heard + that it was the intention of the Boers to attack them at this point and to + fall back on my house and the hills beyond. Accordingly, we thought it + about time to retreat, and securing a few valuables such as plate, we made + our way into the town, leaving the house and its contents to take their + chance. At Newcastle an attack was daily expected, if for no other reason, + to obtain possession of the stores collected there. + </p> + <p> + The defences of the place were, however, in a wretched condition, no + proper outlook was kept, and there was an utter want of effective + organisation. The military element at the camp had enough to do to look + after itself, and did not concern itself with the safety of the town; and + the mounted police—a Colonial force paid by the Colony—had + been withdrawn from the little forts round Newcastle, as the General + wanted them for other purposes, and a message sent that the town must + defend its own forts. There were, it is true, a large number of + able-bodied men in the place who were willing to fight, but they had no + organisation. The very laager was not finished until the danger was past. + </p> + <p> + Then there was a large party who were for surrendering the town to the + Boers, because if they fought it might afterwards injure their trade. With + this section of the population the feeling of patriotism was strong, no + doubt, but that of pocket was stronger. I am convinced that the Boers + would have found the capture of Newcastle an easy task, and I confess that + what I then saw did not inspire me with great hopes of the safety of the + Colony when it gets responsible government, and has to depend for + protection on burgher forces. Colonial volunteer forces are, I think, as + good troops as any in the world; but an unorganised colonial mob, pulled + this way and that by different sentiments and interests, is as useless as + any other mob, with the difference that it is more impatient of control. + </p> + <p> + For some unknown reason the Boer leaders providentially changed their + minds about attacking the reinforcements, and their men were withdrawn to + the Nek as swiftly and silently as they had been advanced, and on the 17th + February the reinforcements marched into Newcastle to the very great + relief of the inhabitants, who had been equally anxious for their own + safety and that of the troops. Personally, I was never in my life more + pleased to see Her Majesty’s uniform; and we were equally rejoiced on + returning home to find that nothing had been injured. After this we had + quiet for a while. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st February, we heard that two fresh regiments had been sent up + to the camp at Lang’s Nek, and that General Wood had been ordered down + country by Sir George Colley to bring up more reinforcements. This item of + news caused much surprise, as nobody could understand, why, now that the + road was clear, and that there was little chance of its being again + blocked, a General should be sent down to do work, which could, to all + appearance, have been equally well done by the Officers in command of the + reinforcing regiments, with the assistance of their transport riders. It + was, however, understood that an agreement had been entered into between + the two Generals, that no offensive operations should be undertaken till + Wood returned. + </p> + <p> + With the exception of occasional scares, there was no further excitement + till Sunday the 27th February, when, whilst sitting on the verandah after + lunch, I thought I heard the sound of distant artillery. Others present + differed with me, thinking the sound was caused by thunder, but as I + adhered to my opinion, we determined to ride into town and see. On arrival + there, we found the place full of rumours, from which we gathered that + some fresh disaster had occurred: and that messages were pouring down the + wires from Mount Prospect camp. We then went on to camp, thinking that we + should learn more there, but they knew nothing about it, several officers + asking us what new “shave” we had got hold of. A considerable number of + troops had been marched from Newcastle that morning to go to Mount + Prospect, but when it was realised that something had occurred, they were + stopped, and marched back again. Bit by bit we managed to gather the + truth. At first we heard that our men had made a most gallant resistance + on the hill, mowing down the advancing enemy by hundreds, till at last, + their ammunition failing, they fought with their bayonets, using stones + and meat tins as missiles. I wish that our subsequent information had been + to the same effect. + </p> + <p> + It appears that on the evening of the 26th, Sir George Colley, after mess, + suddenly gave orders for a force of a little over six hundred men, + consisting of detachments from no less than three different regiments, the + 58th, 60th, 92d, and the Naval Brigade, to be got ready for an expedition, + without revealing his plans to anybody, until late in the afternoon: and + then without more ado, marched them up to the top of Majuba—a great + square-topped mountain to the right of, and commanding the Boer position + at Lang’s Nek. The troops reached the top about three in the morning, + after a somewhat exhausting climb, and were stationed at different points + of the plateau in a scientific way. Whilst the darkness lasted, they + could, by the glittering of the watch-fires, trace from this point of + vantage the position of the Boer laagers that lay 2000 yards beneath them, + whilst the dawn of day revealed every detail of the defensive works, and + showed the country lying at their feet like a map. + </p> + <p> + On arrival at the top, it was represented to the General that a rough + entrenchment should be thrown up, but he would not allow it to be done on + account of the men being wearied with their marching up. This was a fatal + mistake. Behind an entrenchment, however slight, one would think that 600 + English soldiers might have defied the whole Boer army, and much more the + 200 or 300 men by whom they were hunted down Majuba. It appears that about + 10.15 A.M. Colonel Steward and Major Fraser again went to General Colley + “to arrange to start the sailors on an entrenchment” . . . “Finding the + ground so exposed, the General did not give orders to entrench.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Boers found out that the hill was in the occupation of the + English, their first idea was to leave the Nek, and they began to inspan + with that object, but discovering that there were no guns commanding them, + they changed their mind, and set to work to storm the hill instead. As far + as I have been able to gather, the number of Boers who took the mountain + was about 300, or possibly 400; I do not think there were more than that. + The Boers themselves declare solemnly that they were only 100 strong, but + this I do not believe. They slowly advanced up the hill till about 11.30, + when the real attack began, the Dutchmen coming on more rapidly and + confidently, and shooting with ever-increasing accuracy, as they found our + fire quite ineffective. + </p> + <p> + About a quarter to one, our men retreated to the last ridge, and General + Colley was shot through the head. After this, the retreat became a rout, + and the soldiers rushed pell-mell down the precipitous sides of the hill, + the Boers knocking them over by the score as they went, till they were out + of range. A few were also, I heard, killed by the shells from the guns + that were advanced from the camp to cover the retreat, but as this does + not appear in the reports, perhaps it is not true. Our loss was about 200 + killed and wounded, including Sir George Colley, Drs. Landon and Cornish, + and Commander Romilly, who was shot with an explosive bullet, and died + after some days’ suffering. When the wounded Commander was being carried + to a more sheltered spot, it was with great difficulty that the Boers were + prevented from massacring him as he lay, they being under the impression + that he was Sir Garnet Wolseley. As was the case at Ingogo, the wounded + were left on the battlefield all night in very inclement weather, to which + some of them succumbed. It is worthy of note that after the fight was + over, they were treated with considerable kindness by the Boers. + </p> + <p> + Not being a soldier, of course I cannot venture to give any military + reasons as to how it was, that what was after all a considerable force, + was so easily driven from a position of great natural strength; but I + think I may, without presumption, state my opinion was to the real cause, + which was the villanous shooting of the British soldier. Though the troops + did not, as was said at the time, run short of ammunition, it is clear + that they fired away a great many rounds at men who, in storming the hill, + must necessarily have exposed themselves more or less, of whom they + managed to hit—certainly not more than six or seven,—which was + the outside of the Boer casualties. From this it is clear that they can + neither judge distance nor hit a moving object, nor did they probably know + that when shooting down hill it is necessary to aim low. Such shooting as + the English soldier is capable of may be very well when he has an army to + aim at, but it is useless in guerilla warfare against a foe skilled in the + use of the rifle and the art of taking shelter. + </p> + <p> + A couple of months after the storming of Majuba, I, together with a + friend, had a conversation with a Boer, a volunteer from the Free State in + the late war, and one of the detachment that stormed Majuba, who gave us a + circumstantial account of the attack with the greatest willingness. He + said that when it was discovered that the English had possession of the + mountain, they thought that the game was up, but after a while bolder + counsels prevailed, and volunteers were called for to storm the hill. Only + seventy men could be found to perform the duty, of whom he was one. They + started up the mountain in fear and trembling, but soon found that every + shot passed over their heads, and went on with greater boldness. Only + three men, he declared, were hit on the Boer side; one was killed, one was + hit in the arm, and he himself was the third, getting his face grazed by a + bullet, of which he showed us the scar. He stated that the first to reach + the top ridge was a boy of twelve, and that as soon as the troops saw them + they fled, when, he said, he paid them out for having nearly killed him, + knocking them over one after another “like bucks” as they ran down the + hill, adding that it was “alter lecker” (very nice). He asked us how many + men we had lost during the war, and when we told him about seven hundred + killed and wounded, laughed in our faces, saying he knew that our dead + amounted to several thousands. On our assuring him that this was not the + case, he replied, “Well, don’t let’s talk of it any more, because we are + good friends now, and if we go on you will lie, and I shall lie, and then + we shall get angry. The war is over now, and I don’t want to quarrel with + the English; if one of them takes off his hat to me I always acknowledge + it.” He did not mean any harm in talking thus; it is what Englishmen have + to put up with now in South Africa; the Boers have beaten us, and act + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + This man also told us that the majority of the rifles they picked up were + sighted for 400 yards, whereas the latter part of the fighting had been + carried on within 200. + </p> + <p> + Sir George Colley’s death was much lamented in the Colony, where he was + deservedly popular; indeed, anybody who had the honour of knowing that + kind-hearted gentleman, could not do otherwise than deeply regret his + untimely end. What his motive was in occupying Majuba in the way he did, + has never, so far as I am aware, transpired. The move, in itself, would + have been an excellent one, had it been made in force, or accompanied by a + direct attack on the Nek—but, as undertaken, seems to have been + objectless. There were, of course, many rumours as to the motives that + prompted his action, of which the most probable seems to be that, being + aware of what the Home Government intended to do with reference to the + Transvaal, he determined to strike a blow to try and establish British + Supremacy first, knowing how mischievous any apparent surrender would be. + Whatever his faults may have been as a General, he was a brave man, and + had the honour of his country much at heart. + </p> + <p> + It was also said by soldiers who saw him the night the troops marched up + Majuba, that the General was “not himself,” and it was hinted that + continual anxiety and the chagrin of failure had told upon his mind. As + against this, however, must be set the fact that his telegrams to the + Secretary of State for War, the last of which he must have despatched only + about half-an-hour before he was shot, are cool and collected, and written + in the same unconcerned tone,—as though he were a critical spectator + of an interesting scene—that characterises all his communications, + more especially his despatches. They at any rate give no evidence of + shaken nerve or unduly excited brain, nor can I see that any action of his + with reference to the occupation of Majuba is out of keeping with the + details of his generalship upon other occasions. He was always confident + to rashness, and possessed by the idea that every man in the ranks was + full of as high a spirit, and as brave as he was himself. Indeed most + people will think, that so far from its being a rasher action, the + occupation of Majuba, bad generalship as it seems, was a wiser move than + either the attack on the Nek or the Ingogo fiasco. + </p> + <p> + But at the best, all his movements are difficult to be understand by a + civilian, though they may, for ought we know, have been part of an + elaborate plan, perfected in accordance with the rules of military + science, of which, it is said, he was a great student. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + THE RETROCESSION OF THE TRANSVAAL + </h3> + <p> + <i>The Queen’s Speech—President Brand and Lord Kimberley—Sir + Henry de Villiers—Sir George Colley’s plan—Paul Kruger’s offer—Sir + George Colley’s remonstrance—Complimentary telegrams—Effect of + Majuba on the Boers and English Government—Collapse of the + Government—Reasons of the Surrender—Professional + sentimentalists—The Transvaal Independence Committee—Conclusion + of the armistice—The preliminary peace—Reception of the news + in Natal—Newcastle after the declaration of peace—Exodus of + the loyal inhabitants of the Transvaal—The value of property in + Pretoria—The Transvaal officials dismissed—The Royal + Commission—Mode of trial of persons accused of atrocities—Decision + of the Commission and its results—The severance of territory + question—Arguments </i>pro<i> and </i>con<i>—Opinion of Sir E. + Wood—Humility of the Commissioners and its cause—Their + decision on the Keate award question—The Montsoia difficulty—The + compensation and financial clauses of the report of the Commission—The + duties of the British Resident—Sir E. Wood’s dissent from the report + of the Commission—Signing of the Convention—Burial of the + Union Jack—The native side of the question—Interview between + the Commissioners and the native chiefs—Their opinion of the + surrender—Objections of the Boer Volksraad to the Convention—Mr. + Gladstone temporises—The ratification—Its insolent tone—Mr. + Hudson, the British Resident—The Boer festival—The results of + the Convention—The larger issue of the matter—Its effect on + the Transvaal—Its moral aspects—Its effect on the native mind.</i> + </p> + <p> + When Parliament met in January 1881, the Government announced, through the + mediumship of the Queen’s Speech, that it was their intention to vindicate + Her Majesty’s authority in the Transvaal. I have already briefly described + the somewhat unfortunate attempts to gain this end by force of arms: and I + now propose to follow the course of the diplomatic negotiations entered + into by the Ministry with the same object. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the hostilities in the Transvaal took a positive form, causing + great dismay among the Home authorities, whose paths, as we all know, are + the paths of peace—at any price; and whilst, in the first confusion + of calamity, they knew not where to turn, President Brand stepped upon the + scene in the character of “Our Mutual Friend,” and, by the Government at + any rate, was rapturously welcomed. + </p> + <p> + This gentleman has for many years been at the head of the Government of + the Orange Free State, whose fortunes he had directed with considerable + ability. He is a man of natural talent and kind-hearted disposition, and + has the advancement of the Boer cause in South Africa much at heart. The + rising in the Transvaal was an event that gave him a great and threefold + opportunity: first, of interfering with the genuinely benevolent object of + checking bloodshed; secondly, of advancing the Dutch cause throughout + South Africa under the cloak of amiable neutrality, and striking a + dangerous blow at British supremacy over the Dutch and British prestige + with the natives; and, thirdly, of putting the English Government under a + lasting obligation to him. Of this opportunity he has availed himself to + the utmost in each particular. + </p> + <p> + So soon as things began to look serious, Mr. Brand put himself into active + telegraphic communication with the various British authorities with the + view of preventing bloodshed by inducing the English Government to accede + to the Boer demands. He was also earnest in his declarations that the Free + State was not supporting the Transvaal; which, considering that it was + practically the insurgent base of supplies, where they had retired their + women, children, and cattle, and that it furnished them with a large + number of volunteers, was perhaps straining the truth. + </p> + <p> + About this time also we find Lord Kimberley telegraphing to Mr. Brand that + “if <i>only</i> the Transvaal Boers will desist from armed opposition to + the Queen’s authority,” he thinks some arrangement might be made. This is + the first indication made public of what was passing in the minds of Her + Majesty’s Government, on whom its radical supporters were now beginning to + put the screw, to induce or threaten them into submitting to the Boer + demands. + </p> + <p> + Again, on the 11th January, the President telegraphed to Lord Kimberley + through the Orange Free State Consul in London, suggesting that Sir H. de + Villiers, the Chief Justice at the Cape, should be appointed a + Commissioner to go to the Transvaal to settle matters. Oddly enough, about + the same time the same proposition emanated from the Dutch party in the + Cape Colony, headed by Mr. Hofmeyer, a coincidence that inclines one to + the opinion that these friends of the Boers had some further reason for + thus urging Sir Henry de Villiers’ appointment as Commissioner beyond his + apparent fitness for the post, of which his high reputation as a lawyer + and in his private capacity was a sufficient guarantee. + </p> + <p> + The explanation is not hard to find, the fact being that, rightly or + wrongly, Sir Henry de Villiers, who is himself of Dutch descent, is noted + throughout South Africa for his sympathies with the Boer cause, and both + President Brand and the Dutch party in the Cape shrewdly suspected, that, + if the settling of differences were left to his discretion, the Boers and + their interests would receive very gentle handling. The course of action + adopted by him, when he became a member of the Royal Commission, went far + to support this view, for it will be noticed in the Report of the + Commissioners that in every single point he appears to have taken the Boer + side of the contention. Indeed so blind was he to their faults, that he + would not even admit that the horrible Potchefstroom murders and + atrocities, which are condemned both by Sir H. Robinson and Sir Evelyn + Wood in language as strong as the formal terms of a report will allow, + were acts contrary to the rules of civilised warfare. If those acts had + been perpetrated by Englishmen on Boers, or even on natives, I venture to + think Sir Henry de Villiers would have looked at them in a very different + light. + </p> + <p> + In the same telegram in which President Brand recommends the appointment + of Sir Henry de Villiers, he states that the allegations made by the + Triumvirate in the proclamation in which they accused Sir Owen Lanyon of + committing various atrocities, deserve to be investigated, as they + maintain that the collision was commenced by the authorities. Nobody knew + better than Mr. Brand that any English official would be quite incapable + of the conduct ascribed to Sir Owen Lanyon, whilst, even if the collision + had been commenced by the authorities, which as it happened it was not, + they would under the circumstances have been amply justified in so + commencing it. This remark by President Brand in his telegram was merely + an attempt to throw an air of probability over a series of slanderous + falsehoods. + </p> + <p> + Messages of this nature continued to pour along the wires from day to day, + but the tone of those from the Colonial Office grew gradually humbler; + thus we find Lord Kimberley telegraphing on the 8th February, that if the + Boers would desist from armed opposition all reasonable guarantees would + be given as to their treatment after submission, and that a scheme would + be framed for the “permanent friendly settlement of difficulties.” It will + be seen that the Government had already begun to water the meaning of + their declaration that they would vindicate Her Majesty’s authority. No + doubt Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Courtney, and their followers, had given + another turn to the Radical screw. + </p> + <p> + It is, however, clear that at this time no idea of the real aims of the + Government had entered into the mind of Sir George Colley, since on the + 7th February he telegraphed home a plan which he proposed to adopt on + entering the Transvaal, which included a suggestion that he should grant a + complete amnesty only to those Boers who would sign a declaration of + loyalty. + </p> + <p> + In answer to this he was ordered to do nothing of the sort, but to promise + protection to everybody and refer everything home. + </p> + <p> + Then came the battle of Ingogo, which checked for the time the flow of + telegrams, or rather varied their nature, for those despatched during the + next few days deal with the question of reinforcements. On the 13th + February, however, negotiations were reopened by Paul Kruger, one of the + Triumvirate, who offered, if all the troops were ordered to withdraw from + the Transvaal to give them a free passage through the Nek, to disperse the + Boers and to consent to the appointment of a Commission. + </p> + <p> + The offer was jumped at by Lord Kimberley, who, without making reference + to the question of withdrawing the soldiers, offered, if only the Boers + would disperse, to appoint a Commission with extensive powers to develop + the “permanent friendly settlement” scheme. The telegram ends thus: “Add, + that if this proposal is accepted, you now are authorised to agree to + suspension of hostilities on our part.” This message was sent to General + Wood, because the Boers had stopped the communications with Colley. On the + 19th, Sir George Colley replies in these words, which show his + astonishment at the policy adopted by the Home Government, and which, in + the opinion of most people, redound to his credit— + </p> + <p> + “Latter part of your telegram to Wood not understood. There can be no + hostilities if no resistance is made, but am I to leave Lang’s Nek in + Natal territory in Boer occupation, and our garrisons isolated and short + of provisions, or occupy former and relieve latter?” Lord Kimberley + hastens to reply that the garrisons must be left free to provision + themselves, “but we do not mean that you should march to the relief of + garrisons or occupy Lang’s Nek, if an arrangement proceeds.” + </p> + <p> + It will be seen that the definition of what vindication of Her Majesty’s + authority consisted grew broader and broader; it now included the right of + the Boers to continue to occupy their positions in the Colony of Natal. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the daily fire of complimentary messages was being kept up + between President Brand and Lord Kimberley, who alternatively gave + “sincere thanks to Lord Kimberley” and “fully appreciated the friendly + spirit” of President Brand, till on the 21st February the latter + telegraphs through Colley: “Hope of amicable settlement by negotiation, + but this will be greatly facilitated if somebody on spot and friendly + disposed to both, could by personal communication with both endeavour to + smooth difficulties. Offers his services to Her Majesty’s Government, and + Kruger and Pretorius and Joubert are willing.” Needless to say his + services were accepted. + </p> + <p> + Presently, however, on 27th February, Sir George Colley made his last + move, and took possession of Majuba. His defeat and death had the effect + of causing another temporary check in the peace negotiations, whilst Sir + Frederick Roberts with ample reinforcements was despatched to Natal. It + had the further effect of increasing the haughtiness of the Boer leaders, + and infusing a corresponding spirit of pliability or generosity into the + negotiations of Her Majesty’s Government. + </p> + <p> + Thus on 2d March, the Boers, through President Brand and Sir Evelyn Wood, + inform the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that they are willing to + negotiate, but decline to submit or cease opposition. Sir Evelyn Wood, who + evidently did not at all like the line of policy adopted by the + Government, telegraphed that he thought the best thing to do would be for + him to engage the Boers, and disperse them <i>vi et armis</i>, without any + guarantees, “considering the disasters we have sustained,” and that he + should, “if absolutely necessary,” be empowered to promise life and + property to the leaders, but that they should be banished from the + country. In answer to this telegram, Lord Kimberley informs him that Her + Majesty’s Government will amnesty <i>everybody</i> except those who have + committed acts contrary to the rules of civilised warfare, and that they + will agree to anything, and appoint a Commission to carry out the details, + and “be ready for friendly communications with <i>any persons</i> + appointed by the Boers.” + </p> + <p> + Thus was Her Majesty’s authority finally re-established in the Transvaal. + </p> + <p> + It was not a very grand climax, nor the kind of arrangement to which + Englishmen are accustomed, but perhaps, considering the circumstances, and + the well-known predilections of those who made the settlement, it was as + much as could be expected. + </p> + <p> + The action of the Government must not be considered, as though they were + unfettered in their judgment; it can never be supposed that they acted as + they did, because they thought such action right or even wise, for that + would be to set them down as men of a very low order of intelligence, + which they certainly are not. + </p> + <p> + It is clear that no set of sensible men, who had after much consideration + given their decision that under all the circumstances, the Transvaal must + remain British territory, and who, on a revolt subsequently breaking out + in that territory, had declared that Her Majesty’s rule must be upheld, + would have, putting aside all other circumstances, deliberately stultified + themselves by almost unconditionally, and of their own free will, + abandoning the country, and all Her Majesty’s subjects living in it. That + would be to pay a poor tribute to their understanding, since it is clear + that if reasons existed for retaining the Transvaal before the war, as + they were satisfied there did, those reasons would exist with still + greater force after a war had been undertaken and three crushing defeats + sustained, which if left unavenged must, as they knew, have a most + disastrous effect on our prestige throughout the South African continent. + </p> + <p> + I prefer to believe that the Government was coerced into acting as it did + by Radical pressure, both from outside, and from its immediate supporters + in the House, and that it had to choose between making an unconventional + surrender in the Transvaal and losing the support of a very powerful + party. Under these circumstances it, being Liberal in politics, naturally + followed its instincts, and chose surrender. + </p> + <p> + If such a policy was bad in itself, and necessarily mischievous in its + consequences, so much the worse for those who suffered by it; it was clear + that the Government could not be expected to lose votes in order to + forward the true interests of countries so far off as the South African + Colonies, which had had the misfortune to be made a party question of, and + must take the consequences. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that the interest brought to bear on the Government was + very considerable, for not only had they to deal with their own + supporters, and with the shadowy caucus that was ready to let the lash of + its displeasure descend even on the august person of Mr. Gladstone, should + he show signs of letting slip so rich an opportunity for the vindication + of the holiest principles of advanced Radicalism, but also with the + hydra-headed crowd of visionaries and professional sentimentalists who + swarm in this country, and who are always ready to take up any cause, from + that of Jumbo, or of a murderer, to that of oppressed peoples, such as the + Bulgarians, or the Transvaal Boers. + </p> + <p> + These gentlemen, burning with zeal, and filled with that confidence which + proverbially results from the hasty assimilation of imperfect and + erroneous information, found in the Transvaal question a great opportunity + of making a noise: and—as in a disturbed farmyard the bray of the + domestic donkey, ringing loud and clear among the utterances of more + intelligent animals, overwhelms and extinguishes them—so, and with + like effect, amongst the confused sound of various English opinions about + the Boer rising, rose the trumpet-note of the Transvaal Independence + Committee and its supporters. + </p> + <p> + As we have seen, they did not sound in vain. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of March an armistice with the Boers had been entered into by + Sir Evelyn Wood, which was several times prolonged, up to the 21st March, + when Sir Evelyn Wood concluded a preliminary peace with the Boer leaders, + which, under certain conditions, guaranteed the restoration of the country + within six months, and left all other points to be decided by a Royal + Commission. + </p> + <p> + The news of this peace was at first received in the Colony in the silence + of astonishment. Personally, I remember, I would not believe that it was + true. It seemed to us, who had been witnesses of what had passed, and knew + what it all meant, something so utterly incredible that we thought there + must be a mistake. + </p> + <p> + If there had been any one redeeming circumstance about it, if the English + arms had gained a single decisive victory, it might have been so, but it + was hard for Englishmen, just at first, to understand that not only had + the Transvaal been to all appearance wrested from them by force of arms, + but that they were henceforth to be subject, as they well knew would be + the case, to the coarse insults of victorious Boers, and the sarcasms of + keener-witted Kafirs. + </p> + <p> + People in England seem to fancy that when men go to the Colonies they lose + all sense of pride in their country, and think of nothing but their own + advantage. I do not think that this is the case, indeed, I believe that, + individual for individual, there exists a greater sense of loyalty, and a + deeper pride in their nationality, and in the proud name of England, among + Colonists, than among Englishmen proper. Certainly the humiliation of the + Transvaal surrender was more keenly felt in South Africa than it was at + home; but, perhaps, the impossibility of imposing upon people in that + country with the farrago of nonsense about blood-guiltiness and national + morality, which was made such adroit use of at home, may have made the + difference. + </p> + <p> + I know that personally I would not have believed it possible that I could + feel any public event so keenly as I did this; indeed, I quickly made up + my mind that if the peace was confirmed, the neighbourhood of the + Transvaal would be no fit or comfortable residence for an Englishman, and + that I would, at any cost, leave the country,—which I accordingly + did. + </p> + <p> + Newcastle was a curious sight the night after the peace was declared, + every hotel and bar was crowded with refugees, who were trying to relieve + their feelings, by cursing the name of Gladstone, with a vigour, + originality, and earnestness, that I have never heard equalled; and + declaring in ironical terms how proud they were to be citizens of England—a + country that always kept its word. Then they set to work with many + demonstrations of contempt to burn the effigy of the Right Honourable + Gentleman at the head of Her Majesty’s Government, an example, by the way, + that was followed throughout South Africa. + </p> + <p> + Even Sir Evelyn Wood, who is very popular in the Colony, was hissed as he + walked through the town, and great surprise was expressed that a soldier + who came out expressly to fight the Boers, should consent to become the + medium of communication in such a dirty business. And, indeed, there was + some excuse for all this bitterness, for the news meant ruin to very many. + </p> + <p> + But if people in Natal and at the Cape received the news with + astonishment, how shall I describe its effect upon the unfortunate loyal + inhabitants in the Transvaal, on whom it burst like a thunderbolt? + </p> + <p> + They did not say much however, and indeed, there was nothing to be said, + they simply began to pack up such things as they could carry with them, + and to leave the country, which they well knew would henceforth be utterly + untenable for Englishmen or English sympathisers. In a few weeks they came + pouring down through Newcastle by hundreds; it was the most melancholy + exodus that can be imagined. There were people of all classes, officials, + gentlefolk, work-people, and loyal Boers, but they had a connecting link; + they had all been loyal, and they were all ruined. + </p> + <p> + Most of these people had gone to the Transvaal since it became a British + Colony, and invested all they had in it, and now their capital was lost + and their labour rendered abortive; indeed, many of them whom one had + known as well to do in the Transvaal, came down to Natal hardly knowing + how they would feed their families next week. + </p> + <p> + It must be understood that so soon as the Queen’s sovereignty was + withdrawn the value of landed and house property in the Transvaal went + down to nothing, and has remained there ever since. Thus a fair-sized + house in Pretoria brought in a rental varying from ten to twenty pounds a + month during British occupation, but after the declaration of peace, + owners of houses were glad to get people to live in them to keep them from + falling into ruin. Those who owned land or had invested money in + businesses suffered in the same way; their property remains, neither + profitable or saleable, and they themselves are precluded by their + nationality from living on it, the art of “Boycotting” not being peculiar + to Ireland. + </p> + <p> + Nor were they the only sufferers, the officials, many of whom had taken to + the Government service as a permanent profession, in which they expected + to pass their lives, were suddenly dismissed, mostly with a small + gratuity, which would about suffice to pay their debts, and told to find + their living as best they could. It was indeed a case of <i>vae victis</i>,—woe + to the conquered loyalists.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The following extract is clipped from a recent issue of + the “Transvaal Advertiser.” It describes the present + condition of Pretoria:— + + “The streets grown over with rank vegetation, the water- + furrows uncleaned and unattended, emitting offensive and + unhealthy stenches, the houses showing evident signs of + dilapidation and decay, the side paths, in many places, + dangerous to pedestrians; in fact, everything the eye can + rest upon indicates the downfall which has overtaken this + once prosperous city. The visitor can, if he be so minded, + betake himself to the outskirts and suburbs, where he will + perceive the same sad evidences of neglect, public grounds + unattended, roads uncared for, mills and other public works + crumbling into ruin. These palpable signs of decay most + strongly impress him. A blight seems to have come over this + lately fair and prosperous town. Rapidly it is becoming a + ‘deserted village,’ a ‘city of the dead.’” + </pre> + <p> + The Commission appointed by Her Majesty’s Government consisted of Sir + Hercules Robinson, Sir Henry de Villiers, and Sir Evelyn Wood, President + Brand being also present in his capacity of friend of both parties, and to + their discretion were left the settlement of all outstanding questions. + Amongst these, were the mode of trial of those persons who had been guilty + of acts contrary to the rules of civilised warfare, the question of + severance of territory from the Transvaal on the Eastern boundary, the + settlement of the boundary in the Keate-Award districts, the compensation + for losses sustained during the war, the functions of the British + Resident, and other matters. Their place of meeting was at Newcastle in + Natal, and from thence they proceeded to Pretoria. + </p> + <p> + The first question of importance that came before the Commission was the + mode of trial to be adopted in the cases of those persons accused of acts + contrary to the usages of civilised warfare, such as murder. The + Attorney-General for the Transvaal strongly advised that a special + Tribunal should be constituted to try these cases, principally because + “after a civil war in which all the inhabitants of a country, with very + few exceptions, have taken part, a jury of fair and impartial men, truly + unbiassed, will be very difficult to get together.” It is satisfactory to + know that the Commissioners gave this somewhat obvious fact “their grave + consideration,” which, according to their Report, resulted in their + determining to let the cases go before the ordinary court, and be tried by + a jury, because in referring them to a specially constituted court which + would have done equal justice without fear or favour, “the British + Government would have made for itself, among the Dutch population of South + Africa, a name for vindictive oppression, which no generosity in other + affairs could efface.” + </p> + <p> + There is more in this determination of the Commissioners, or rather of the + majority of them—for Sir E. Wood, to his credit be it said, refused + to agree in their decision—than meets the eye, the fact of the + matter being that it was privately well known to them, that, though the + Boer leaders might be willing to allow a few of the murderers to undergo + the form of a trial, neither they nor the Boers themselves, meant to + permit the farce to go any further. Had the men been tried by a special + tribunal they would in all probability have been condemned to death, and + then would have come the awkward question of carrying out the sentence on + individuals whose deeds were looked on, if not with general approval, at + any rate without aversion by the great mass of their countrymen. In short, + it would probably have become necessary either to reprieve them or to + fight the Boers again, since it was very certain that they would not have + allowed them to be hung. Therefore the majority of the Commissioners, + finding themselves face to face with a dead wall, determined to slip round + it instead of boldly climbing it, by referring the cases to the Transvaal + High Court, cheerfully confident of what the result must be. + </p> + <p> + After all, the matter was, much cry about little wool, for of all the + crimes committed by the Boers—a list of some of which will be found + in the Appendix to this book—in only three cases were a proportion + of the perpetrators produced and put through the form of trial. Those + three were, the dastardly murder of Captain Elliot, who was shot by his + Boer escort while crossing the Vaal river on parole; the murder of a man + named Malcolm, who was kicked to death in his own house by Boers, who + afterwards put a bullet through his head to make the job “look better;” + and the murder of a doctor named Barber, who was shot by his escort on the + border of the Free State. A few of the men concerned in the first two of + these crimes were tried in Pretoria: and it was currently reported at that + time, that in order to make their acquittal certain our Attorney-General + received instructions not to exercise his right of challenging jurors on + behalf of the Crown. Whether or not this is true I am not prepared to say, + but I believe it is a fact that he did not exercise that right, though the + counsel of the prisoners availed themselves of it freely, with the result + that in Elliot’s case, the jury was composed of eight Boers and one + German, nine being the full South African jury. The necessary result + followed; in both cases the prisoners were acquitted in the teeth of the + evidence. Barber’s murderers were tried in the Free State, and were, as + might be expected, acquitted. + </p> + <p> + Thus it will be seen that of all the perpetrators of murder and other + crimes during the course of the war not one was brought to justice. + </p> + <p> + The offence for which their victims died was, in nearly every case, that + they had served, were serving, or were loyal to Her Majesty the Queen. In + no single case has England exacted retribution for the murder of her + servants and citizens; but nobody can read through the long list of these + dastardly slaughters without feeling that they will not go unavenged. The + innocent blood that has been shed on behalf of this country, and the tears + of children and widows now appeal to a higher tribunal than that of Mr. + Gladstone’s Government, and assuredly they will not appeal in vain. + </p> + <p> + The next point of importance dealt with by the Commission was the question + whether or no any territory should be severed from the Transvaal, and kept + under English rule for the benefit of the native inhabitants. Lord + Kimberley, acting under pressure put upon him by members of the Aborigines + Protection Society, instructed the Commission to consider the advisability + of severing the districts of Lydenburg and Zoutpansberg, and also a strip + of territory bordering on Zululand and Swazieland from the Transvaal, so + as to place the inhabitants of the first two districts out of danger of + maltreatment by the Boers, and to interpose a buffer between Zulus, and + Swazies, and Boer aggression, and <i>vice versa</i>. + </p> + <p> + The Boer leaders had, it must be remembered, acquiesced in the principle + of such a separation in the preliminary peace signed by Sir Evelyn Wood + and themselves. The majority of the Commission, however (Sir Evelyn Wood + dissenting), finally decided against the retention of either of these + districts, a decision which I think was a wise one, though I arrive at + that conclusion on very different grounds to those adopted by the majority + of the Commission. + </p> + <p> + Personally, I cannot see that it is the duty of England to play policeman + to the whole world. To have retained these native districts would have + been to make ourselves responsible for their good government, and to have + guaranteed them against Boer encroachment, which I do not think that we + were called upon to do. It is surely not incumbent upon us, having given + up the Transvaal to the Boers, to undertake the management of the most + troublesome part of it, the Zulu border. Besides, bad as the abandonment + of the Transvaal is, I think that if it was to be done at all, it was best + to do it thoroughly, since to have kept some natives under our protection, + and to have handed over the rest to the tender mercies of the Boers, would + only be to render our injustice more obvious, whilst weakening the power + of the natives themselves to combine in self-defence; since those under + our protection would naturally have little sympathy with their more + unfortunate brethren—their interests and circumstances being + different. + </p> + <p> + The Commission do not seem to have considered the question from these + points of view, but putting them on one side, there are many other + considerations connected with it, which are ably summed up in their + Report. Amongst these is the danger of disturbances commenced between + Zulus or Swazies and Boers, spreading into Natal, and the probability of + the fomenting of disturbances amongst the Zulus by Boers. The great + argument for the retention of some territory, if only as a symbol that the + English had not been driven out of the country, is, however, set forth in + the forty-sixth paragraph of the Report, which runs as follows:—“The + moral considerations that determine the actions of civilised Governments + are not easily understood by barbarians, in whose eyes successful force is + alone the sign of superiority, and it appeared possible that the surrender + by the British Crown of one of its possessions to those who had been in + arms against it, might be looked upon by the natives in no other way than + as a token of the defeat and decay of the British Power, and that thus a + serious shock might be given to British authority in South Africa, and the + capacity of Great Britain to govern and direct the vast native population + within and without her South African dominions—a capacity resting + largely on the renown of her name—might be dangerously impaired.” + </p> + <p> + These words coming from so unexpected a source do not, though couched in + such mild language, hide the startling importance of the question + discussed. On the contrary, they accurately and with double weight convey + the sense and gist of the most damning argument against the policy of the + retrocession of the Transvaal in its entirety; and proceeding from their + own carefully chosen commissioners, can hardly have been pleasant reading + to Lord Kimberley and his colleagues. + </p> + <p> + The majority of the Commission then proceeds to set forth the arguments + advanced by the Boers against the retention of any territory, which appear + to have been chiefly of a sentimental character, since we are informed + that “the people, it seemed certain, would not have valued the restoration + of a mutilated country. Sentiment in a great measure had led them to + insurrection, and the force of such it was impossible to disregard.” Sir + E. Wood in his dissent, states, that he cannot even agree with the + premises of his colleagues’ argument, since he is convinced that it was + not sentiment that had led to the outbreak, but a “general and rooted + aversion to taxation.” If he had added, and a hatred not only of English + rule, but of all rule, he would have stated the complete cause of the + Transvaal rebellion. In the next paragraph of the Report, however, we find + the real cause of the pliability of the Commission in the matter, which is + the same that influenced them in their decision about the mode of trial of + the murderers and other questions:—they feared that the people would + appeal to arms if they decided against their wishes. + </p> + <p> + Discreditable and disgraceful as it may seem, nobody can read this Report + without plainly seeing that the Commissioners were, in treating with the + Boers on these points, in the position of ambassadors from a beaten people + getting the best terms they could. Of course, they well knew that this was + not the case, but whatever the Boer leaders may have said, the Boers + themselves did not know this, or even pretend to look at the matter in any + other light. When we asked for the country back, said they, we did not get + it; after we had three times defeated the English we did get it; the + logical conclusion from the facts being that we got it because we defeated + the English. This was their tone, and it is not therefore surprising that + whenever the Commission threatened to decide anything against them, they, + with a smile, let it know that if it did, they would be under the painful + necessity of re-occupying Lang’s Nek. It was never necessary to repeat the + threat, since the majority of the Commission would thereupon speedily find + a way to meet the views of the Boer representatives. + </p> + <p> + Sir Evelyn Wood, in his dissent, thus correctly sums up the matter:—“To + contend that the Royal Commission ought not to decide contrary to the + wishes of the Boers, because such decision might not be accepted, is to + deny to the Commission the very power of decision that it was agreed + should be left in its hands.” Exactly so. But it is evident that the + Commission knew its place, and so far from attempting to exercise any + “power of decision,” it was quite content with such concessions as it + could obtain by means of bargaining. Thus, as an additional reason against + the retention of any territory, it is urged that if this territory was + retained “the majority of your Commissioners . . . would have found + themselves in no favourable position for obtaining the concurrence of the + Boer leaders as to other matters.” In fact, Her Majesty’s Commission + appointed, or supposed to be appointed, to do Her Majesty’s will and + pleasure, shook in its shoes before men who had lately been rebels in arms + against Her authority, and humbly submitted itself to their dicta. + </p> + <p> + The majority of the Commission went on to express their opinion, that by + giving away about the retention of territory they would be able to obtain + better terms for the natives generally, and larger powers for the British + Resident. But, as Sir Evelyn Wood points out in his Report, they did + nothing of the sort, the terms of the agreement about the Resident and + other native matters being all consequent on and included in the first + agreement of peace. Besides, they seem to have overlooked the fact that + such concessions as they did obtain are only on paper, and practically + worthless, whilst all <i>bona fide</i> advantages remained with the Boers. + </p> + <p> + The decision of the Commissioners in the question of the Keate Award, + which next came under their consideration, appears to have been a + judicious one, being founded on the very careful Report of Colonel Moysey, + R.E., who had been for many months collecting information on the spot. The + Keate Award Territory is a region lying to the south-west of the + Transvaal, and was, like many other districts in that country, originally + in the possession of natives, of the Baralong and Batlapin tribes. + Individual Boers having, however, <i>more suo</i> taken possession of + tracts of land in the district, difficulties speedily arose between their + Government and the native chiefs, and in 1871 Mr. Keate, + Lieutenant-Governor of Natal, was by mutual consent called in to arbitrate + on the matter. His decision was entirely in favour of the natives, and was + accordingly promptly and characteristically repudiated by the Boer + Volksraad. From that time till the rebellion the question remained + unsettled, and was indeed a very thorny one to deal with. The Commission, + acting on the principle <i>in medio tutissimus ibis</i>, drew a line + through the midst of the disputed territory, or, in other words, set aside + Mr. Keate’s award and interpreted the dispute in favour of the Boers. + </p> + <p> + This decision was accepted by all parties at the time, but it has not + resulted in the maintenance of peace. The principal Chief, Montsoia, is an + old ally and staunch friend of the English, a fact which the Boers were + not able to forget or forgive, and they appear to have stirred up rival + Chiefs to attack him, and to have allowed volunteers from the Transvaal to + assist them. Montsoia has also enlisted some white volunteers, and several + fights have taken place, in which the loss of life has been considerable. + Whether or no the Transvaal Government is directly concerned it is + impossible to say, but from the fact that cannon are said to have been + used against Montsoia it would appear that it is, since private + individuals do not, as a rule, own Armstrong guns.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] I beg to refer any reader interested in this matter to + the letter of “Transvaal” to the “Standard,” which I have + republished in the Appendix to this book. +</pre> + <p> + Amongst the questions remaining for the consideration of the Commissioners + was that of what compensation should be given for losses during the war. + Of course, the great bulk of the losses sustained were of an indirect + nature, resulting from the necessary and enormous depreciation in the + value of land and other property, consequent on the retrocession. Into + this matter the Home Government declined to enter, thereby saving its + pocket at the price of its honour, since it was upon English guarantees + that the country would remain a British possession, that the majority of + the unfortunate loyals invested their money in it. It was, however, agreed + by the Commission (Sir H. de Villiers dissenting) that the Boers should be + liable for compensation in cases where loss had been sustained through + commandeering seizure, confiscation, destruction, or damage of property. + The sums awarded under these heads have already amounted to about 110,000 + pounds, which sum has been defrayed by the Imperial Government, the Boer + authorities stating that they were not in a position to pay it. + </p> + <p> + In connection with this matter, I will pass to the Financial clauses of + the Report. When the country was annexed, the public debt amounted to + 301,727 pounds. Under British rule this debt was liquidated to the extent + of 150,000 pounds, but the total was brought up by a Parliamentary grant, + a loan from the Standard Bank, and sundries to 390,404 pounds, which + represented the public debt of the Transvaal on the 31st December 1880. + This was further increased by moneys advanced by the Standard Bank and + English Exchequer during the war, and till the 8th August 1881, during + which time the country yielded no revenue, to 457,393 pounds. To this must + be added an estimated sum of 200,000 pounds for compensation charges, + pension allowances, &c., and a further sum of 383,000 pounds, the cost + of the successful expedition against Secocoeni, that of the unsuccessful + one being left out of account, bringing up the total public debt to over a + million, of which about 800,000 pounds is owing to this country. + </p> + <p> + This sum, with the characteristic liberality that distinguished them in + their dealings with the Boers, but which was not so marked where loyals + were concerned, the Commissioners (Sir Evelyn Wood dissenting) reduced by + a stroke of the pen to 265,000 pounds, thus entirely remitting an + approximate sum of 500,000 pounds, or 600,000 pounds. To the sum of + 265,000 pounds still owing, must be added say another 150,000 pounds for + sums lately advanced to pay the compensation claims, bringing up the + actual amount now owing to England to something under half a million, of + which I say with confidence she will never see a single 10,000 pounds. As + this contingency was not contemplated, or if contemplated, not alluded to + by the Royal Commission, provision was made for a sinking fund, by means + of which the debt, which is a second charge on the revenues of the States, + is to be extinguished in twenty-five years. + </p> + <p> + It is a strange instance of the proverbial irony of fate, that whilst the + representatives of the Imperial Government were thus showering gifts of + hundreds of thousands of pounds upon men who had spurned the benefits of + Her Majesty’s rule, made war upon her forces, and murdered her subjects, + no such consideration was extended to those who had remained loyal to her + throne. Their claims for compensation were passed by unheeded; and looking + from the windows of the room in which they sat in Newcastle, the members + of the Commission might have seen them flocking down from a country that + could no longer be their home; those that were rich among them made poor, + and those that were poor reduced to destitution. + </p> + <p> + The only other point which it will be necessary for me to touch on in + connection with this Report is the duties of the British Resident and his + relations to the natives. He was to be invested as representative of the + Suzerain with functions for securing the execution of the terms of peace + as regards: (1.) The control of the foreign relations of the State; (2.) + The control of the frontier affairs of the State; and (3.) The protection + of the interests of the natives in the State. + </p> + <p> + As regards the first of these points, it was arranged that the interests + of subjects of the Transvaal should be left in the hands of Her Majesty’s + representatives abroad. Since Boers are, of all people in the world, the + most stay-at-home, our ambassadors and consuls are not likely to be + troubled much on their account. With reference to the second point, the + Commission made stipulations that would be admirable if there were any + probability of their being acted up to. The Resident is to report any + encroachment on native territory by Boers to the High Commissioner, and + when the Resident and the Boer Government differ, the decision of the + Suzerain is to be final. This is a charming way of settling difficulties, + but the Commission forgets to specify how the Suzerain’s decision is to be + enforced. After what has happened, it can hardly have relied on awe of the + name of England to bring about the desired obedience! + </p> + <p> + But besides thus using his beneficent authority to prevent subjects of the + Transvaal from trespassing on their neighbour’s land, the Resident is to + exercise a general supervision over the interests of all the natives in + the country. Considering that they number about a million, and are + scattered over a territory larger than France, one would think that this + duty alone would have taken up the time of any ordinary man; and, indeed, + Sir Evelyn Wood was in favour of the appointment of sub-residents to + assist him. The majority of the Commission refused, however, to listen to + any such suggestion—believing, they said, “that the least possible + interference with the independent Government of the State would be the + wisest.” Quite so, but I suppose it never occurred to them to ask the + natives what their views of the matter were! The Resident was also to be a + member of a Native Location Committee, which was at some future time, to + provide land for natives to live on. + </p> + <p> + In perusing this Report it is easy to follow with more or less accuracy + the individual bent of its framers. Sir Hercules Robinson figures + throughout as a man who has got a disagreeable business to carry out, in + obedience to instructions that admit of no trifling with, and who has set + himself to do the best he can for his country, and those who suffer + through his country’s policy, whilst obeying those instructions. He has + evidently choked down his feelings and opinions as an individual, and + turned himself into an official machine, merely registering in detail the + will of Lord Kimberley. With Sir Henry de Villiers the case is very + different, one feels throughout that the task is to him a congenial one, + and that the Boer cause has in him an excellent friend. Indeed, had he + been an advocate of their cause instead of a member of the Commission, he + could not have espoused their side on every occasion with greater zeal. + According to him they were always in the right, and in them he could find + no guile. Mr. Hofmeyer and President Brand exercised a wise discretion + from their own point of view, when they urged his appointment as Special + Commissioner. I now come to Sir Evelyn Wood, who was in the position of an + independent Englishman, neither prejudiced in favour of the Boers, or the + reverse, and on whom, as a military man, Lord Kimberley would find it + difficult to put the official screw. The results of his happy position are + obvious in the paper attached to the end of the Report, and signed by him, + in which he totally and entirely differs from the majority of the + Commission on every point of importance. Most people will think that this + very outspoke and forcible dissent deducts somewhat from the value of the + Report, and throws a shadow of doubt on the wisdom of its provisions. + </p> + <p> + The formal document of agreement between Her Majesty’s Government and the + Boer leaders, commonly known as the Convention, was signed by both parties + at Pretoria on the afternoon of the 3d August 1881, in the same room in + which, nearly four years before, the Annexation Proclamation was signed by + Sir T. Shepstone. + </p> + <p> + Whilst this business was being transacted in Government House, a curious + ceremony was going on just outside, and within sight of the windows. This + was the ceremonious burial of the Union Jack, which was followed to the + grave by a crowd of about 2000 loyalists and native chiefs. On the outside + of the coffin was written the word “Resurgam,” and an eloquent oration was + delivered over the grave. Such demonstrations are, no doubt, foolish + enough, but they are not entirely without political significance. + </p> + <p> + But a more unpleasant duty awaited the Commissioners than that of + attaching their signatures to a document,—consisting of the + necessity of conveying Her Majesty’s decision as to the retrocession, to + about a hundred native Chiefs, until now Her Majesty’s subjects, who had + been gathered together to hear it. It must be borne in mind that the + natives had not been consulted as to the disposal of the country, although + they outnumber the white people in the proportion of twenty to one, and + that, beyond some worthless paper stipulations, nothing had been done for + their interests. + </p> + <p> + Personally, I must plead guilty to what I know is by many, especially by + those who are attached to the Boer cause, considered as folly if not + worse, namely, a sufficient interest in the natives, and sympathy with + their sufferings to bring me to the conclusion, that in acting thus we + have inflicted a cruel injustice upon them. It seems to me, that as they + were the original owners of the soil, they were entitled to some + consideration in the question of its disposal, and consequently and + incidentally, of their own. I am aware that it is generally considered + that the white man has a right to the black man’s possessions and land, + and that it is his high and holy mission to exterminate the wretched + native and take his place. But with this conclusion I venture to differ. + So far as my own experience of natives has gone, I have found that in all + the essential qualities of mind and body, they very much resemble white + men, with the exception that they are, as a race, quicker-witted, more + honest, and braver, than the ordinary run of white men. Of them might be + aptly quoted the speech Shakespeare puts into Shylock’s mouth: “Hath not a + Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, + passions?” In the same way I ask, Has a native no feelings or affections? + does he not suffer when his parents are shot, or his children stolen, or + when he is driven a wanderer from his home? Does he not know fear, feel + pain, affection, hate and gratitude? Most certainly he does; and this + being so, I cannot believe that the Almighty, who made both white and + black, gave to the one race the right or mission of exterminating, or even + of robbing or maltreating the other, and calling the process the advance + of civilisation. It seems to me, that on only one condition, if at all, + have we the right to take the black man’s land; and that is, that we + provide them with an equal and a just Government, and allow no + maltreatment of them, either as individuals or tribes: but, on the + contrary, do our best to elevate them, and wean them from savage customs. + Otherwise, the practice is surely undefensible. + </p> + <p> + I am aware, however, that with the exception of a small class, these are + sentiments which are not shared by the great majority of the public, + either at home or abroad. Indeed, it can be plainly seen how little + sympathy they command, from the fact that but scanty remonstrance was + raised at the treatment meted out to our native subjects in the Transvaal, + when they were, to the number of nearly a million, handed over from the + peace, justice, and security, that on the whole characterise our rule, to + a state of things, and possibilities of wrong and suffering which I will + not try to describe. + </p> + <p> + To the chiefs thus assembled Sir Hercules Robinson, as President of the + Royal Commission, read a statement, and then retired, refusing to allow + them to speak in answer. The statement informed the natives that “Her + Majesty’s Government, with that sense of justice which befits a great and + powerful nation,” had returned the country to the Boers, “whose + representatives, Messrs. Kruger, Pretorius, and Joubert, I now,” said Sir + Hercules, “have much pleasure in introducing to you.” If reports are true, + the native Chiefs had, many of them personally, and all of them by + reputation, already the advantage of a very intimate acquaintance with all + three of these gentlemen, so that an introduction was somewhat + superfluous. + </p> + <p> + Sir Hercules went on to explain to them that locations would be allotted + to them at some future time; that a British Resident would be appointed, + whose especial charge they would be, but that they must bear in mind that + he was not the ruler of the country, but the Government, “subject to Her + Majesty’s suzerain rights.” Natives were, no doubt, expected to know by + intuition what suzerain rights are. The statement then goes on to give + them good advice as to the advantages of indulging in manual labour when + asked to do so by the Boers, and generally to show them how bright and + happy is the future that lies before them. Lest they should be too elated + by such good tidings, they are, however, reminded that it will be + necessary to retain the law relating to passes, which is, in the hands of + a people like the Boers, about as unjust a regulation as a dominant race + can invent for the oppression of a subject people, and had, in the old + days of the Republic, been productive of much hardship. The statement + winds up by assuring them that their “interests will never be forgotten or + neglected by Her Majesty’s Government.” Having read the document the + Commission hastily withdrew, and after their withdrawal the Chiefs were + “allowed” to state their opinions to the Secretary for Native Affairs. + </p> + <p> + In availing themselves of this permission, it is noticeable that no + allusion was made to all the advantages they were to reap under the + Convention, nor did they seem to attach much importance to the appointment + of the British Resident. On the contrary, all their attention was given to + the great fact that the country had been ceded to the Boers, and that they + were no longer the Queen’s subjects. We are told, in Mr. Shepstone’s + Report, that they “got very excited,” and “asked whether it was thought + that they had no feelings or hearts, that they were thus treated as a + stick or piece of tobacco, which could be passed from hand to hand without + question.” Umgombarie, a Zoutpansberg Chief, said, “I am Umgombarie. I + have fought with the Boers, and have many wounds, and they know that what + I say is true. . . . I will never consent to place myself under their + rule. I belong to the English Government. I am not a man who eats with + both sides of his jaw at once; I only use one side. I am English, I have + said.” Silamba said, “I belong to the English. I will never return under + the Boers. You see me, a man of my rank and position, is it right that + such as I should be seized and laid on the ground and flogged, as has been + done to me and other chiefs?” + </p> + <p> + Sinkanhla said: “We hear and yet do not hear, we cannot understand. We are + troubling you, Chief, by talking in this way; we hear the Chiefs say that + the Queen took the country because the people of the country wished it, + and again that the majority of the owners of the country did not wish + their rule, and that therefore the country was given back. We should like + to have the man pointed out from among us black people who objects to the + rule of the Queen. We are the real owners of the country; we were here + when the Boers came, and without asking leave, settled down and treated us + in every way badly. The English Government then came and took the country; + we have now had four years of rest and peaceful and just rule. We have + been called here to-day, and are told that the country, our country, has + been given to the Boers by the Queen. This is a thing which surprises us. + Did the country, then, belong to the Boers? Did it not belong to our + fathers and forefathers before us, long before the Boers came here? We + have heard that the Boers’ country is at the Cape. If the Queen wishes to + give them their land, why does she not give them back the Cape?” + </p> + <p> + I have quoted this speech at length, because, although made by a despised + native, it sets forth their case more powerfully and in happier language + than I can do. + </p> + <p> + Umyethile said: “We have no heart for talking. I have returned to the + country from Sechelis, where I had to fly from Boer oppression. Our hearts + are black and heavy with grief to-day at the news told us, we are in + agony, our intestines are twisting and writhing inside of us, just as you + see a snake do when it is struck on the head. . . . We do not know what + has become of us, but we feel dead; it may be that the Lord may change the + nature of the Boers, and that we will not be treated like dogs and beasts + of burden as formerly, but we have no hope of such a change, and we leave + you with heavy hearts and great apprehension as to the future.” In his + Report, Mr. Shepstone (the Secretary for Native Affairs) says: “One chief, + Jan Sibilo, who has been, he informed me, personally threatened with death + by the Boers after the English leave, could not restrain his feelings, but + cried like a child.” + </p> + <p> + I have nothing to add to these extracts, which are taken from many such + statements. They are the very words of the persons most concerned, and + will speak for themselves. + </p> + <p> + The Convention was signed on the 3d August 1881, and was to be formally + ratified by a Volksraad or Parliament of the Burghers within three months + of that date, in default of which it was to fall to the ground and become + null and void. + </p> + <p> + Anybody who has followed the course of affairs with reference to the + retrocession of the Transvaal, or who has even taken the trouble to read + through this brief history, will probably come to the conclusion that, + under all the circumstances, the Boers had got more than they could + reasonably expect. Not so, however, the Boers themselves. On the 28th + September the newly-elected Volksraad referred the Convention to a General + Committee to report on, and on the 30th September the Report was + presented. On the 3d October a telegram was despatched through the British + Resident to “His Excellency W. E. Gladstone,” in which the Volksraad + states that the Convention is not acceptable— + </p> + <p> + (1.) Because it is in conflict with the Sand River Treaty of 1852. + </p> + <p> + (2.) Because it violates the peace agreement entered into with Sir Evelyn + Wood, in confidence of which the Boers laid down their arms. + </p> + <p> + The Volksraad consequently declared that modifications were desirable, and + that certain articles <i>must</i> be altered. + </p> + <p> + To begin with, they declare that the “conduct of foreign relations does + not appertain to the Suzerain, only supervision,” and that the articles + bearing on these points must consequently be modified. They next attack + the native question, stating that “the Suzerain has not the right to + interfere with our Legislature,” and state that they cannot agree to + Article 3, which gives the Suzerain a right of veto on Legislation + connected with the natives, to Article 13, by virtue of which natives are + to be allowed to acquire land, and to the last part of Article 26, by + which it is provided that whites of alien race living in the Transvaal + shall not be taxed in excess of the taxes imposed on Transvaal citizens. + </p> + <p> + They further declare that it is “infra dignitatem” for the President of + the Transvaal to be a member of a Commission. This refers to the Native + Location Commission, on which he is, in the terms of the Convention, to + sit, together with the British Resident, and a third person jointly + appointed. + </p> + <p> + They next declare that the amount of the debt for which the Commission has + made them liable should be modified. Considering that England had already + made them a present of from 600,000 pounds to 800,000 pounds, this is a + most barefaced demand. Finally, they state that “Articles 15, 16, 26, and + 27, are superfluous, and only calculated to wound our sense of honour” + (sic). + </p> + <p> + Article 15 enacts that no slavery or apprenticeship shall be tolerated. + </p> + <p> + Article 16 provides for religious toleration. + </p> + <p> + Article 26 provides for the free movement, trading, and residence of all + persons, other than natives, conforming themselves to the laws of the + Transvaal. + </p> + <p> + Article 27 gives to all the right of free access to the Courts of Justice. + </p> + <p> + Putting the “sense of honour” of the Transvaal Volksraad out of the + question, past experience has but too plainly proved that these Articles + are by no means superfluous. + </p> + <p> + In reply to this message, Sir Hercules Robinson telegraphs to the British + Resident on the 21st October in the following words:— + </p> + <p> + “Having forwarded Volksraad Resolution of 15th to Earl of Kimberley, I am + desired to instruct you in reply to repeat to the Triumvirate that Her + Majesty’s Government cannot entertain any proposals for a modification of + the Convention <i>until after it has been ratified</i>, and the necessity + for further concession proved by experience.” + </p> + <p> + I wish to draw particular attention to the last part of this message, + which is extremely typical of the line of policy adopted throughout in the + Transvaal business. The English Government dared not make any further + concession to the Boers, because they felt that they had already strained + the temper of the country almost to breaking in the matter. On the other + hand, they were afraid that if they did not do something, the Boers would + tear up the Convention, and they would find themselves face to face with + the old difficulty. Under these circumstances, they have fallen back upon + their temporising and un-English policy, which leaves them a back-door to + escape through, whatever turn things take. Should the Boers now suddenly + turn round and declare, which is extremely probable, that they repudiate + their debt to us, or that they are sick of the presence of a British + Resident, the Government will be able to announce that “the necessity for + further concession” has now been “proved by experience,” and thus escape + the difficulty. In short, this telegram has deprived the Convention of + whatever finality it may have possessed, and made it, as a document, as + worthless as it is as a practical settlement. That this is the view taken + of it by the Boers themselves, is proved by the text of the Ratification + which followed on the receipt of this telegram. + </p> + <p> + The tone of this document throughout is, in my opinion, considering from + whom it came, and against whom it is directed, very insolent. And it amply + confirms what I have previously said, that the Boers looked upon + themselves as a victorious people making terms with those they have + conquered. The Ratification leads off thus: “The Volksraad is not + satisfied with this Convention, and considers that the members of the + Triumvirate performed a fervent act of love for the Fatherland when they + upon their own responsibility signed such an unsatisfactory state + document.” This is damning with faint praise indeed. It then goes on to + recite the various points of object, stating that the answers from the + English Government proved that they were well founded. “The English + Government,” it says, “acknowledges indirectly by this answer (the + telegram of 21st October, quoted above) that the difficulties raised by + the Volksraad are neither fictitious nor unfounded, inasmuch <i>as it + desires from us the concession</i> that we, the Volksraad, shall submit it + to a practical test.” It will be observed that English is here represented + as begging the favour of a trial of her conditions from the Volksraad of + the Transvaal Boers. The Ratification is in these words: “Therefore it is + that the Raad here unanimously resolves not to go into further discussion + of the Convention, <i>and maintaining all objections to the Convention</i> + as made before the Royal Commission or stated in the Raad, and for the + purpose of showing to everybody that the love of peace and unity inspires + us, <i>for the time and provisionally</i> submitting the articles of the + Convention to a practical test, <i>hereby complying with the request of + the English Government</i> contained in the telegram of the 13th October + 1881, proceeds to ratify the Convention.” + </p> + <p> + It would have been interesting to have seen how such a Ratification as + this, which is no Ratification but an insult, would have been accepted by + Lord Beaconsfield. I think that within twenty-four hours of its arrival in + Downing Street, the Boer Volksraad would have received a startling answer. + But Lord Beaconsfield is dead, and by his successor it was received with + all due thankfulness and humility. His words, however, on this subject + still remain to us, and even his great rival might have done well to + listen to them. It was in the course of what was, I believe, the last + speech he made in the House of Lords, that speaking about the Transvaal + rising, he warned the Government that it was a very dangerous thing to + make peace with rebellious subjects in arms against the authority of the + Queen. The warning passed unheeded, and the peace was made in the way I + have described. + </p> + <p> + As regards the Convention itself, it will be obvious to the reader that + the Boers have not any intention of acting up to its provisions, mild as + they are, if they can possibly avoid them, whilst, on the other hand, + there is no force at hand to punish their disregard or breach. It is all + very well to create a Resident with extensive powers; but how is he to + enforce his decisions? What is he to do if his awards are laughed at and + made a mockery of, as they are and will be? The position of Mr. Hudson at + Pretoria is even worse than that of Mr. Osborn in Zululand. For instance, + the Convention specifies in the first article that the Transvaal is to be + known as the Transvaal State. The Boer Government have, however, thought + fit to adopt the name of “South African Republic” in all public documents. + Mr. Hudson was accordingly directed to remonstrate, which he did in a + feeble way; his remonstrance was politely acknowledged, but the country is + still officially called the South African Republic, the Convention and Mr. + Hudson’s remonstrations notwithstanding. Mr. Hudson, however, appears to + be better suited to the position than would have been the case had an + Englishman, pure and simple, been appointed, since it is evident that + things that would have struck the latter as insults to the Queen he + represented, and his country generally, are not so understood by him. In + fact, he admirably represents his official superiors in his capacity of + swallowing rebuffs, and when smitten on one cheek delightedly offering the + other. + </p> + <p> + Thus we find him attending a Boer meeting of thanksgiving for the success + that had waited on their arms and the recognition of their independence, + where most people will consider he was out of place. To this meeting, thus + graced by his presence, an address was presented by a branch of the + Africander Bond, a powerful institution, having for its object the total + uprootal of English rule and English customs in South Africa, to which he + must have listened with pleasure. In it he, in common with other members + of the meeting, is informed that “you took up the sword and struck the + Briton with such force” that “the Britons through fear revived that sense + of justice to which they could not be brought by petitions,” and that the + “day will soon come that we shall enter with you on one arena for the + entire independence of South Africa,” i.e., independence from English + rule. + </p> + <p> + On the following day the Government gave a dinner, to which all those who + had done good service during the late hostilities were invited, the + British Resident being apparently the only Englishman asked. Amongst the + other celebrities present I notice the name of Buskes. This man, who is an + educated Hollander, was the moving spirit of the Potchefstroom atrocities; + indeed, so dark is his reputation that the Royal Commission refused to + transact business with him, or to admit him into their presence. Mr. + Hudson was not so particular. And now comes the most extraordinary part of + the episode. At the dinner it was necessary that the health of Her Majesty + as Suzerain should be proposed, and with studied insolence this was done + last of all the leading political toasts, and immediately after that of + the Triumvirate. Notwithstanding this fact, and that the toast was couched + by Mr. Joubert, who stated that “he would not attempt to explain what a + Suzerain was,” in what appear to be semi-ironical terms, we find that Mr. + Hudson “begged to tender his thanks to the Honourable Mr. Joubert for the + kind way in which he proposed the toast.” + </p> + <p> + It may please Mr. Hudson to see the name of the Queen thus metaphorically + dragged in triumph at the chariot wheels of the Triumvirate, but it is + satisfactory to know that the spectacle is not appreciated in England: + since, on a question in the House of Lords, by the Earl of Carnarvon, who + characterised it as a deliberate insult, Lord Kimberley replied that the + British Resident had been instructed that in future he was not to attend + public demonstrations unless he had previously informed himself that the + name of Her Majesty would be treated with proper respect. Let us hope that + this official reprimand will have its effect, and that Mr. Hudson will + learn therefrom that there is such a thing as <i>trop de zele</i>—even + in a good cause. + </p> + <p> + The Convention is now a thing of the past, the appropriate rewards have + been lavishly distributed to its framers, and President Brand has at last + prevailed upon the Volksraad of the Orange Free State to allow him to + become a Knight Grand Cross of Saint Michael and Saint George,—the + same prize looked forward to by our most distinguished public servants at + the close of the devotion of their life to the service of their country. + But its results are yet to come—though it would be difficult to + forecast the details of their development. One thing, however, is clear: + the signing of that document signalised an entirely new departure in South + African affairs, and brought us within a measurable distance of the + abandonment, for the present at any rate, of the supremacy of English rule + in South Africa. + </p> + <p> + This is the larger issue of the matter, and it is already bearing fruit. + Emboldened by their success in the Transvaal, the Dutch party at the Cape + are demanding, and the demand is to be granted, that the Dutch tongue be + admitted <i>pari passu</i> with English, as the official language in the + Law Courts and the House of Assembly. When a country thus consents to use + a foreign tongue equally with its own, it is a sure sign that those who + speak it are rising to power. But “the Party” looks higher than this, and + openly aims at throwing off English rule altogether, and declaring South + Africa a great Dutch republic. The course of events is favourable to their + aspiration. Responsible Government is to be granted to Natal, which + country not being strong enough to stand alone in the face of the many + dangers that surround her, will be driven into the arms of the Dutch party + to save herself from destruction. It will be useless for her to look for + help from England, and any feelings of repugnance she may feel to Boer + rule will soon be choked by necessity, and a mutual interest. It is, + however, possible that some unforeseen event, such as the advent to power + of a strong Conservative Ministry, may check the tide that now sets so + strongly in favour of Dutch supremacy. + </p> + <p> + It seems to me, however, to be a question worthy of the consideration of + those who at present direct the destinies of the Empire, whether it would + not be wise, as they have gone so far, to go a little further and favour a + scheme for the total abandonment of South Africa, retaining only Table + Bay. If they do not, it is now quite within the bounds of sober + possibility that they may one day have to face a fresh Transvaal + rebellion, only on a ten times larger scale, and might find it difficult + to retain even Table Bay. If, on the other hand, they do, I believe that + all the White States in South Africa will confederate of their own + free-will, under the pressure of the necessity for common action, and the + Dutch element being preponderant, at once set to work to exterminate the + natives on general principles, in much the same way, and from much the + same motives that a cook exterminates black beetles, because she thinks + them ugly, and to clear the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + I need hardly say that such a policy is not one that commands my sympathy, + but Her Majesty’s Government having put their hand to the plough, it is + worth their while to consider it. It would at any rate be in perfect + accordance with their declared sentiments, and command an enthusiastic + support from their followers. + </p> + <p> + As regards the smaller and more immediate issue of the retrocession, + namely, its effect on the Transvaal itself, it cannot be other than evil. + The act is, I believe, quite without precedent in our history, and it is + difficult to see, looking at it from those high grounds of national + morality assumed by the Government, what greater arguments can be advanced + in its favour, than could be found to support the abandonment of,—let + us say,—Ireland. Indeed a certain parallel undoubtedly exists + between the circumstances of the two countries. Ireland was, like the + Transvaal, annexed, though a long time ago, and has continually agitated + for its freedom. The Irish hate us, so did the Boers. In Ireland, + Englishmen are being shot, and England is running the awful risk of + bloodguiltiness, as it did in the Transvaal. In Ireland, smouldering + revolution is being fanned into flame by Mr. Gladstone’s speeches and + acts, as it was in the Transvaal. In Ireland, as in the Transvaal, there + exists a strong loyal class that receives insults instead of support from + the Government, and whose property, as was the case there, is taken from + them without compensation, to be flung as a sop to stop the mouths of the + Queen’s enemies. And so I might go on, finding many such similarities of + circumstances, but my parallel, like most parallels, must break down at + last. Thus—it mattered little to England whether or no she let the + Transvaal go, but to let Ireland go would be more than even Mr. Gladstone + dare attempt. + </p> + <p> + Somehow, if you follow these things far enough, you always come to vulgar + first principles. The difference between the case of the Transvaal and + that of Ireland is a difference not of justice but of cause, for both + causes are equally unjust or just according as they are viewed, but of + mere common expediency. Judging from the elevated standpoint of the + national morality theory however, which, as we know, soars above such + truisms as the foolish statement that force is a remedy, or that if you + wish to retain your prestige you must not allow defeats to pass unavenged, + I cannot see why, if it was righteous to abandon the Transvaal, it would + not be equally righteous to abandon Ireland! + </p> + <p> + As for the Transvaal, that country is not to be congratulated on its + success, for it has destroyed all its hopes of permanent peace, has ruined + its trade and credit, and has driven away the most useful and productive + class in the community. The Boers, elated by their success in arms, will + be little likely to settle down to peaceable occupations, and still less + likely to pay their taxes, which, indeed, I hear they are already refusing + to do. They have learnt how easily even a powerful Government can be + upset, and the lesson is not likely to be forgotten, for want of + repetition to their own weak one. + </p> + <p> + Already the Transvaal Government hardly knows which way to turn for funds, + and is, perhaps fortunately for itself, quite unable to borrow, through + want of credit. + </p> + <p> + As regards the native question, I agree with Mr. H. Shepstone, who, in his + Report on this subject, says that he does not believe that the natives + will inaugurate any action against the Boers, so long as the latter do not + try to collect taxes, or otherwise interfere with them. But if the Boer + Government is to continue to exist, it will be bound to raise taxes from + the natives, since it cannot collect much from its white subjects. The + first general attempt of the sort will be the signal for active resistance + on the part of the natives, whom, if they act without concert, the Boers + will be able to crush in detail, though with considerable loss. If, on the + other hand, they should have happened, during the last few years, to have + learnt the advantages of combination, as is quite possible, perhaps they + will crush the Boers. + </p> + <p> + The only thing that is at present certain about the matter is that there + will be bloodshed, and that before long. For instance, the Montsoia + difficulty in the Keate Award has in it the possibilities of a serious + war, and there are plenty such difficulties ready to spring into life + within and without the Transvaal. + </p> + <p> + In all human probability it will take but a small lapse of time for the + Transvaal to find itself in the identical position from which we relieved + it by the Annexation. + </p> + <p> + What course events will then take it is impossible to say. It may be found + desirable to re-annex the country, though, in my opinion, that would be, + after all that has passed, an unfortunate step; its inhabitants may be cut + up piecemeal by a combined movement of native tribes, as they would have + been, had they not been rescued by the English Government in 1877, or it + is possible that the Orange Free State may consent to take the Transvaal + under its wing: who can say? There is only one thing that our recently + abandoned possession can count on for certain, and that is trouble, both + from its white subjects, and the natives, who hate the Boers with a bitter + and a well-earned hatred. + </p> + <p> + The whole question, can, so far as its moral aspect is concerned, be + summed up in a few words. + </p> + <p> + Whether or no the Annexation was a necessity at the moment of its + execution,—which I certainly maintain it was—it received the + unreserved sanction of the Home Authorities, and the relations of + Sovereign and subject, with all the many and mutual obligations involved + in that connection, were established between the Queen of England and + every individual of the motley population of the Transvaal. Nor was this + change an empty form, for, to the largest proportion of that population, + this transfer of allegiance brought with it a priceless and a vital boon. + To them it meant—freedom and justice—for where, on any portion + of this globe over which the British ensign floats, does the law even wink + at cruelty or wrong? + </p> + <p> + A few years passed away, and a small number of the Queen’s subjects in the + Transvaal rose in rebellion against Her authority, and inflicted some + reverses on Her arms. Thereupon, in spite of the reiterated pledges given + to the contrary—partly under stress of defeat, and partly in + obedience to the pressure of “advanced views”—the country was + abandoned, and the vast majority who had remained faithful to the Crown, + was handed to the cruel despotism of the minority who had rebelled against + it. + </p> + <p> + Such an act of treachery to those to whom we were bound with double chains—by + the strong ties of a common citizenship, and by those claims to England’s + protection from violence and wrong which have hitherto been wont to + command it, even where there was no duty to fulfil, and no authority to + vindicate—stands—I believe—without parallel on our + records, and marks a new departure in our history. + </p> + <p> + I cannot end these pages without expressing my admiration of the extremely + able way in which the Boers managed their revolt, when once they felt + that, having undertaken the thing, it was a question of life and death + with them. It shows that they have good stuff in them somewhere, which, + under the firm but just rule of Her Majesty, might have been much + developed, and it makes it the more sad that they should have been led to + throw off that rule, and have been allowed to do so by an English + Government. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, there is one point that I must touch on, and that is the + effect of the retrocession on the native mind, which I can only describe + as most disastrous. The danger alluded to in the Report of the Royal + Commission has been most amply realised, and the prevailing belief in the + steadfastness of our policy, and the inviolability of our plighted word, + which has hitherto been the great secret of our hold on the Kafirs, has + been rudely shaken. The motives that influenced, or are said to have + influenced, the Government in their act, are naturally quite + unintelligible to savages, however clever, who do believe that force is a + remedy, and who have seen the inhabitants of a country ruled by England, + defeat English soldiers and take possession of it, whilst those who + remained loyal to England were driven out of it. It will not be wonderful + if some of them, say the natives of Natal, deduce therefrom conclusions + unfavourable to loyalty, and evince a desire to try the same experiment. + </p> + <p> + It is, however, unprofitable to speculate on the future, which must be + left to unfold itself. + </p> + <p> + The curtain is, so far as this country is concerned, down for the moment + on the South African stage; when it rises again, there is but too much + reason to fear that it will reveal a state of confusion, which, unless it + is more wisely and consistently dealt with in the future than it has been + in the past, may develop into chaos. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX + </h2> + <p> + I THE POTCHEFSTROOM ATROCITIES, &C. + </p> + <p> + There were more murders and acts of cruelty committed during the war at + Potchefstroom, where the behaviour of the Boers was throughout both + deceitful and savage, than at any other place. + </p> + <p> + When the fighting commenced a number of ladies and children, the wives and + children of English residents, took refuge in the fort. Shortly after it + had been invested they applied to be allowed to return to their homes in + the town till the war was over. The request was refused by the Boer + commander, who said that as they had gone there, they might stop and + “perish” there. One poor lady, the wife of a gentleman well known in the + Transvaal, was badly wounded by having the point of a stake, which had + been cut in two by a bullet, driven into her side. She was at the time in + a state of pregnancy, and died some days afterwards in great agony. Her + little sister was shot through the throat, and several other women and + children suffered from bullet wounds, and fever arising from their being + obliged to live for months exposed to rain and heat, with insufficient + food. + </p> + <p> + The moving spirit of all the Potchefstroom atrocities was a cruel wretch + of the name of Buskes, a well-educated man, who, as an advocate of the + High Court, had taken the oath of allegiance to the Queen. + </p> + <p> + One deponent swears that he saw this Buskes wearing Captain Fall’s diamond + ring, which he had taken from Sergeant Ritchie, to whom it was handed to + be sent to England, and also that he had possessed himself of the + carriages and other goods belonging to prisoners taken by the Boers.[*] + Another deponent (whose name is omitted in the Blue Book for precautionary + reasons) swears, “That on the next night the patrol again came to my house + accompanied by one Buskes, who was secretary of the Boer Committee, and + again asked where my wife and daughter were. I replied, in bed; and Buskes + then said, ‘I must see for myself.’ I refused to allow him, and he forced + me, with a loaded gun held to my breast, to open the curtains of the bed, + when he pulled the bedclothes half off my wife, and altogether off my + daughter. I then told him if I had a gun I would shoot him. He placed a + loaded gun at my breast, when my wife sprang out of bed and got between + us.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Buskes was afterwards forced to deliver up the ring. +</pre> + <p> + I remember hearing at the time that this Buskes (who is a good musician) + took one of his victims, who was on the way to execution, into the chapel + and played the “Dead March in Saul,” or some such piece, over him on the + organ. + </p> + <p> + After the capture of the Court House a good many Englishmen fell into the + hands of the Boers. Most of these were sentenced to hard labour and + deprivation of “civil rights.” The sentence was enforced by making them + work in the trenches under a heavy fire from the fort. One poor fellow, F. + W. Finlay by name, got his head blown off by a shell from his own friends + in the fort, and several loyal Kafirs suffered the same fate. After these + events the remaining prisoners refused to return to the trenches till they + had been “tamed” by being thrashed with the butt end of guns, and by + threats of receiving twenty-five lashes each. + </p> + <p> + But their fate, bad as it was, was not so awful as that suffered by Dr. + Woite and J. Van der Linden. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Woite had attended the Boer meeting which was held before the + outbreak, and written a letter from thence to Major Clarke, in which he + had described the talk of the Boers as silly bluster. He was not a paid + spy. This letter was, unfortunately for him, found in Major Clarke’s + pocket-book, and because of it he was put through a form of trial, taken + out and shot dead, all on the same day. He left a wife and large family, + who afterwards found their way to Natal in a destitute condition. + </p> + <p> + The case of Van der Linden is somewhat similar. He was one of Raaf’s + Volunteers, and as such had taken the oath of allegiance to the Queen. In + the execution of his duty he made a report to his commanding officer about + the Boer meeting, and which afterwards fell into the hands of the Boers. + On this he was put through the form of trial, and, though in the service + of the Queen, was found guilty of treason and condemned to death. One of + his judges, a little less stony-hearted than the rest, pointed out that + “when the prisoner committed the crime martial law had not yet been + proclaimed, nor the State,” but it availed him nothing. He was taken out + and shot. + </p> + <p> + A Kafir named Carolus was also put through the form of trial and shot, for + no crime at all that I can discover. + </p> + <p> + Ten unarmed Kafir drivers, who had been sent away from the fort, were shot + down in cold blood by a party of Boers. Several witnesses depose to having + seen their remains lying together close to Potchefstroom. + </p> + <p> + Various other Kafirs were shot. None of the perpetrators of these crimes + were brought to justice. The Royal Commission comments on these acts as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + “In regard to the deaths of Woite, Van de Linden, and Carolus, the Boer + leaders do not deny the fact that those men had been executed, but sought + to justify it. The majority of your Commissioners felt bound to record + their opinion that the taking of the lives of these men was an act + contrary to the rules of civilised warfare. Sir H. de Villiers was of + opinion that the executions in these cases, having been ordered by + properly constituted Court Martial of the Boers’ forces after due trial, + did not fall under the cognisance of your Commissioners. + </p> + <p> + “Upon the case of William Finlay the majority of your Commissioners felt + bound to record the opinion that the sacrifice of Finlay’s life, through + forced labour under fire in the trenches, was an act contrary to the rules + of civilised warfare. <i>Sir H. de Villiers did not feel justified by the + facts of the case in joining in this expression of opinion</i> (sic). As + to the case of the Kafir Andries, your Commissioners decided that, + although the shooting of this man appeared to them, from the information + laid before them, to be not in accordance with the rules of civilised + warfare, under all the circumstances of the case, it was not desirable to + insist upon a prosecution. + </p> + <p> + “The majority of your Commissioners, although feeling it a duty to record + emphatically their disapproval of the acts that resulted in the deaths of + Woite, Van der Linden, Finlay, and Carolus, yet found it impossible to + bring to justice the persons guilty of these acts.” + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that Sir H. de Villiers does not express any + disapproval, emphatic or otherwise, of these wicked murders. + </p> + <p> + But Potchefstroom did not enjoy a monopoly of murder. + </p> + <p> + In December 1880, Captain Elliot, who was a survivor from the Bronker + Spruit massacre, and Captain Lambart, who had been taken prisoner by the + Boers whilst bringing remounts from the Free State, were released from + Heidelberg on parole on condition that they left the country. An escort of + two men brought them to a drift of the Vaal river, where they refused to + cross, because they could not get their cart through, the river being in + flood. The escort then returned to Heidelberg and reported that the + officers would not cross. A civil note was then sent back to Captains + Elliot and Lambart, signed by P. J. Joubert, telling them “to pass the + Vaal river immediately by the road that will be shown to you.” What secret + orders, if any, were sent with this letter has never transpired; but I + decline to believe that, either in this or in Barber’s case, the Boer + escort took upon themselves the responsibility of murdering their + prisoners, without authority of some kind for the deed. + </p> + <p> + The men despatched from Heidelberg with the letter found Lambert and + Elliot wandering about and trying to find the way to Standerton. They + presented the letter, and took them towards a drift in the Vaal. Shortly + before they got there the prisoners noticed that their escort had been + reinforced. It would be interesting to know, if these extra men were not + sent to assist in the murder, how and why they turned up as they did and + joined themselves to the escort. The prisoners were taken to an old and + disused drift of the Vaal river and told to cross. It was now dark, and + the river was much swollen with rain; in fact, impassable for the cart and + horses. Captains Elliot and Lambart begged to be allowed to outspan till + the next morning, but were told that they must cross, which they + accordingly attempted to do. A few yards from the bank the cart stuck on a + rock, and whilst in this position the Boer escort poured a volley into it. + Poor Elliot was instantly killed, one bullet fracturing his skull, another + passing through the back, a third shattering the right thigh, and a fourth + breaking the left wrist. The cart was also riddled, but, strange to say, + Captain Lambert was untouched, and succeeded in swimming to the further + bank, the Boers firing at him whenever the flashes of lightning revealed + his whereabouts. After sticking some time in the mud of the bank he + managed to effect his escape, and next day reached the house of an + Englishman called Groom, living in the Free State, and from thence made + his way to Natal. + </p> + <p> + Two of the murderers were put through a form of trial, after the + conclusion of peace, and acquitted. + </p> + <p> + The case of the murder of Dr. Barber is of a somewhat similar character to + that of Elliot, except that there is in this case a curious piece of + indirect evidence that seems to connect the murder directly with Piet + Joubert, one of the Triumvirate. + </p> + <p> + In the month of February 1881, two Englishmen came to the Boer laager at + Lang’s Nek to offer their services as doctors. Their names were Dr. + Barber, who was well known to the Boers, and his assistant, Mr. Walter + Dyas, and they came, not from Natal, but the Orange Free State. On arrival + at the Boer camp they were at first well received, but after a little + while seized, searched, and tied up all night to a disselboom (pole of a + waggon). Next morning they were told to mount their horses, and started + from the camp escorted by two men who were to take them over the Free + State line. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the Free State line the Boers told them to get off their + horses, which they were ordered to bring back to the camp. They did so, + bade good-day to their escort, and started to walk on towards their + destination. When they had gone about forty yards Dyas heard the report of + a rifle, and Barber called out, “My God, I am shot!” and fell dead. + </p> + <p> + Dyas went down on his hands and knees and saw one of the escort + deliberately aim at him. He then jumped up, and ran dodging from right to + left, trying to avoid the bullet. Presently the man fired, and he felt + himself struck through the thigh. He fell with his face to the men, and + saw his would-be assassin put a fresh cartridge into his rifle and aim at + him. Turning his face to the ground he awaited his death, but the bullet + whizzed past his head. He then saw the men take the horses and go away, + thinking they had finished him. After waiting a while he managed to get + up, and struggled to a house not far off, where he was kindly treated and + remained till he recovered. + </p> + <p> + Some time after this occurrence a Hottentot, named Allan Smith, made a + statement at Newcastle, from which it appears that he had been taken + prisoner by the Boers and made to work for them. One night he saw Barber + and Dyas tied to the disselboom, and overheard the following, which I will + give in his own words:— + </p> + <p> + “I went to a fire where some Boers were sitting; among them was a + low-sized man, moderately stout, with a dark-brown full beard, apparently + about thirty-five years of age. I do not know his name. <i>He was telling + his comrades that he had brought an order from Piet Joubert</i> to + Viljoen, to take the two prisoners to the Free State line <i>and shoot + them there</i>. He said, in the course of conversation, ‘Piet Joubert het + gevraacht waarom was de mensche neet dood geschiet toen hulle bijde eerste + laager gekom het.’ (‘Piet Joubert asked why were the men not shot when + they came to the first laager.’) They then saw me at the fire, and one of + them said, ‘You must not talk before that fellow; he understands what you + say, and will tell everybody.’ + </p> + <p> + “Next morning Viljoen told me to go away, and gave me a pass into the Free + State. He said (in Dutch), ‘you must not drive for any Englishmen again. + If we catch you doing so we will shoot you, and if you do not go away + quick, and we catch you hanging about when we bring the two men to the + line, we will shoot you too.’” + </p> + <p> + Dyas, who escaped, made an affidavit with reference to this statement in + which he says, “I have read the foregoing affidavit of Allan Smith, and I + say that the person described in the third paragraph thereof as bringing + orders from Piet Joubert to Viljoen, corresponds with one of the Boers who + took Dr. Barber and myself to the Free State, and to the best of my belief + he is the man who shot Dr. Barber.” + </p> + <p> + The actual murderers were put on their trial in the Free State, and, of + course, acquitted. In his examination at the trial, Allan Smith says, “It + was a young man who said that Joubert had given orders that Barber had to + be shot. . . . It was not at night, but in the morning early, when the + young man spoke about Piet Joubert’s order.” + </p> + <p> + Most people will gather, from what I have quoted, that there exists a + certain connection between the dastardly murder of Dr. Barber (and the + attempted murder of Mr. Dyas), and Piet Joubert, one of that “able” + Triumvirate of which Mr. Gladstone speaks so highly. + </p> + <p> + I shall only allude to one more murder, though more are reported to have + occurred, amongst them—that of Mr. Malcolm, who was kicked to death + by Boers,—and that is Mr. Green’s. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Green was an English gold-digger, and was travelling along the main + road to his home at Spitzcop. The road passed close by the military camp + at Lydenburg, into which he was called. On coming out he went to a Boer + patrol with a flag of truce, and whilst talking to them was shot dead. The + Rev. J. Thorne, the English clergyman at Lydenburg, describes this murder + in an affidavit in the following words:— + </p> + <p> + “That I was the clergyman who got together a party of Englishmen and + brought down the body of Mr. Green who was murdered by the Boers and + buried it. I have ascertained the circumstances of the murder, which were + as follows:—Mr. Green was on his way to the gold-fields. As he was + passing the fort, he was called in by the officers, and sent out again + with a message to the Boer commandant. Immediately on leaving the camp, he + went to the Boer guard opposite with a flag of truce in his hand; while + parleying with the Boers, who proposed to make a prisoner of him, he was + shot through the head.” + </p> + <p> + No prosecution was instituted in this case. Mr. Green left a wife and + children in a destitute condition. + </p> + <p> + II + </p> + <p> + PLEDGES GIVEN BY MR. GLADSTONE’S GOVERNMENT AS TO THE RETENTION OF THE + TRANSVAAL AS A BRITISH COLONY + </p> + <p> + The following extracts from the speeches, despatches, and telegrams of + members of the present Government, with reference to the proposed + retrocession of the Transvaal, are not without interest:— + </p> + <p> + During the month of May 1880, Lord Kimberley despatched a telegram to Sir + Bartle Frere, in which the following words occur: “<i>Under no + circumstances can the Queen’s authority in the Transvaal be relinquished.</i>” + </p> + <p> + In a despatch dated 20th May, and addressed to Sir Bartle Frere, Lord + Kimberley says, “That the sovereignty of the Queen in the Transvaal could + not be relinquished.” + </p> + <p> + In a speech in the House of Lords on the 24th May 1880, Lord Kimberley + said:— + </p> + <p> + “There was a still stronger reason than that for not receding; it was + impossible to say what calamities such a step as receding might not cause. + We had, at the cost of much blood and treasure, restored peace, and the + effect of our now reversing our policy would be to leave the province in a + state of anarchy, and possibly to cause an internecine war. For such a + risk he could not make himself responsible. The number of the natives in + the Transvaal was estimated at about 800,000, and that of the whites less + than 50,0000. Difficulties with the Zulus and frontier tribes would again + arise, and, looking as they must to South Africa as a whole, the + Government, after a careful consideration of the question, came to the + conclusion <i>that we could not relinquish the Transvaal</i>. Nothing + could be more unfortunate than uncertainty in respect to such a matter.” + </p> + <p> + On the 8th June 1880, Mr. Gladstone, in reply to a Boer memorial, wrote as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + “It is undoubtedly a matter for much regret that it should, since the + Annexation, have appeared that so large a number of the population of + Dutch origin in the Transvaal are opposed to the annexation of that + territory, but it is impossible now to consider that question as if it + were presented for the first time. We have to do with a state of things + which has existed for a considerable period, during which <i>obligations + have been contracted, especially, though not exclusively, towards the + native population, which cannot be set aside</i>. Looking to all the + circumstances, both of the Transvaal and the rest of South Africa, and to + the necessity of preventing a renewal of disorders, which might lead to + disastrous consequences, not only to the Transvaal but to the whole of + South Africa, <i>our judgment is that the Queen cannot be advised to + relinquish the Transvaal</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Her Majesty’s Speech, delivered in Parliament on the 6th January 1881, + contains the following words: “A rising in the Transvaal has recently + imposed upon me the duty of <i>vindicating my authority</i>.” + </p> + <p> + These extracts are rather curious reading in face of the policy adopted by + the Government, after our troops had been defeated. + </p> + <p> + III THE CASE OF INDABEZIMBI + </p> + <p> + This is a case which came under my own notice. The complainant is now a + tenant of my own. When Indabezimbi appeared before Mr. Cochrane and + myself, his appearance fully bore out his description of the assault made + upon him. We did everything in our power to help him to recover his son + and his property, but without effect. The matter was fully reported to Sir + Hercules Robinson and Sir E. Wood, and a question was asked on the subject + in the House of Commons. I append Mr. Courtney’s answer. This case, which + is perfectly authentic, will prove instructive reading, as showing the + treatment the Kafir must expect at the hands of the Boer, now that he is + no longer protected by us. It must be remembered that the vast majority of + such incidents are never heard of. The Kafirs suffer, and are still. The + assault and robbery of Indabezimbi took place in Natal territory. + </p> + <p> + Statement of Indabezimbi + </p> + <p> + “I used to work on Mr. Robson’s son’s place, and on his death I went to + Meyer’s (in the Utrecht district of the Transvaal) about a year ago. I + took all my property with me. There lived on the farm old Isaac Meyer, + Solomon Meyer, who died during the war, young Isaac Meyer, Jan Meyer, + Martinus Meyer, also a man called Cornelius, a ‘bijwooner,’ who loved in + Solomon’s place after he died. + </p> + <p> + “According to custom, I sent my son to work for old Isaac Meyer, as I + lived on his place. When the war began all the Meyer family moved further + into the Transvaal, my son going with them as herd. I went up to Klip + River with them as driver, where the river forms the boundary between the + Free State and Transvaal. I returned at once, leaving my son with the + Meyers. He was a small boy about twelve years of age. At the termination + of the war the Meyers sent for me to drive them down. I met them a day’s + journey this side of Klip River. I asked them where my son was. Old Isaac + Meyer told me he had sent him to look for horses; he did not return; and + another boy was sent who brought the horses. The horses were found close + by. No one went to look for my son. I asked old Isaac Meyer for leave to + go and offer a reward amongst the Kafirs for my son. He refused, saying I + must drive him home, and then he would give me a pass to come back and + look for him. On our arrival at the farm I and my wife again applied to + old Isaac Meyer to be allowed to go and see about my son. He refused, + saying I must first shear the sheep. I replied that he well knew that I + could not shear sheep. I said, ‘How can I work when my heart is sore for + my son?’ Meyer said again that I must wait awhile as the rivers were full. + I said how could that matter, seeing that both in coming and going with + the waggons we crossed no rivers? As he refused me a pass, I started + without one to seek my son. On arrival at Mavovo’s kraal I met my brother, + who told me that I must go no further, or the Boers would shoot me. Having + no pass I returned. On my return my wives told me that the Meyers had come + every morning to look for me with guns to shoot me, telling them that ‘it + was now no longer the days for sjamboking (flogging with hide whips) the + natives, but the days for shooting them.’ On hearing this I collected my + goods, and by morning had everything on the Natal side of the Buffalo + River—on Natal ground. About mid-day Martinus Meyer overtook us by + Degaza’s kraal and asked me what I was doing on the Natal side of the + river. I told him I was leaving for Natal, because I found it altogether + too hot for me in the Transvaal. He said that if I came back he would make + everything comfortable. I refused. He then attacked me with a knobkerrie, + and would have killed me had not one of my wives, seeing that I was badly + hurt, knocked him down with a piece of iron. Martinus then mounted his + horse and galloped off. I then got on my horse and fled. My wives hid + themselves. In the afternoon there came to the waggon Jan Meyer, Martinus + Meyer, young Isaac Meyer, and the man called Cornelius. They hunted all + about for us with the object of shooting us, as they told Degaza’s Kafirs. + My wives then saw them inspan the waggon and take everything away. I had a + waggon, twelve oxen, four cows, and a mare, also a box containing two + hundred pounds in gold, a telescope, clothes, and other things. My wives + found the box broken on the ground and all the contents gone. Forty sacks + of grain belonging to me were also taken. I was robbed of everything I + had, with the exception of the horse I escaped on. The waggon was one I + hired from my brother (a relation); the oxen were my own brother’s. Eighty + pounds of the money I got from the Standard Bank in Newcastle for oxen + sold to the owner of the store on the Ingagane Drift. The rest I had + accumulated in fees from doctoring. I am a doctor amongst my own people. I + come now to ask you to allow me to settle on your land as a refugee. + </p> + <p> + “(Signed) Indabezimbi, his X mark. + </p> + <p> + “This statement was made by Indabezimbi at Hilldrop, Newcastle, Natal, on + the Seventeenth of August, Eighteen hundred and eighty-one, in the + presence of the undersigned witnesses. + </p> + <p> + “(Signed) H. Rider Haggard. A. H. D. Cochrane. J. H. Gay Roberts. + </p> + <p> + “N.B.—The outrage of which Indabezimbi has here given an account + occurred within a week of the present date, August 17th, 1881.” + </p> + <p> + Statement of the woman Nongena, Wife of Indabezimbi + </p> + <p> + “My master’s name is Isaac Meyer; he lives in the Transvaal, south of + Utrecht. We have lived on the farm about a year. On the farm lived also + Jan Meyer, Martinus Meyer, and young Isaac Meyer, sons of old Isaac Meyer. + There was also another man on the farm, whose name I do not know. When the + waggon went up with the Meyers’ family to the centre of the Transvaal, + when the late war broke out, my husband drove old Isaac Meyer’s waggon, + and my son Ungazaan also went to drive on stock. After my husband had + driven the waggon to its destination in the Transvaal he returned to the + kraal, leaving his son Ungazaan with the Meyers. After the war was over my + husband was sent for by the Meyers to drive back the waggons. On arrival + of the Meyers at the farm I found my husband had returned, but my son was + left behind. I asked my master where my son was; my master replied, ‘He + did not know, he had sent to boy to bring up horses, but he had not + brought them.’ Another boy was sent who brought the horses. He said he had + not seen the boy Ungazaan since he left to look for the horses, as they + had left the place the morning after the boy was missing. My husband asked + for a pass to go back and look for the boy; Meyer refused, and my husband + went without one to look for Ungazaan, my son. He returned without the + boy, owing, he said, to the want of a pass. My husband dared not go into + the country without a pass. During my husband’s absence, the three sons of + old Isaac Meyer, namely, Martinus, Jan, and Isaac, came every morning to + search for my husband, saying, ‘We will kill him, he leaves our work to go + without our leave for look for the boy.’ They came once with sjamboks, but + afterwards with guns, saying they would kill him if they found him. On + hearing this my husband said, ‘We cannot then stay here longer.’ He then + went at once and borrowed a waggon and twelve oxen, and during the night + we packed the waggon three times, and took three loads across the Buffalo + River to Degaza’s kraal, which is on Natal ground, forty sacks of grain, + 200 pounds in a box, with clothes and other things, also mats and skins, + and four head of cattle and a horse. All these things were at Degaza’s + kraal before sunrise the next morning. The Induna Kabane, at the + magistrate’s office at Newcastle, knows of the money, and from whence it + came. All the money is our money. + </p> + <p> + “About mid-day on the day after the night we moved, Martinus came on + horseback to us at Degaza’s kraal, and I saw him beating my husband with a + kerrie; he hit him also in the mouth with his fist. He hit my husband on + the head with a kerrie; he beat my husband on the foot when he was trying + to creep away in a hut, and would have killed him had not one of his wives + named Camgagaan hit Martinus on the head with a piece of iron. Martinus, + on recovery, rode away; my husband also fled on a horse. + </p> + <p> + “I with the other wives fled, and hid ourselves close by in the grass and + stones. Presently we saw from our own hiding-place three white men, armed + with guns, seeking for us. Their names were Martinus Meyer, Jan Meyer, and + Isaac Meyer, all three sons of old Isaac Meyer. They sought us in vain. + From our hiding-place we heard the waggon driven away; and later, when we + went back to Degaza’s kraal, they told us that the Meyers had inspanned + the waggon, and had returned with it to the Transvaal side of the Buffalo + River. The names of those who saw the Boers go away with the waggon are + Gangtovo, Capaches, Nomatonga, Nomamane, and others. The Boers took away + on the waggon that night all the last load we had brought over from the + Transvaal, together with all our clothes; and some of the sacks first + brought over were loaded up, all our cattle were taken, and our box was + broken, and the 200 pounds taken away. We found the pieces of the box on + the ground when we came from our hiding-place. We then fled. The people at + Degaza’s kraal told us that the Boers had said that they would return, and + take away that which they were forced to leave behind when they took the + first load. We have since heard from Degaza that the Boers came back again + and took what remained of our property at Degaza’s kraal. Degaza saw the + Boers take the things himself. + </p> + <p> + “This is all I know of the facts. The assaults and robbery took place, as + near as I can say, about fourteen days ago.” + </p> + <p> + (Signed) Nongena, her X mark. + </p> + <p> + Gagaoola, also wife of Indabezimbi, states:—“I have heard all that + Nongena has told you. Her words are true; I was present when the assault + and robbery took place.” + </p> + <p> + (Signed) Gagaoola, her X mark. + </p> + <p> + These statements were made to us at Hilldrop, Newcastle, Natal, on the + Twenty-second of August, Eighteen hundred and eighty-one. + </p> + <p> + A. H. D. Cochrane. + </p> + <p> + H. Rider Haggard. + </p> + <p> + (Signed) Ayah, her X mark, Interpreter. + </p> + <p> + Indabezimbi + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Alderman Fowler asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, + whether the British Resident at Pretoria had brought under the notice of + the Transvaal Government the circumstances of an outrage committed in + August last, by a party of Boers, on the person and property of a Kafir + named Indabezimbi, who was at that time residing in Natal; and whether any + steps had been taken by the authorities of the Transvaal either to + institute a judicial inquiry into the matter, or to surrender the + offenders to the Government of Natal. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Courtney.—On the 13th of October the British Resident reported + that, according to promise, the Government has caused an investigation to + be made at Utrecht, and informed him that the result was somewhat to + invalidate the statement of Indabezimbi; but that the documents connected + with the investigation at Utrecht would speedily be forwarded to him with + a view to correspondence through him with the Natal Government. No further + communication has been received. It must be observed that, in the absence + of any extradition convention, a judicial inquiry in this case is + practically impossible, the outrage, whatever it was, having been + committed in Natal, and the offenders being in the Transvaal. Her + Majesty’s Government are taking active steps to re-establish a system of + extradition, in pursuance of Article 29, of the Convention. The despatches + on this subject will be given to Parliament when the correspondence is + completed.” + </p> + <p> + IV A BOER ADVERTISEMENT + </p> + <p> + It may be interesting to Englishmen to know what treatment is meted out to + such of their fellow-countrymen as have been bold enough, or forced by + necessity, to remain in the Transvaal since the retrocession. The + following is a translation of an advertisement recently published in the + “Volkstem,” a Transvaal paper, and is a fair sample of what “loyalists” + have to expect. + </p> + <p> + “WARNING + </p> + <p> + “We, the undersigned Burghers of the Ward Aapies river, hereby warn all + loyal persons who have registered themselves with the British Resident, + that they are not to come into our houses, or into our farms, and still + less to offer to shake hands. They can greet us at a distance on the road + <i>like Kafirs</i>, and those who act contrary to this notice can expect + the result.” + </p> + <p> + Presumably “the result” that the Englishman who takes the liberty to offer + to shake hands with a Boer can expect, is to be beaten or murdered. This + notice is signed by the Justice of the Peace or “Veld Cornet” of the + district. Anybody who knows the estimation in which a Kafir is held by the + Boers will understand its peculiar insolence. + </p> + <p> + V “TRANSVAAL’S” LETTER TO THE “STANDARD” + </p> + <p> + The following letter appeared in the issue of the “Standard” of the 31st + May 1882, and is dated Pretoria, 27th April. It is signed “Transvaal,” + probably because the author, were he to put his name at the foot of so + candid a document, would find himself in much the same position as that + occupied at the present moment by an Irish landlord who has outraged the + susceptibilities of the Land League. He would be rigorously “boycotted,” + and might, in the event of any disturbance, be made into a target. The + Transvaal Boers are very sensitive to criticism, especially where their + native policy is concerned. I take the liberty to reprint the letter here, + partly because I feel sure that I will be forwarding the wishes of the + writer by assisting to give publicity to his facts, and partly on account + of the striking and recent confirmation it affords, on every point, to my + remarks on the same subject:— + </p> + <p> + “Sir,—In calling your attention to what is going on on the + south-western border of the Transvaal, I may possibly tell you of some + things which you may already have heard of, for in the present isolated + condition of the country, without telegraphs, and with a very imperfect + postal system, added to the jealousy of the Boer Government in keeping + their actions secret from the outside world, it is not only very difficult + to get at the truth of what is happening, but the people in one portion of + the country are in many cases totally ignorant of what is going on in + another. Nevertheless, I feel it incumbent on me to call the attention of + the English people, through your widely circulating journal, to what has + come under my observation with reference to the disgraceful native war + which is, and has been, raging on the south-west border of this country. + </p> + <p> + “During the late Boer war, you may be aware of the fact that a very large + number, if not all, of the natives, were strongly in favour of the English + Government, and only awaited the signal from it to rush upon their old + oppressors. But the natives, although forbidden by the English Government + from joining with them against the Boers (it is hardly necessary to say + that had it not been for this the war would have had a very different + ending), nevertheless afforded an asylum and protection to the lives and + property of refugee Englishmen and loyalists. Notable among these natives + was a Chief named Montsiou, whose tribe is situated just outside the + borders of the Transvaal to the south-west. This Chief and his people + received numbers of refugees who fled to them for protection from the + rapacity of the Boers, and watched over them and their property throughout + the war. For this offence the Boers swore to be revenged on him, and + hardly was the war finished when they commenced commandeering in the + Potchefstroom district, under the pretence of protecting their borders, + but with the ostensible purpose of inflicting chastisement on this loyal + Chief; and, the better to effect their purpose, they allied themselves + with a neighbouring Chief, who had some old grudge against him, and, by + promises of assistance and hopes of plunder, induced him to commence a + war, under cover of which they could join, and thus effect the purpose + they had in view. + </p> + <p> + “The Chiefs whom the Boers had instigated to harass Montsiou got the worst + of it, and the action of the Boers, who were actively commandeering in the + Potchefstroom (district?), under Commandant Cronge, was brought to the + notice of the Royal Commission through complaints made by loyal Boers, and + resulted in an inquiry into the subject, which showed that his opponent + was the aggressor, and was acting under the advice of and assistance from + the Boers. The Royal Commission managed to patch matters up, but no sooner + were their labours over, and the country fairly handed over to the Boers, + than Moshete and Masouw, instigated by the Boers, commenced again + harassing Montsiou, with the avowed purpose of bringing on a war, and so + far succeeded as to oblige Montsiou to take up arms in self-defence. + </p> + <p> + “From that time forward the war has gone on increasing in dimensions, + until other Chiefs have been drawn into it, and the Boer volunteers + fighting against Montsiou and Monkoroane are almost equal in numbers to + the natives. The Boers, while doing all they can to crush Montsiou on + account of the protection he afforded loyalists during the late war + against the English Government, are careful not to do it in an official + way, because that might cause trouble with England, whereas, by aiding and + assisting it privately, they could do quite as much without incurring + responsibility. You may naturally ask how I know all this, and what proofs + I can advance in support of it. Some time after the Royal Commission had + left the country, and the war had commenced again, Piet Joubert, who is + Commandant-General, went down to the border with the object of putting an + end to the war. This, I presume, he did for the sake of appearances, for + it is well known that he entertains a strong hatred against those natives + who in any way showed a partiality for British rule; and when it is + remembered that Piet Joubert’s journey did not result in a cessation of + hostilities, but in an increase, and that ever since his journey the war + has increased in area and in numbers, and that in no single instance has a + Boer volunteer been prevented from crossing the border, or ammunition for + use against Montsiou been stopped, the sincerity of his intentions may + well be doubted. + </p> + <p> + “Then, again, officers in the Boer Jagers went about Pretoria endeavouring + to obtain volunteers to fight against Montsiou, saying that they were to + have some months’ leave from the Government, and that subscriptions would + be raised to assist those men who had no private means. This took place + almost immediately after Piet Joubert’s return from the border, and while + he was in Pretoria, and the general opinion was that he was at the bottom + of it; but as it became rather more public than was intended, the British + Resident was obliged to take notice of it, and the result was that the + Boers, though in general treating the British Resident with little + consideration, thought it wisest to carry on their operations in a more + private manner, more especially as their object could be attained quite as + effectually in this way. + </p> + <p> + “While the Boers are assisting Moshete and Masouw by every means in their + power, with the sole object of crushing Montsiou and Monkoroane, another + loyal Chief, the Colonial Government, no doubt under instructions from + home, are doing their best to prevent volunteers or ammunition reaching + them, and have already rested men in Kimberley, who have been trying to + raise volunteers to go to their assistance. + </p> + <p> + “The result of this is, that the loyal Chiefs are suffering under a double + disadvantage; for while their enemies are receiving every assistance, they + are blockaded on all sides, and, through the action of the English + Government in preventing them obtaining assistance, are rapidly falling a + prey to the Boers. Those only who know anything of the Boer method of + warfare against natives will know what this means; and in spite of the + Boer Government doing all they can to keep things secret, horrible tales + of the cruelties perpetrated by them leak out occasionally. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me a disgraceful thing, and a stain on the honour of England, + that these loyal Chiefs and their tribes should be robbed, plundered, and + shot down like dogs, simply because they afforded protection to the lives + and property of Englishmen during the late war, and yet these things are + going on and are being perpetrated on the border of England’s Colonies. If + England will not step in and insist on the Boers putting a stop to this + murderous war, then in God’s name let her not prevent these poor natives + from obtaining ammunition and assistance to enable them to defend their + country. They succoured our countrymen, and if we cannot succour them, the + least we can do is not to interfere to prevent them from protecting + themselves! + </p> + <p> + “Of course, it suits the Boer Government to make out that they have + nothing to do with the war, and cannot prevent Boer Volunteers from + fighting these Chiefs; and so long as the English Government rests + satisfied with these answers, so long will this disgraceful state of + things go on. Let the English Government be firm, however, and insist on + the Boers taking no part in this war, and it will cease—a sure proof + that the Boer Government have the power to stop it if they have the will. + </p> + <p> + “Not only are the Boers wreaking vengeance upon Montsiou and Monkoroane, + but a friend of theirs, a Chief of the name of Kalafin, whose tribe is + situated in the Zeerust district, Transvaal, has been robbed by them of + everything he possessed. This Chief had English sympathies; and as he + presumed to build a wall round his town he gave the Boers the excuse they + wanted. He was ordered to take the wall down, which he did, at the same + time proving that he only built it to prevent his cattle straying among + the huts. He was then ordered to come to Pretoria, which he did + accordingly. He was then ordered to pay a fine of three thousand cattle, + which fine he paid. No sooner was this done than the Boers, bent on his + ruin, raised the fine to ten thousand head. The poor Chief in vain pleaded + his inability to pay. It was the old story of the wolf and the lamb. + Because he couldn’t pay, the Boers construed it into an act of + disobedience, and at once ordered their men to go in and take everything + he possessed. This tribe is small and weak, which the Boers well knew. + Eye-witnesses of what followed say it was a heartrending sight. The women, + with children in their arms, pleaded in vain to the Boers to leave them + something or they would starve, but the latter only jeered at them. What + these poor people will do God only knows, for the Boers stripped them of + every living thing they possessed, and with the proceeds of this robbery + the Boer Government intend to replenish their coffers. + </p> + <p> + “The British Resident, Mr. Hudson, it is believed, shuts his eyes to many + things. No doubt his is a difficult position to fill; and doubtless he is + aware that, if he reports everything to the English Government, the Boers + have it in their power to make his position anything but a pleasant one. + In any case, the English portion of the community here, while admitting + his good qualities socially, have little confidence in him officially. + </p> + <p> + “My object in writing this letter, however, is not so much to show what a + disgraceful state the Government is in, as to try and awaken sympathy in + the breasts of my countrymen for the cause of these loyal Chiefs. While + the Government are writing despatches to the British Resident, these + Chiefs and their people are being ruined past remedying.” + </p> + <p> + VI A VISIT TO THE CHIEF SECOCOENI[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] This paper was written just before the Annexation of the + Transvaal in 1877. +</pre> + <p> + Towards the end of March I had occasion to visit the Basuto chief + Secocoeni, in his native stronghold beyond the Loolu Berg, a range to the + north-east of Pretoria, about 250 miles away; and as this journey was + typical of travelling in the wilds of South Africa, an account of it may + prove interesting. + </p> + <p> + It is perhaps necessary to explain, for the benefit of those who are not + acquainted with South African politics, that Secocoeni is the chieftain + who has been at war with the late Transvaal Republic, who drove back its + forces, capturing some 7000 head of cattle. It is from this raid that the + present state of affairs has arisen; so that this obscure chief, with his + 9000 warriors, has materially affected the future destinies of South + Africa. Negotiations of peace had been set on foot, and it was in + connection with these delicate matters that the journey was to be + undertaken. + </p> + <p> + “Going to Secocoeni at this time of year! Ah!” said one gentleman. “Well, + look here. I sent five natives through that country in this same month + (March) last year; out of those five, three died of the fever, and the + other two just got through with their lives. I only tell you, you know, + that you may take precautions. This is a bad fever year.” However, fever + or no fever, we had to go. As it was necessary to travel rapidly, we could + only take four riding-horses, three for ourselves and the fourth for a + Zulu named “Lankiboy,” who also led a pack-horse, and carried an enormous + “knob-kerry,” or shillelagh, stuck in his button-hole, as though it were a + wedding-bouquet. + </p> + <p> + Behind our saddles were fastened our saddle-bags, containing a change of + clothing, and in front we strapped a rug and a mackintosh. Our + commissariat consisted of four tins of potted ham, and our medicine-chest + of some quinine, Cockle’s pills, and a roll of sticking-plaster, which, + with a revolver and a hunting-knife or two, completed our equipment. + </p> + <p> + We knew little of our route save that our destination lay due east, so due + east we steered. After riding for about twenty miles, and crossing the + Mahaliesburg range, that stretches away north for hundreds of miles, we + came to a Boer’s house, where we off-saddled to feed our horses. It must + be understood that the Boers were the one certain difficulty, and one of + the possible dangers, to be encountered on our road, for at no time are + they are pleasant people to deal with, and just now they are remarkably + unpleasant towards Englishmen. + </p> + <p> + For instance, at this first house, we managed to get some forage for our + horses, before our scowling host found out who we were, but not a bit + could we get to eat. “Have you no bread, myn Heer?” “We have no bread to + spare.” “Have you any eggs?” “We have no eggs.” “Can you let us have some + milk?” “Susan, have you got any milk to give these carles (fellows)?” + Finally, we succeeded in buying three cups of milk for a shilling, “as a + favour,” and that is all we got from sunrise to sunset. + </p> + <p> + Riding, on empty stomachs, for another sixty miles over the plains, we + came to a Boer’s house where we had to sleep. Just before we reached the + door, I noticed what I have often seen since, some graves in a row, with + heaps of stones piled over them. It appears that these people do not care + about bring buried in consecrated ground, their only anxiety being to be + put in a coffin, and they are generally laid to rest near to their doors. + There is neither railing nor headstone, and no trees or flowers, those + green emblematic garments with which civilised people try to hide the + ugliness of death. I remember once seeing several graves within two or + three yards of the public road, so that in a year or so the waggons will + be rumbling over the heads of those who lie beneath. + </p> + <p> + When you ride up to a Boer’s house, the etiquette is to wait until some + member of the family asks you to off-saddle, and then you must go in and + shake hands with every one, a most disagreeable custom. None of the women—who + are very plain—rise to meet one, they just hold out their hands. + This house was a fair specimen of the sort of habitation indulged in by + the ordinary Boer. The main room was about eighteen feet square, with that + kind of door which allows the upper half to open whilst the lower remains + shut, such as is used in stables in England. The flooring is made of + cow-dung, into which peach stones are trodden at the threshold, in order + to prevent its wearing away. The furniture consists of a deal table and + some chairs, rather nearly made of strips of hide fastened to a wooden + frame. There is no ceiling, but only beams, to which are fastened strips + of “biltong,” or game’s flesh, dried in the sun. Out of this room open one + or two more, in which the whole family sleep, without much attempt at + privacy. + </p> + <p> + Sitting about the room were two or three young mothers, without stockings + and nursing babies; in the corner, on a chair, made twice as large as any + of the others, reposed the mother of the family, a woman of large size. + The whole house was pervaded by a sickly odour, like that of a vault, + whilst the grime and filth of it baffle description. And this was the + place we had to eat and sleep in. However, there was no help for it; the + only thing to do was to light one’s pipe, and smoke. After an hour or so, + supper was put upon the table, consisting of a bowl full of boiled bones, + a small stack of mealie cobs, and, be it added, some good + bread-and-butter. The eating arrangements of these people are certainly + very trying. The other day we had to eat our dinner in a Boer’s house, + with a reeking ox-hide, just torn from the animal, lying on the floor + beside us, together with portions of the poor beast’s head whose flesh we + were eating. However, on this occasion we were spared the ox-hide, and, + being very hungry, managed to put up with the other discomforts. After a + long grace our suppers were served out to us. I remember I got an enormous + bone with but little flesh on it, which, if I may form an opinion from its + great size and from a rapid anatomical survey, must have been the tibia of + an ox. A young Boer sat opposite to me—a wonderful fellow. He got + through several mealie cobs (and large ones too) whilst I was eating half + a one. His method was peculiar, and shows what practice can do. He shoved + a mealie cob into his mouth, gave it a bite and a wrench, just like one of + those patent American threshing machines, brought the cob out perfectly + clear of grain, and took another. After the supper was over, we had + another long grace ending with: “voor spijze en drunk de Heer ik dank” + (for food and drink the Lord I thank). + </p> + <p> + After supper we went outside in order to escape the feet-washing ceremony + (all in the same water) which this “simple pastoral people” are said to + indulge in, and which they might expect the “uitlander” (stranger) to + enter into with enthusiasm. When we came back, we found that the women—who, + by-the-by, do not eat till the men have finished—had done their + meal, and gone to bed, having first made us up a luxurious couch on the + floor, consisting of a filthy feather-bed, and an equally filthy blanket. + My heart misgave me when I looked at that bed. It may have been fancy, but + once or twice I thought it moved. However, there was no choice, unless we + chose to sit up all night; so in we got, looking for all the world like + three big sun-burned dolls put to bed by some little girl. I, as the + youngest, blew out the light, and then!—from every side <i>they</i> + came. Up one’s arms, up one’s legs, down one’s back they scampered, till + life became a burden. Sleep was impossible; one could only lie awake and + calculate the bites per minute, and the quantity of blood one would lose + before daybreak. Cold as it was, I would have turned out and slept in the + veldt, only my rug was over my two companions as well as myself, so I + could not take it. I have slept in a good many different places, and in + very fairly uncomfortable places, but I never had such a night before. + </p> + <p> + At the first grey dawn of morning the old “frau” came stumbling out of the + bedroom, and sat down without ceremony in her big chair. Waiting till she + thought that we had reached a sufficiently advanced stage in our toilette—and + her idea of what that was must have been a strange one—she shouted + out to her daughters that they could “com,” and in they all came. Very + glad were we when we had paid our bill, which was a heavy one, and were in + the saddle once more, riding through the cold morning mist that lay in + masses on all the ridges of the hills like snow on mountains. + </p> + <p> + It was needful to start early, for we had more than sixty miles to cover, + and our ponies had done a good journey the day before. The work that one + can get out of these ponies is marvellous. There was my pony, “Mettle,” + who had my eleven stone to carry, to say nothing of the saddle, heavy + saddle-bags, and a roll of rugs, who came in at the end of his journey as + fresh as paint. We cantered easily over the great high-veldt prairies, now + and then passing clumps of trees, outposts of the bush-veldt. These + enormous plains, notwithstanding their dreary vastness, have a wild beauty + of their own. The grass is what is called sour grass, and has a peculiar + blue tinge, but stock do not like it so well as the low-veldt grass, which + is sweeter, and fattens them more quickly, though it does not put them in + such good fettle. The rock here is all white sandstone, and thinly + overlaps an enormous bed of coal, cropping up from beneath the + water-washed surface. At this time of year there are very few beasts or + birds of any sort to be seen, though in the winter the veldt is one moving + mass of “trek” or migratory game. + </p> + <p> + Our destination that day was Botsabelo, the most important + mission-station, and one of the very few successful ones, in South-Eastern + Africa. As we neared it, the country gradually broke into hills of + peculiar and beautiful formation, which rendered the last two hours of our + ride, in the dark, through an unknown country, rather a difficult job. + However, we stumbled through streams, and over boulders, and about nine + o’clock were lucky enough to come right upon the station, where we were + most kindly received by Dr. Merensky. The station itself stands on the + brow of a hill surrounded by gardens and orchards; beneath it lie slope + and mountain, stream and valley, over which are dotted numbers of kraals, + to say nothing of three or four substantial houses occupied by the + assistant missionary and German artisans. Near Dr. Merensky’s house stands + the church, by far the best I have seen in the Transvaal, and there is + also a store with some well-built workshops around it. All the + neighbouring country belongs to the station, which is, in fact, like a + small independent State, 40,000 acres in extent. On a hill-top + overshadowing the station, are placed the fortifications, consisting of + thick walls running in a circle with upstanding towers, in which stand one + or two cannon; but it all reminds one more of an old Norman keep, with its + village clustered in its protecting shadow, than of a modern mission + establishment. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Merensky commenced his labours in Secocoeni’s country, but was forced + to fly from thence by night, with his wife and new-born baby, to escape + being murdered by that Chief’s orders, who, like most Kafir potentates, + has an intense aversion to missionaries. Twelve years ago he established + this station, and, gathering his scattered converts around him, defied + Secocoeni to drive him thence. Twice that Chief has sent out a force to + sweep him away, and murder his people, and twice they have come and + looked, and, like false Sextus, turned back again. The Boers, too, have + more than once threatened to destroy him, for it is unpleasant to them to + have so intelligent a witness in their midst, but they have never dared to + try. The place is really impregnable to Basutus and Boers; Zulus might + carry it, with their grand steady rush, but it would be at a terrible + sacrifice of life. In fact, Dr. Merensky has been forced, by the pressure + of circumstances, to teach his men the use of a rifle, as well as the + truths of Christianity; to trust in God, but also to “keep their powder + dry.” At a few minutes’ notice he can turn out 200 well-armed natives, + ready for offence or defence; and the existence of such a stronghold is of + great advantage to the few English in the neighbourhood, for the Boers + know well that should they attack them they might draw down the vengeance + of Dr. Merensky’s formidable body of Christian soldiers. + </p> + <p> + We only passed one night at Botsabelo, and next morning went on to + Middelburg, or Nazareth, which is an hour’s ride from the station. Here, + too, we met with a warm welcome from the handful of English residents, but + we were eager to push on as rapidly as possible, for our kind friends told + us that it would be impossible to proceed to Secocoeni’s on horseback, + because of the deadly nature of the country for horses. So we had to hire + an ox-waggon, which they provisioned for us, and, much to our disgust (as + we were pressed for time), were obliged to fall back on that dilatory + method of travelling. + </p> + <p> + We decided that we would take the three oldest and least valuable horses + with us, in order to proceed with them from Fort Weeber, which was our + next point, to Secocoeni’s town, whither waggons could not reach. Few + English readers are aware that there is a mysterious disease among horses + in South Africa, peculiar to the country, called “horse-sickness.” During + the autumn season it carries off thousands of horses annually, though some + are good and others bad years—a bad fever year being generally a bad + horse-sickness year also, and <i>vice versa</i>. A curious feature about + it is, that as the veldt gets “tamed,” that is, fed off by domesticated + animals, the sickness gradually disappears. No cure has yet been + discovered for it, and very few horses pull through—perhaps, five + per cent. These are called “salted horses,” and are very valuable; as, + although they are not proof against the disease, they are not so liable to + take it. A salted horse may be known by the peculiar looseness and + roughness of his skin, and also by a certain unmistakable air of + depression, as though he felt that the responsibilities of life pressed + very heavily upon him. He is like a man who has dearly bought his + experience; he can never forget the terrible lesson taught in the buying. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day from our start we left Middelburg, and, taking a + north-east course from this outpost of civilisation, overtook the waggon, + and camped, after a twenty miles’ trek, just on the edge of the + bush-veldt. We had two young Boers to drive our waggons—terrible + louts. However, they understood how to drive a waggon, and whilst one of + them drove, the other would sit for hours, with a vacant stare on his + face, thinking. It is a solemn fact that, from the time we left Middelburg + till the time we returned, neither of those fellows touched water, that + is, to wash themselves. The only luxury in the shape of comforts of the + toilette which they allowed themselves was a comb with a brass back, + carefully tied to the roof of the waggon with two strips of ox-hide thick + enough to have held a hundredweight of lead. I don’t think they ever used + it—it was too great a luxury for general use—but they would + occasionally untie it and look at it. Our own outfit in the waggon was + necessarily scanty, consisting of a few iron pots and plates, a kettle, + some green blankets, a lantern, and an old anti-friction grease-can used + for water, which gave it a fine flavour of waggon-wheels. We also had a + “cartle,” or wooden frame, across which were stretched strips of hide + fitted into the waggon about two feet above the floor, and intended to + sleep on; but the less said about that the better. + </p> + <p> + After we left the great high-veldt plains, over which the fresh breeze was + sweeping, we dropped down into a beautiful bush-clad valley with mountains + on either side. It was like making a sudden descent into the tropics. Not + a breath of wind stirred the trees, and the sun shone with a steady + burning heat. Scarcely a sound broke the silence, save the murmur of the + river we crossed and recrossed, the occasional pipe of a bird, and the + melancholy cry, half sigh, half bark, of an old baboon, who was swinging + himself along, indignant at our presence. + </p> + <p> + If the sights and sounds were beautiful, the sun was hot, and the road + fearful, and we were indeed glad when we reached “Whitehead’s Cobalt + Mine,” and were most kindly received by the gentlemen who superintend the + works. The house used to belong to some Boer, who had deserted the place, + but left behind him a beautiful orchard of orange and peach trees. The + place is very feverish and unhealthy, and the white ants so troublesome + that everything has to be stood in sardine tins full of ashes. + </p> + <p> + On our way from the house we went to see the cobalt mine, which is on a + hillside a mile away. It has only been established about three years, and + has existed hitherto under the greatest difficulties as regards labour, + transport, machinery, danger from surrounding native tribes, &c.; but + it has already, the proprietor informed me, reduced the price of cobalt—the + blue dye used to colour such things as the willow-pattern plates—by + one-half in the English market, bringing it down from somewhere about 140 + pounds to 80 pounds a ton. We were very much astonished to see the amount + of work which had been done, as we expected to find a pit such as the + Kafirs work for copper, but instead of that there was a large slanting + shaft quite a hundred yards long, to say nothing of various openings out + of it following branch leads of ore. There is also a vertical shaft one + hundred feet deep, through which the ore comes up, and by which one can + ascend and descend in a bucket. After we emerged from this awful hole, we + went into another, a drive running straight into the mountain for more + than three hundred feet, following a vein of black oxide of cobalt, which + is much more valuable than the ore; and, though the vein is rarely more + than a foot in thickness, pays very well. Leaving the mine, we rode on + past some old Kafir copper-workings—circular pits—which must + have been abandoned, to judge from their appearance, a hundred years ago, + till we came to the banks of the great “Olifants’” or “Elephants’” river. + This magnificent stream, though it is unnavigable owing to frequent + rapids, has stretches miles long, down which a man-of-war could steam, and + after its junction with the Elands’ River it grows larger and larger till, + pursuing a north-east course, it at length falls into the mighty Limpopo. + It is a very majestic but somewhat sluggish stream, and its water is not + very good. You cannot see the river till you are right upon it, owing to + the great trees with which its steep banks are fringed, and in the early + morning it is quite hidden from bank to bank by a dense mass of billows of + white mist, indescribably strange to look upon. + </p> + <p> + But, beautiful as this country is, it is most unhealthy for man and beast. + The close odour, the long creeping lines of mist, the rich rank + vegetation, the steady heat of day and night, all say one word, “fever,” + and fever of the most virulent type. The traveller through this sort of + country is conscious of a latent fear lest he should some day begin to + feel hot when he ought to be cold, and cold when he ought to be hot, and + so be stricken down, to rise prematurely old, or perhaps to die, and be + buried in a lonely grave covered with stones to keep off the jackals. We + were travelling in the very worst fever-month, March, when the summer + vegetation is commencing to rot, and throw off its poisonous steam. What + saved us here and afterwards, at Secocoeni’s, was our temperate living, + hard exercise, and plenty of quinine and tobacco-smoke. + </p> + <p> + All the country through which we were passing is good game-veldt, but we + saw very little and killed nothing. This was chiefly owing to the fact + that we did not dare go out of hearing of the waggon-wheels, for fear of + getting lost in the bush, a thing very easily done. A few years back this + veldt swarmed with big game, with elephants and giraffes, and they are + even now occasionally seen. We managed now and again to get a glimpse of + some of the beautiful “Impala” buck, or of a small lot of blue + wilderbeestes vanishing between the trees, like a troop of wild horses. + There are still plenty of lions about, but we did not hear any: whether it + was that they had gone to the high-veldt after the cattle, or that they do + not roar so much in summer, I do not know. Perhaps it is as well that we + did not, for the roar of a lion is very generally followed by what the + Dutch call a “skrech.” After roaring once or twice to wake the cattle up, + and make them generally uneasy, the lion stations himself about twenty + yards to the windward of the waggon. The oxen get wind of him and promptly + “skrech,” that is, break their rims and run madly into the veldt. This is + just what the lion wants, for now he can pick out a fat ox and quietly + approach him from the other side till he is within springing distance. He + then jumps upon him, crushes his neck with one bite, and eats him at his + leisure. + </p> + <p> + And so we trekked on through the sunrise, through the burning mid-day and + glowing sunsets, steering by the sun and making our own road; now through + tambouki grass higher than the oxen, and now through dense bush, till at + length, one day, we said good-bye to the Olifants’ just where the Elands’ + River flows into it, and turned our faces eastward. This course soon + brought us on to higher ground and away from the mimosa, which loves the + low, hot valleys, into the region of the sugar bush, which thrives upon + the hill-sides. This sugar bush is a very handsome and peculiar plant, + with soft thick leaves, standing about twenty feet high. It bears a + brush-like flower, each of which in the Cape Colony contains half a + teaspoonful of delicious honey; but, curiously enough, though in other + respects the tree is precisely similar, this is not the case in the + Transvaal or Natal. At the proper season the Cape farmers go out with + buckets and shake the flowers till they have collected sufficient honey to + last them for the winter, a honey more fragrant than that made by bees. + </p> + <p> + After a long ride over the open, which must once have been thickly + populated, to judge from the number of remains of kraals, we came at + length to Fort Weeber. The fort is very badly situated in the hollow of a + plain, and so surrounded by fine hills that it is entirely commanded. It + consists of a single sod wall about two feet thick and five high, capped + with loose stones, whilst at two of the corners stand, on raised + platforms, a six-pounder and a three-pounder Whitworth gun. Inside the + wall are built rows of mud huts, which are occupied by the garrison, + leaving an open square, in the midst of which is placed the magazine. We + found the garrison in a wretched condition. They have not received any pay + except Government “good-fors” (promissory notes, generally known as + “good-for-nothings”), so they are in a state of abject poverty; whilst + they are rendered harmless as regards offensive operations, by the death, + from horse-sickness, of eighty-two of the ninety horses they owned. + However, the officers and garrison gave us a very grand reception. As we + rode up, they fired a salute of twelve guns, and then, after we had + dismounted and been received by the officers, we were taken through a lane + made by the garrison drawn up in a double line, and, just as we got to the + middle, “bang” went the eighty rifles over our heads. Then an address was + read (the volunteers are great people for addresses), but a more practical + welcome soon followed in the shape of a good dinner. + </p> + <p> + Next morning we started, a party of seven, including the interpreter, to + ride over the Loolu Berg to Secocoeni’s, a distance of about thirty-eight + miles. + </p> + <p> + For the first five miles we passed through the most curious granite + formation, a succession of small hills entirely composed of rounded + boulders of granite, weighing from five to 1000 tons, and looking exactly + like piles of gigantic snow-balls hurled together by some mighty hand. The + granite formation prevails in all this part of the country, and individual + boulders sometimes take very curious shapes; for instance, in the + bush-veldt we passed a great column towering high above the trees, + composed of six boulders getting smaller and smaller from the base up, and + each accurately balanced on the one beneath it. Then we crossed the range + of hills which overlooks the fort, and passing Secocoeni’s old kraal where + he used to live before he retreated to his fastnesses, we arrived at a + great alluvial valley nine miles broad, on the other side of which rises + the Loolu. It was on this plain that the only real fight between the + volunteers and Secocoeni’s men took place, when the former managed to get + between the Basutus and the hills, and shot them down like game, killing + over 200 men. Leaving the battle-field, where the skeletons still lie, a + little to our right, we crossed the plain and came to the foot of the + Loolu, all along the base of which stand neat villages inhabited by + Secocoeni’s people. Some of these villages have been burnt by the + volunteers, and the remainder are entirely deserted, their inhabitants + having built fresh huts among the rocks in almost inaccessible places. The + appearance of these white huts peeping out all over the black rocks was + very curious, and reminded one of the Swiss chalets. + </p> + <p> + By the stream that runs along past the villages we off-saddled, as both + ourselves and our horses were nearly exhausted by the burning heat; but as + there was not much time to lose, after a short rest we started off again, + and rode on over a bed of magnetic iron lying on the ground in great lumps + of almost pure metal, until we came to a stretch of what looked remarkably + like gold-bearing quartz, and then to a limestone formation. The whole + country is evidently rich beyond measure in minerals. All this time we + were passing through scenery inexpressibly wild and grand, and when we had + arrived at the highest spot of the pass, it reached a climax of savage + beauty. About forty miles in front of us towered up another magnificent + range of blue-tinged mountains known as the Blue Berg, whilst all around + us rose great bush-clad hills, opening away in every direction towards + gorgeous-coloured valleys. The scene was so grand and solemn that I do not + think it lies in the power of words to describe it. + </p> + <p> + Here we had to dismount to descend a most fearful precipitous path + consisting of boulders piled together in the wildest confusion, from one + to another of which we had to jump, driving the horses before us. Half-way + down we off-saddled to rest ourselves, and as we did so we noticed that + the gall was running from one of the horses’ noses. We knew too well what + was the matter, and so left him there to die during the night. This horse + was by far the finest we had with us, and his owner used to boast that the + poor beast had often carried him, a heavy man, from his house to Pretoria, + a distance of nearly ninety miles, in one day. He was also a “salted” + horse. It is a curious thing that the sickness generally kills the best + horses first. + </p> + <p> + After a short rest we started on again, and at the end of another hour + reached the bottom of the pass. From thence we rode along a gulley, that + alternately narrowed and widened, till at length it brought us right on to + Secocoeni’s beautiful, fever-stricken home. + </p> + <p> + All three of us had seen a good deal of scenery in different parts of the + world, and one of the party was intimately acquainted with the finest + spots in South Africa, but we were forced to admit that we had never seen + anything half so lovely as Secocoeni’s valley. We had seen grander views, + indeed the scene from the top of the pass was grander, but never anything + that so nearly approached perfection in detail. Beautiful it was, + beautiful beyond measure, but it was the sort of beauty under whose veil + are hidden fever and death. And so we pushed on, through the still hot + eventide, till at length we came to the gates of the town, where we found + “Makurupiji,” Secocoeni’s “mouth” or prime minister, who had evidently + been informed of our coming by his spies waiting to receive us.[*] + </p> + <p> + [*] Makurupiji committed suicide after the town had been stormed, + preferring death to imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + Conducted by this grandee, we went on past the Chief’s kraals, down to the + town, whence flocked men, women, and children, to look on the white lords; + all in a primitive state of dress, consisting of a strip of skin tied + round the middle, and the women with their hair powdered with some + preparation of iron, which gave it a metallic blue tinge. + </p> + <p> + At length we stopped just opposite a beautiful fortified kopje[*] + perforated by secret caves where the ammunition of the tribe is hidden. No + stranger is allowed to enter these caves, or even to ascend the kopje, + though they do not object to one’s inspecting some of the other + fortifications. Dismounting from our wearied horses, we passed through a + cattle kraal and came into the presence of “Swasi,” Secocoeni’s uncle, a + fat old fellow who was busily engaged in braying a skin. Nearly every male + Basutu one meets, be he high or low, is braying a hide of some sort, + either by rubbing or by masticating it. It is a curious sight to come + across some twenty of these fellows, every one of them twisting or chewing + away. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Afterwards stormed in the attack on Secocoeni’s town by + Sir Garnet Wolseley. +</pre> + <p> + Swasi was a sort of master of the household; his duty it was to receive + strangers and see that they were properly looked after; so, after shaking + hands with us furiously (he was a wonderful fellow to shake hands), he + conducted us to our hut. It stood in a good-sized courtyard beautifully + paved with a sort of concrete of limestone which looked very clean and + white, and surrounded by a hedge of reeds and sticks tightly tied + together, inside which ran a slightly raised bench, also made of + limestone. The hut itself was neatly thatched, the thatch projecting + several feet, so as to form a covering to a narrow verandah that ran all + round it. Inside it was commodious, and ornamented after the Egyptian + style with straight and spiral lines, painted on with some kind of red + ochre, and floored with a polished substance. Certainly these huts are as + much superior to those of the Zulus as those who dwell in them are + inferior to that fine race. What the Basutus gain in art and handiness + they lose in manliness and gentlemanly feeling. + </p> + <p> + We had just laid ourselves down on the grass mats in the courtyard—for + it was too hot to go into the hut—thoroughly exhausted with our + day’s work and the heat, when in came two men, each of them dragging a + fine indigenous sheep. They were accompanied by Makurupiji, who brought us + a message from Secocoeni to the effect that he, the Chief, sent to greet + us, the great Chiefs; that he sent us also a morsel to eat, lest we should + be hungry in his house. It was but a morsel—it should have been an + ox, for great Chiefs should eat much meat—but he himself was pinched + with hunger, his belt was drawn very tight by the Boers. He was poor, and + so his gift was poor; still, he would see if to-morrow he could find a + beast that had something besides the skin on its bones, that he might + offer it to us. After this magniloquent address the poor animals were + trundled out by the other gate to have their throats cut. + </p> + <p> + After getting some supper and taking our quinine, we turned in and slept + that night in the best way that the heat would let us, rising next morning + with the vain hope of getting a bathe. Of all the discomforts we + experienced at Secocoeni’s, the scarcity and badness of the water was the + worst. Bad water, when you are in a hotbed of fever, is a terrible + privation. And so we had to go unwashed, with the exception of having a + little water poured over our hands out of gourds. We must have presented a + curious sight at breakfast that morning. Before us knelt a sturdy Kafir, + holding a stick in each hand, on which were respectively speared a leg and + a side of mutton, from which we cut off great hunks with our + hunting-knives, and, taking them in our fingers, devoured them like beasts + of prey. If we got a bit we did not like, our mode of dispensing of it was + simple and effective. We threw it to one of the natives standing round us, + among whom was the heir-apparent, who promptly gobbled it up. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast finished, a message came from Secocoeni asking for spirits to + drink. But we were not to be taken in in this way, for we knew well that + if we sent the Chief spirits we should get no business done that day, and + we did not care to run the risk of fever by stopping longer than we could + help; so we sent back a message to the effect that business must come + first and spirits afterwards. The head men, who brought this message, said + that they could perfectly understand our objection, as far as Secocoeni + and ourselves were concerned, since we had to talk, but as they had only + to sit still and listen there could be no possible objection to their + having something to drink. This argument was ingenious, but we did not see + the force of it, as our stock of spirits, which we had brought more for + medicine than anything else, was very limited. Still, we were obliged to + promise them a “tot” after the talking was over, in order to keep them + civil. + </p> + <p> + Our message had the desired effect, for presently Secocoeni sent to say + that it was now time to talk, and that his head men would lead us to him. + So we started up, accompanied by “Makurupiji,” “Swasi,” and “Galook,” the + general of his forces, a fat fellow with a face exactly like a pig. The + sun beat down with such tremendous force that, though we had only + three-quarters of a mile to walk, we felt quite tired by the time we + reached the Chief’s kraals. Passing through several cattle kraals, we came + to a shed under which sat the heir-apparent dressed in a gorgeous blanket + with his court around him. Leaving him, we entered an inner cattle kraal, + where, in one corner, stood a large, roughly-built shed, under the shade + of which squatted over a hundred of the head men of the tribe, gathered + together by Secocoeni to “witness.”[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] As each chief came up to the meeting-place he would pass + before the enclosure where Secocoeni was sitting and salute + him, by softly striking the hands together, and saying + something that sounded like “Marema.” + </pre> + <p> + Opening out of this kraal was the chief’s private enclosure, where stood + his huts. As we drew near, Secocoeni, who had inspired such terror into + the bold Burghers of the Republic, the chief of nine thousand warriors, + the husband of sixty-four wives, the father of a hundred children, rose + from the ox-hide on which he was seated, under the shade of a tree, and + came to the gate to meet us. And a queer sight this potentate was as he + stood there shaking hands through the gate. Of middle age, about + forty-five years of age, rather fat, with a flat nose, and small, + twinkling, black eyes, he presented an entirely hideous and semi-repulsive + appearance. His dress consisted of a cotton blanket over which was thrown + a tiger-skin kaross, and on his head was stuck an enormous old white felt + hat, such as the Boers wear, and known as a “wilderbeeste chaser.” + </p> + <p> + After we had been duly introduced, he retreated to his ox-hide, and we + went and squatted down among the head men. Secocoeni took no active part + in the proceedings that followed; he sat in his enclosure and occasionally + shouted out some instructions to Makurupiji, who was literally his + “mouth,” speaking for him and making use of the pronoun “I.” During the + four hours or so that we were there Secocoeni never stopped chewing an + intoxicating green leaf, very much resembling that of the pomegranate, of + which he occasionally sent us some. + </p> + <p> + After the business of the Commission had come to an end, and some of our + party started on their homeward journey, we were detained by Secocoeni, + who wished to see us privately. He sent for us to his private enclosure, + and we sat down on his ox-hide with him and one or two head men. It was + very curious to see this wily old savage shoving a handful of leaves into + his mouth, and giving his head a shake, and then making some shrewd remark + which went straight to the bottom of whatever question was in hand. At + length we bade Secocoeni good-bye, having promised to deliver all his + respectful messages to our chief, and, thoroughly wearied, arrived at our + own hut. Tired as we were, we thought it would be better to start for the + fort at once, rather than risk the fever for another night. So we made up + our minds to a long moonlight ride, and, saddling up, got out of + Secocoeni’s town about 3.30 P.M., having looked our last upon this + beautiful fever-trap, which only wants water scenery to make it absolutely + perfect. Half-way up, we saw the poor horse we had left sick the day + before, lying dead, with dry foam all round his mouth, and half his skin + taken off by some passing Basutu. A couple of hundred yards farther on we + found another dying, left by the party who had started before us. It was + in truth a valley of the shadow of death. Luckily our horses lasted us + back to the fort, but one died there, and the other two are dead since. + </p> + <p> + Beautiful as was the scene by day, in the light of the full moon it was + yet more surpassingly lovely. It was solemn, weird. Every valley became a + mysterious deep, and every hill, stone, and tree shone with that cold pale + lustre which the moon alone can throw. Silence reigned, the silence of the + dead, broken only once or twice by the wild whistling challenge of one of + Secocoeni’s warriors as he came bounding down the rocks, to see who we + were that passed. The effect of the fires by the huts, perched among the + rocks at the entrance to the pass, was very strange and beautiful, + reminding one of the midnight fires of the Gnomes in the fairy tales. + </p> + <p> + And so we rode on, hour after hour, through the night, till we well-nigh + fell asleep in our saddles, and at length, about two o’clock in the + morning, we reached the waggons to find the young Boers fast asleep in our + bed. We kicked them out, and, after swallowing some biscuits, tumbled in + ourselves for the few hours’ rest which we so sadly needed. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning, Thursday, two of the party bade farewell to our + hosts at the fort and started on one of the quickest possible treks, + leaving our companion to proceed across country to the fort established by + President Burgers, or “Porocororo,” as the Basutus call him, at Steelport. + </p> + <p> + We returned to Middelburg by an entirely different route from that by + which we came. Leaving the valley of the Olifants to our right, we trekked + along the high-veldt, and thus avoided all the fever country. Roughly + speaking, we had about 120 miles of country to get over to reach + Middelburg, and we determined to do this in three days and two nights, so + as to get in on the Saturday night, as we were much pressed for time. Now, + according to English ideas, it is no great thing to travel 120 miles in + three days; but it is six days’ journey in an ox-waggon over bad country, + and we were going to do it in half that time by doubling the speed. + </p> + <p> + Of course, to do this we had to trek night and day. For instance, on the + first day we inspanned at 10.30 A.M. and trekked till within an hour of + sundown; at sundown we inspanned, and with one outspan trekked till + sunrise; outspanned for two hours, and on again, being seventeen and a + half hours under the yoke out of the twenty-four, and covering fifty-five + miles. Of course, one cannot do this sort of travelling for more than two + or three days without killing the oxen; as it was, towards the end, as + soon as the yokes were lifted off, the poor beasts dropped down as though + they were shot, and most of them went lame. Another great disadvantage is + that one suffers very much from want of sleep. The jolting of the + springless machine, as it lumbered over rocks a foot high and through deep + spruits or streams, brought our heads down with such a fearful jar on the + saddle-bags that we used for pillows, that all sleep was soon knocked out + of them; or, even if we were lucky enough to be crossing a stretch of + tolerably smooth ground, there was a swaying motion that rubbed one’s face + up and down till the skin was nearly worn through, polishing the + saddle-bags to such an extent that we might almost have used them for + looking-glasses as well as pillows. + </p> + <p> + At Secocoeni’s kraal we had engaged two boys to carry our packs as far as + the fort, who, on their arrival, were so well satisfied with the way in + which we treated them that they requested to be allowed to proceed with + us. These young barbarians, who went respectively by the names of “Nojoke” + and “Scowl,” as being the nearest approach in English to their Sisutu + names, were the greatest possible source of amusement to us, with their + curious ways.[*] I never saw such fellows to sleep; it is a positive fact + that Nojoke used frequently to take his rest coiled up like a boa + constrictor in a box at the end of the waggon, in which box stood three + iron pots with their sharp legs sticking up. On those legs he peacefully + slumbered when the waggon was going over ground that prohibited our even + stopping in it. “Scowl” was not a nice boy to look at, for his naked back + was simply cut to pieces and covered with huge weals, of which everybody, + doubtless, thought we were the cause. On inquiring how he came to get such + a tremendous thrashing, it turned out that these Basutus have a custom of + sending young men of a certain age[+] out in couples, each armed with a + good “sjambok” (a whip cut from the hide of a sea-cow), to thrash one + another till one gives in, and that it was in one of these encounters that + the intelligent Scowl got so lacerated; but, as he remarked with a grin, “<i>My</i> + back is nothing, the chiefs should see that of the other boy.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Of these two lads, Nojoke subsequently turned out + worthless, and went to the Diamond Fields, whilst Scowl + became an excellent servant, until he took to wearing a + black coat, and turned Christian, when he shortly afterwards + developed into a drunkard and a thief. + + [+] The age of puberty. +</pre> + <p> + We spent one night at Middelburg, and next morning, bidding adieu to our + kind English friends, started for Pretoria, taking care to end our first + day’s journey at a house where an Englishman lived, so as to ensure a + clean shakedown. Here we discovered that the horse I was riding (the sole + survivor of the five we had started with) had got the sickness, and so we + had to leave him and hire another. This horse, by the by, recovered, which + is the only instance of an animal’s conquering the disease which has yet + come under my observation. We hired the new horse from a Boer, who charged + us exactly three times its proper price, and then preached us a sermon + quite a quarter of an hour long on his hospitality, his kindness of heart, + and his willingness to help strangers. I must tell you that, just as we + were going to sleep the night before, a stranger had come and asked for a + shakedown, which was given to him in the same room. We had risen before + daybreak, and my companion was expatiating to me, in clear and forcible + language, on the hypocrisy and scoundrelism of this Boer, when suddenly a + sleepy voice out of the darkness murmured thickly, “I say, stranger, guess + you shouldn’t lose your temper; guess that ‘ere Boer is acting after the + manner of human natur’.” And then the owner of the voice turned over and + went to sleep again. + </p> + <p> + We had over sixty miles to ride that day, and it must have been about + eight o’clock at night, on the sixteenth day of our journey, when we + reached Pretoria and rode straight up to our camp, where we were heartily + greeted. I am sure that some of our friends must have felt a little + disappointed at seeing us arrive healthy and fat, without a sign of fever, + after all their melancholy predictions. It would not have been “human + natur’” if they had not. When we got to the camp, I called out to Masooku, + my Zulu servant, to come and take the horses. Next moment I heard a rush + and a scuttle in the tent like the scrimmage in a rabbit-burrow when one + puts in the ferrets, and Masooku shouted out in Zulu, “He has come back! + by Chaka’s head, I swear it! It is his voice, his own voice, that calls + me; my father’s, my chief’s!” + </p> + <p> + And so ended one of the hardest and most interesting journeys imaginable—a + journey in which the risk only added to the pleasure. Still, I should not + care to make it again at the same time of year. + </p> + <p> + VII A ZULU WAR-DANCE + </p> + <p> + In all that world-wide empire which the spirit of the English colonisation + has conquered from out of the realms of the distant and unknown, and added + year by year to the English dominions, it is doubtful whether there be any + one spot of corresponding area, presenting so many large questions, social + and political, as the colony of Natal. Wrested some thirty years ago from + the patriarchal Boers, and peopled by a few scattered scores of + adventurous emigrants, Natal has with hard toil gained for itself a + precarious foothold hardly yet to be called an existence. Known chiefly to + the outside world as the sudden birthplace of those tremendous polemical + missiles which battered so fiercely, some few years ago, against the walls + of the English Church, it is now attracting attention to the shape and + proportion of that unsolved riddle of the future, the Native Question. In + those former days of rude and hand-to-mouth legislation, when the certain + evil of the day had to be met and dealt with before the possible evil of + the morrow, the seeds of great political trouble were planted in the young + colony, seeds whose fruit is fast ripening before our eyes. + </p> + <p> + When the strong aggressive hand of England has grasped some fresh portion + of the earth’s surface, there is yet a spirit of justice in her heart and + head which prompts the question, among the first of such demands, as to + how best and most fairly to deal by the natives of the newly-acquired + land. In earlier times, when steam was not, and telegraphs and special + correspondents were equally unknown agencies for getting at the truth of + things, this question was more easily answered across a width of dividing + ocean or continent. Then distant action might be prompt and sharp on + emergency, and no one would be the wiser. But of late years, owing to + these results of civilisation, harsh measures have, by the mere pressure + of public opinion, and without consideration of their necessity in the + eyes of the colonists, been set aside as impracticable and inhuman. In the + case of Natal, most of the early questions of possession and right were + settled, sword in hand, by the pioneer Dutch, who, after a space of + terrible warfare, drove back the Zulus over the Tugela, and finally took + possession of the land. But they did not hold it long. The same hateful + invading Englishman, with his new ideas and his higher forms of + civilisation, who had caused them to quit the “Old Colony,” the land of + their birth, came and drove them, <i>vi et armis</i>, from the land of + their adoption. And it was not long before these same English became lords + of this red African soil, from the coast up to the Drakensberg. Still + there were difficulties; for although the new-comers might be lords of the + soil, there remained yet a remnant, and a very troublesome remnant, of its + original and natural masters: shattered fragments of the Zulu power in + Natal, men who had once swept over the country in the army of Chaka the + Terrible, Chaka of the Short Spear, but who had remained behind in the + fair new land, when Chaka’s raids had been checked by the white man and + his deadly weapons. Remnants, too, of conquered aboriginal tribes, who had + found even Chaka’s rule easier than that of their own chieftains, swelled + the amount to a total of some 100,000 souls. + </p> + <p> + One of the first acts of the English Government, when it took up the + reins, was to allot to each of these constituent fragments a large portion + of the land. This might perhaps have been short-sighted legislation, but + it arose from the necessity of the moment. According to even the then + received ideas of colonisation and its duties, it was hardly possible—danger + apart—to drive all the natives over the frontier, so they were + allowed to stay and share the rights and privileges of British subjects. + But the evil did not stop there. Ere long some political refugees, + defeated in battle, fled before the avenging hand of the conqueror, and + craved place and protection from the Government of Natal. It was granted; + and the principle once established, body after body of men poured in: for, + in stepping over the boundary line, they left the regions of ruin and + terrible death, and entered those of peace, security, and plenty. + </p> + <p> + Thus it is that the native population of Natal, fed from within and + without, has in thirty years increased enormously in number. Secluded from + the outside world in his location, the native has lived in peace and + watched his cattle grow upon a thousand hills. His wealth has become great + and his wives many. He no longer dreads swift “death by order of the + king,” or by word of the witch-doctor. No “impi,” or native regiment, can + now sweep down on him and “eat him up,” that is, carry off his cattle, put + his kraal to the flames, and himself, his people, his wives, and children + to the assegai. For the first time in the story of the great Kafir race, + he can, when he rises in the morning, be sure that he will not sleep that + night, stiff, in a bloody grave. He has tasted the blessings of peace and + security, and what is the consequence? He has increased and multiplied + until his numbers are as grains of sand on the sea-shore. Overlapping the + borders of his location, he squats on private lands, he advances like a + great tidal wave, he cries aloud for room, more room. This is the trouble + which stares us in the face, looming larger and more distinct year by + year; the great over-growing problem which thoughtful men fear must one + day find a sudden and violent solution. Thus it comes to pass that there + hangs low on the horizon of South Africa the dark cloud of the Native + Question. How and when it will burst no man can pretend to say, but some + time and in some way burst it must, unless means of dispersing it can be + found. + </p> + <p> + There is now at work among the Kafir population the same motive power + which has raised in turn all white nations, and, having built them up to a + certain height, has then set to work to sap them until they have fallen—the + power of civilisation. Hand in hand the missionary and the trader have + penetrated the locations. The efforts of the teacher have met with but a + partial success. “A Christian may be a good man in his way, but he is a + Zulu spoiled,” said Cetywayo, King of the Zulus, when arguing the question + of Christianity with the Secretary for Native Affairs; and such is, not + altogether wrongly, the general feeling of the natives. With the traders + it has been different. Some have dealt honestly—and more, it is to + be feared, dishonestly—not only with those with whom they have had + dealings, but with their fellow-subjects and their Government. It is these + men chiefly who have, in defiance of the law, supplied the natives with + those two great modern elements of danger and destruction, the gin-bottle + and the rifle. The first is as yet injurious only to the recipients, but + it will surely react on those who have taught them its use; the danger of + possessing the rifle may come home to us any day and at any moment. + </p> + <p> + Civilisation, it would seem, when applied to black races, produces effects + diametrically opposite to those we are accustomed to observe in white + nations: it debases before it can elevate; and as regards the Kafirs it is + doubtful, and remains to be proved, whether it has much power to elevate + them at all. Take the average Zulu warrior, and it will be found that, in + his natural state, his vices are largely counter-balanced by his good + qualities. In times of peace he is a simple, pastoral man, leading a + good-humoured easy life with his wives and his cattle, perfectly indolent + and perfectly happy. He is a kind husband and a kinder father; he never + disowns his poor relations; his hospitality is extended alike to white and + black; he is open in his dealings and faithful to his word, and his + honesty is a proverb in the land. True, if war breaks out and the thirst + for slaughter comes upon him, he turns into a different man. When the + fierce savage spirit is once aroused, blood alone will cool it. But even + then he has virtues. If he is cruel, he is brave in the battle; if he is + reckless of the lives of others, he regards not his own; and when death + comes, he meets it without fear, and goes to the spirits of his fathers + boldly, as a warrior should. And now reverse the picture, and see him in + the dawning light of that civilisation which, by intellect and by nature, + he is some five centuries behind. See him, ignoring its hidden virtues, + eagerly seize and graft its most prominent vices on to his own besetting + sins. Behold him by degrees adding cunning to his cruelty, avarice to his + love of possession, replacing his bravery by coarse bombast and insolence, + and his truth by lies. Behold him inflaming all his passions with the + maddening drink of the white man, and then follow him through many degrees + of degradation until he falls into crime and ends in a jail. Such are, in + only too many instances, the consequences of this partial civilisation, + and they are not even counterbalanced, except in individual cases, by the + attempt to learn the truths of a creed which he cannot, does not, pretend + to understand. And if this be the result in the comparatively few + individuals who have been brought under these influences, it may be fair + to argue that it will differ only in degree, not in kind, when the same + influences are brought to bear on the same material in corresponding + proportions. Whatever may or may not be the effects of our partial + civilisation when imperfectly and spasmodically applied to the vast native + population of South Africa, one thing must, in course of time, result from + it. The old customs, the old forms, the old feelings, must each in turn + die away. The outer expression of these will die first, and it will not be + long before the very memory of them will fade out of the barbaric heart. + The rifle must replace, and, indeed, actually has replaced, the assegai + and the shield, and portions of the cast-off uniforms of all the armies of + Europe are to be seen where, until lately, the bronze-like form of the + Kafir warrior went naked as on the day he was born. But so long as native + customs and ceremonies still linger in some of the more distant locations, + so long will they exercise a certain attraction for dwellers amid tamer + scenes. It is therefore from a belief in the magnetism of contrast that + the highly-civilised reader is invited to come to where he can still meet + the barbarian face to face and witness that wild ceremony, half jest, half + grim earnest—a Zulu war dance. + </p> + <p> + It was the good fortune of the writer of this sketch to find himself, some + years ago, travelling through the up-country districts of Natal, in the + company of certain high officials of the English Government. The journey + dragged slowly enough by waggon, and some monotonous weeks had passed + before we pitched our camp, one drizzling gusty night, on a high plateau, + surrounded by still loftier hills. A wild and dismal place it looked in + the growing dusk of an autumn evening, nor was it more suggestively + cheerful when we rode away from it next morning in the sunshine, leaving + the waggons to follow slowly. Our faces were set towards a great mountain, + towering high above its fellows, called Pagadi’s Kop—Pagadi being a + powerful chief who had fled from the Zulus in the early days of the + colony, and had ever since dwelt loyally and peacefully here in this wild + place, beneath the protection of the Crown. Messengers had been duly sent + to inform him that he was to receive the honour of a visit, for your true + savage never likes to be taken by surprise. Other swift-footed runners had + come back with the present of a goat, and the respectful answer, so + Oriental in its phraseology, that “Pagadi was old, he was infirm, yet he + would arise and come to greet his lords.” Every mile or so of our slow + progress a fresh messenger would spring up before us suddenly, as though + he had started out of the earth at our feet, and prefixing his greeting + with the royal salute, given with up-raised arm, “Bayete! Bayete!”—a + salutation only accorded to Zulu royalty, to the governors of the + different provinces, and to Sir T. Shepstone, the Secretary for Native + Affairs—he would deliver his message or his news and fall into the + rear. Presently came one saying, “Pagadi is very old and weak; Pagadi is + weary; let his lords forgive him if he meet them not this day. To-morrow, + when the sun is high, he will come to their place of encampment and greet + his lords and hold festival before them. But let his lords, the white + lords of all the land from the Great Mountain to the Black Water, go up to + his kraal, and let them take the biggest hut and drink of the strongest + beer. There his son, the chief that is to be, and all his wives, shall + greet them; let his lords be honoured by Pagadi, through them.” An + acknowledgment was sent, and we still rode on, beginning the ascent of the + formidable stronghold, on the flat top of which was placed the chief’s + kraal. A hard and stiff climb it was, up a bridle path with far more + resemblance to a staircase than a road. But if the road was bad, the + scenery and the vegetation were wild and beautiful in the extreme. Now we + came to a deep “kloof” or cleft in the steep mountain-side, at the bottom + of which, half hidden by the masses of ferns and rich rank greenery, + trickled a little stream; now to an open space of rough ground, covered + only with huge, weather-washed boulders. A little further on lay a Kafir + mealie-garden, where the tall green stalks were fairly bent to the ground + by the weight of the corn-laden heads, and beyond that, again, a park-like + slope of grassy veldt. And ever, when we looked behind us, the vast + undulating plain over which we had come stretched away in its mysterious + silence, till it blended at length with the soft blue horizon. + </p> + <p> + At last, after much hard and steady climbing, we reached the top and stood + upon a perfectly level space ten or twelve acres in extent, exactly in the + centre of which was placed the chief’s kraal. Before we dismounted we rode + to the extreme western edge of the plateau, to look at one of the most + perfectly lovely views it is possible to imagine. It was like coming face + to face with great primeval Nature, not Nature as we civilised people know + her, smiling in corn-fields, waving in well-ordered woods, but Nature as + she was on the morrow of the Creation. There, to our left, cold and grey + and grand, rose the great peak, flinging its dark shadow far beyond its + base. Two thousand feet and more beneath us lay the valley of the Mooi + river, with the broad tranquil stream flashing silver through its midst. + Over against us rose another range of towering hills, with sudden openings + in their blue depths through which could be seen the splendid distances of + a champaign country. Immediately at our feet, and seeming to girdle the + great gaunt peak, lay a deep valley, through which the Little Bushman’s + River forced its shining way. All around rose the great bush-clad hills, + so green, so bright in the glorious streaming sunlight, and yet so awfully + devoid of life, so solemnly silent. It was indeed a sight never to be + forgotten, this wide panoramic out-look, with its towering hills, its + smiling valleys, its flashing streams, its all-pervading sunlight, and its + deep sad silence. But it was not always so lifeless and so still. Some few + years ago those hills, those plains, those rivers were teeming each with + their various creatures. But a short time since, and standing here at + eventide, the traveller could have seen herds of elephants cooling + themselves yonder after their day’s travel, whilst the black-headed + white-tusked sea-cow rose and plunged in the pool below. That bush-clad + hill was the favourite haunt of droves of buffaloes and elands, and on + that plain swarmed thousands upon thousands of springbok and of quagga, of + hartebeest and of oribi. All alien life must cease before the white man, + and so these wild denizens of forest, stream, and plain have passed away + never to return. + </p> + <p> + Turning at length from the contemplation of a scene so new and so + surprising, we entered the stockade of the kraal. These kraals consist of + a stout outer palisade, and then, at some distance from the first, a + second enclosure, between which the cattle are driven at night, or in case + of danger. At the outer entrance we were met by the chief’s eldest son, a + finely-built man, who greeted us with much respect and conducted us + through rows of huts to the dwelling-places of the chief’s family, fenced + off from the rest by a hedge of Tambouki grass. In the centre of these + stood Pagadi’s hut, which was larger and more finely woven and thatched + than the rest. It is impossible to describe these huts better than by + saying that they resemble enormous straw beehives of the old-fashioned + pattern. In front of the hut were grouped a dozen or so of women clad in + that airiest of costumes, a string of beads. They were Pagadi’s wives, and + ranged from the first shrivelled-up wife of his youth to the plump young + damsel bought last month. The spokeswoman of the party, however, was not + one of the wives, but a daughter of Pagadi’s, a handsome girl, tall, and + splendidly formed, with a finely-cut face. This prepossessing young lady + entreated her lords to enter, which they did, in a very unlordly way, on + their hands and knees. So soon as the eye became accustomed to the cool + darkness of the hut, it was sufficiently interesting to notice the rude + attempts at comfort with which it was set forth. The flooring, of a + mixture of clay and cow-dung, looked exactly like black marble, so smooth + and polished had it been made, and on its shining, level surface couches + of buckskin and gay blankets were spread in an orderly fashion. Some + little three-legged wooden sleeping-pillows and a few cooking-pots made up + its sole furniture besides. In one corner rested a bundle of assegais and + war-shields, and opposite the door were ranged several large calabashes + full of “twala” or native beer. The chief’s son and all the women followed + us into the hut. The ladies sat themselves down demurely in a double row + opposite to us, but the young chieftain crouched in a distant corner apart + and played with his assegais. We partook of the beer and exchanged + compliments, almost Oriental in their dignified courtesy, in the soft and + liquid Zulu language, but not for long, for we still had far to ride. The + stars were shining in southern glory before we reached the place of our + night’s encampment, and supper and bed were even more than usually + welcome. There is a pleasure in the canvas-sheltered meal, in the + after-pipe and evening talk of the things of the day that has been and + those of the day to come, here, amid these wild surroundings, which is + unfelt and unknown in scenes of greater comfort and higher civilisation. + There is a sense of freshness and freedom in the wind-swept waggon-bed + that is not to be exchanged for the softest couch in the most luxurious + chamber. And when at length the morning comes, sweet in the scent of + flowers, and glad in the voice of birds, it finds us ready to greet it, + not hiding it from us with canopy and blind, as is the way of cities. + </p> + <p> + The scene of the coming spectacle of this bright new day lies spread + before us, and certainly no spot could have been better chosen for + dramatic effect. In front of the waggons is a large, flat, open space, + backed by bold rising ground with jutting crags and dotted clumps of + luxuriant vegetation. All around spreads the dense thorn-bush, allowing + but of one way of approach, from the left. During the morning we could + hear snatches of distant chants growing louder and louder as time wore on, + and could catch glimpses of wild figures threading the thorns, warriors + hastening to the meeting-place. All through the past night the farmers for + miles around had been aroused by the loud insistent cries of the chief’s + messengers as they flitted far and wide, stopping but a moment wherever + one of their tribe sojourned, and bidding him come, and bring plume and + shield, for Pagadi had need of him. This day, we may be sure, the herds + are left untended, the mealie-heads ungathered, for the herdsmen and the + reapers have come hither to answer to the summons of their chief. Little + reck they whether it be for festival or war; he needs them, and has called + them, and that is enough. Higher and higher rose the fitful distant chant, + but no one could be seen. Suddenly there stood before us a creature, a + woman, who, save for the colour of her skin, might have been the original + of any one of Macbeth’s “weird sisters.” Little, withered, and bent nearly + double by age, her activity was yet past comprehension. Clad in a strange + jumble of snake-skins, feathers, furs, and bones, a forked wand in her + outstretched hand, she rushed to and fro before the little group of white + men. Her eyes gleamed like those of a hawk through her matted hair, and + the genuineness of her frantic excitement was evident by the quivering + flesh and working face, and the wild, spasmodic words she spoke. The + spirit at least of her rapid utterances may thus be rendered:— + </p> + <p> + “Ou, ou, ou, ai, ai, ai. Oh, ye warriors that shall dance before the great + ones of the earth, come! Oh, ye dyers of spears, ye plumed suckers of + blood, come! I, the Isanusi, I, the witch-finder, I, the wise woman, I, + the seer of strange sights, I, the reader of dark thoughts, call ye! Come, + ye fierce ones; come, ye brave ones, come, and do honour to the white + lords! Ah, I hear ye! Ah, I smell ye! Ah, I see ye; ye come, ye come!” + </p> + <p> + Hardly had her invocation trailed off into the “Ou, ou, ou, ai, ai, ai,” + with which it had opened, when there rushed over the edge of the hill, + hard by, another figure scarcely less wild, but not so repulsive in + appearance. This last was a finely-built warrior arrayed in the full + panoply of savage war. With his right hand he grasped his spears, and on + his left hung his large black ox-hide shield, lined on its inner side with + spare assegais. From the “man’s” ring round his head arose a single tall + grey plume, robbed from the Kafir crane. His broad shoulders were bare, + and beneath the arm-pits was fastened a short garment of strips of skin, + intermixed with ox-tails of different colours. From his waist hung a rude + kilt made chiefly of goat’s hair, whilst round the calf of the right leg + was fixed a short fringe of black ox-tails. As he stood before us with + lifted weapon and outstretched shield, his plume bending to the breeze, + and his savage aspect made more savage still by the graceful, statuesque + pose, the dilated eye and warlike mould of the set features, as he stood + there, an emblem and a type of the times and the things which are passing + away, his feet resting on ground which he held on sufferance, and his + hands grasping weapons impotent as a child’s toy against those of the + white man,—he who was the rightful lord of all,—what + reflections did he not induce, what a moral did he not teach! + </p> + <p> + The warrior left us little time, however, for either reflections or + deductions, for, striking his shield with his assegai, he rapidly poured + forth this salutation:— + </p> + <p> + “Bayete, Bayete, O chief from the olden times, O lords and chief of + chiefs! Pagadi, the son of Masingorano, the great chief, the leader of + brave ones, the son of Ulubako, greets you. Pagadi is humble before you; + he comes with warrior and with shield, but he comes to lay them at your + feet. O father of chiefs, son of the great Queen over the water, is it + permitted that Pagad’ approach you? Ou, I see it is, your face is + pleasant; Bayete, Bayete!” + </p> + <p> + He ends, and, saluting again, springs forward, and, flying hither and + thither, chants the praises of his chief. “Pagadi,” he says, “Pagad’, + chief and father of the Amocuna, is coming. Pagad’, the brave in battle, + the wise in council, the slayer of warriors; Pagad’ who slew the tiger in + the night time; Pagadi, the rich in cattle, the husband of many wives, the + father of many children. Pagad’ is coming, but not alone; he comes + surrounded with his children, his warriors. He comes like a king at the + head of his brave children. Pagadi’s soldiers are coming; his soldiers who + know well how to fight; his soldiers and his captains who make the hearts + of brave men to sink down; his shakers of spears; his quaffers of blood. + Pagad’ and his soldiers are coming; tremble all ye, ou, ou, ou!” + </p> + <p> + As the last words die on his lips the air is filled with a deep, murmuring + sound like distant thunder; it swells and rolls, and finally passes away + to give place to the noise of the rushing of many feet. Over the brow of + the hill dashes a compact body of warriors, running swiftly in lines of + four, with their captain at their head, all clad in the same wild garb as + the herald. Each bears a snow-white shield carried on the slant, and above + each warrior’s head rises a grey heron’s plume. These are the + advance-guard, formed of the “greys” or veteran troops. As they come into + full view the shields heave and fall, and then from every throat bursts + the war-song of the Zulus. Passing us swiftly, they take up their position + in a double line on our right, and stand there solemnly chanting all the + while. Another rush of feet, and another company flits over the hill + towards us, but they bear coal-black shields, and the drooping plumes are + black as night; they fall into position next the firstcomers, and take up + the chant. Now they come faster and faster, but all through the same gap + in the bush. The red shields, the dun shields, the mottled shields, the + yellow shields, follow each other in quick but regular succession, till at + length there stands before us a body of some five hundred men, presenting, + in their savage dress, their various shields and flashing spears, as wild + a spectacle as it is possible to conceive. + </p> + <p> + But it is not our eyes only that are astonished, for from each of those + five hundred throats there swells a chant never to be forgotten. From + company to company it passes, that wild, characteristic song, so touching + in its simple grandeur, so expressive in its deep, pathetic volume. The + white men who listened had heard the song of choirs ringing down + resounding aisles, they had been thrilled by the roll of oratorios pealing + in melody, beautiful and complex, through the grandest of man’s theatres, + but never till now had they heard music of voices so weird, so soft and + yet so savage, so simple and yet so all-expressive of the fiercest + passions known to the human heart. Hark! now it dies; lower and lower it + sinks, it grows faint, despairing: “Why does he not come, our chief, our + lord? Why does he not welcome his singers? Ah! see, they come, the heralds + of our lord! our chief is coming to cheer his praisers, our chief is + coming to lead his warriors.” Again it rises and swells louder and louder, + a song of victory and triumph. It rolls against the mountains, it beats + against the ground: “He is coming, he is here, attended by his chosen. Now + we shall go forth to slay; now shall we taste of the battle.” Higher yet + and higher, till at length the chief, Pagadi, swathed in war-garments of + splendid furs, preceded by runners and accompanied by picked warriors, + creeps slowly up. He is old and tottering, and of an unwieldy bulk. Two + attendants support him, whilst a third bears his shield, and a fourth (oh + bathos!) a cane-bottomed chair. One moment the old man stands and surveys + his warriors and listens to the familiar war-cry. As he stands, his face + is lit with the light of battle, the light of remembered days. The + tottering figure straightens itself, the feeble hand becomes strong once + more. With a shout, the old man shakes off his supporters and grasps his + shield, and then, forgetting his weakness and his years, he rushes to his + chieftain’s place in the centre of his men. And as he comes the chant + grows yet louder, the time yet faster, till it rises, and rings, and + rolls, no longer a chant, but a war-cry, a paean of power. Pagadi stops + and raises his hand, and the place is filled with a silence that may be + felt. But not for long. The next moment five hundred shields are tossed + aloft, five hundred spears flash in the sunshine, and with a sudden roar, + forth springs the royal salute, “Bayete!” + </p> + <p> + The chief draws back and gives directions to his <i>indunas</i>, his + thinkers, his wise ones, men distinguished from their fellows by the + absence of shield and plume; the <i>indunas</i> pass on the orders to the + captains, and at once the so-called dance begins. First they manoeuvre a + little in absolute silence, and changing their position with wonderful + precision and rapidity; but as their blood warms there comes a sound as of + the hissing of ten thousand snakes, and they charge and charge again. A + pause, and the company of “greys” on our right, throwing itself into open + order, flits past us like so many vultures to precipitate itself with a + wild, whistling cry on an opposing body which rushed to meet it. They join + issue, they grapple; on them swoops another company, then another and + another, until nothing is to be distinguished except a mass of wild faces + heaving; of changing forms rolling and writhing, twisting and turning, + and, to all appearances, killing and being killed, whilst the whole air is + pervaded with a shrill, savage sibillation. It is not always the same cry; + now it is the snorting of a troop of buffaloes, now the shriek of the + eagle as he seizes his prey, anon the terrible cry of the “night-prowler,” + the lion, and now—more thrilling than all—the piercing wail of + a woman. But whatever the cry, the cadence rises and falls in perfect time + and unanimity; no two mix with one another so as to mar the effect of + each. + </p> + <p> + Again the combatants draw back and pause, and then forth from the ranks + springs a chosen warrior, and hurls himself on an imaginary foe. He darts + hither and thither with wild activity, he bounds five feet into the air + like a panther, he twists through the grass like a snake, and, finally, + making a tremendous effort, he seems to slay his airy opponent, and sinks + exhausted to the ground. The onlookers mark their approval or disapproval + of the dancer’s feats by the rising and falling of the strange whistling + noise which, without the slightest apparent movement of face or lip, + issues from each mouth. Warrior after warrior comes forth in turn from the + ranks and does battle with his invisible foe, and receives his meed of + applause. The last warrior to spring forward with a wild yell is the + future chief, Pagadi’s son and successor, our friend of yesterday. He + stands, with his shield in one hand and his lifted battle-axe—borne + by him alone—in the other, looking proudly around, and rattling his + lion-claw necklets, whilst from every side bursts forth a storm of + sibillating applause, not from the soldiers only, but from the old men, + women, and children. Through all his fierce pantomimic dance it continues, + and when he has ended it redoubles, then dies away, but only to burst out + again and again with unquenchable enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + In order, probably, to give the warriors a brief breathing space, another + song is now set up, and it is marvellous the accuracy and knowledge of + melody with which the parts are sung, like a glee of catch, the time being + kept by a conductor, who rushes from rank to rank beating time with a + wand. Yet it is hardly like chanting, rather like a weird, sobbing melody, + with tones in it which range from the deepest bass to the shrillest + treble. It ends in a long sigh, and then follows a scene, a tumult, a + melee, which hardly admits of a description in words. The warriors engage + in a mimic combat, once more they charge, retreat, conquer, and are + defeated, all in turns. In front of them, exciting them to new exertions, + with word and gesture, undulate in a graceful dance of their own the + “intombis,” the young beauties of the tribe, with green branches in their + hands, and all their store of savage finery glittering on their shapely + limbs. Some of these maidens are really handsome, and round them again + dance the children, armed with mimic spears and shields. Wild as seems the + confusion, through it all, even the moments of highest excitement, some + sort of rough order is maintained; more, it would seem, by mutual sounds + than by word of command or sense of discipline. + </p> + <p> + Even a Zulu warrior must, sooner or later, grow weary, and at length the + signal is given for the dance to end. The companies are drawn up in order + again, and receive the praise and thanks of those in whose honour they had + been called together. To these compliments they reply in a novel and + imposing fashion. At a given signal each man begins to softly tap his + ox-hide shield with the handle of his spear, producing a sound somewhat + resembling the murmur of the distant sea. By slow degrees it grows louder + and louder, till at length it rolls and re-echoes from the hills like + thunder, and comes to its conclusion with a fierce, quick rattle. This is + the royal war-salute of the Zulus, and is but rarely to be heard. One more + sonorous salute with voice and hand, and then the warriors disappear as + they came, dropping swiftly and silently over the brow of the hill in + companies. In a few moments no sign or vestige of dance or dancers + remained, save, before our eyes, the well-trodden ground, a few lingering + girls laden with large calabashes of beer, and in our ears some distant + dying snatches of chants. The singers were on their joyful way to slay and + devour the oxen provided as a stimulus and reward for them by their + chief’s liberality. + </p> + <p> + When the last dusky figure had topped the rising ground over which the + homeward path lay, and had stood out for an instant against the flaming + background of the western sun, and then dropped, as it were, back into its + native darkness beyond those gates of fire, the old chief drew near. He + had divested himself of his heavy war-dress, and sat down amicably amongst + us. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” he said, taking the hand of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, and addressing + him by his native name, “Ah! t’Sompseu, t’Sompseu, the seasons are many + since first I held this your hand. Then we two were young, and life lay + bright before us, and now you have grown great, and are growing grey, and + I have grown very old! I have eaten the corn of my time, till only the cob + is left for me to suck, and, <i>ow</i>, it is bitter. But it is well that + I should grasp this your hand once more, oh, holder of the Spirit of + Chaka,[*] before I sit down and sleep with my fathers. <i>Ow</i>, I am + glad.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The reader must bear in mind that the Zulu warrior is + buried sitting and in full war-dress. Chaka, or T’chaka, was + the founder of the Zulu power. +</pre> + <p> + Imposing as was this old-time war-dance, it is not difficult to imagine + the heights to which its savage grandeur must have swelled when it was + held—as was the custom at each new year—at the kraal of + Cetywayo, King of the Zulus. Then 30,000 warriors took part in it, and a + tragic interest was added to the fierce spectacle by the slaughter of many + men. It was, in fact, a great political opportunity for getting rid of the + “irreconcilable” element from council and field. Then, in the moment of + wildest enthusiasm, the witch-finder darted forward and lightly touched + with a switch some doomed man, sitting, it may be, quietly among the + spectators, or capering with his fellow-soldiers. Instantly he was led + away, and his place knew him no more. + </p> + <p> + Throughout the whole performance there was one remarkable and genuine + feature, the strong personal attachment of each member of the tribe to its + chief—not only to the fine old chief, Pagadi, their leader in former + years, but to the head and leader for the years to come. + </p> + <p> + It must be remembered that this system of chieftainship and its attendant + law is, to all the social bearings of South African native life, what the + tree is to its branches; it has grown through long, long ages amid a + people slow to forget old traditions, and equally slow to receive new + ideas; dependent on it are all the native’s customs, all his keen ideas of + right and justice; in it lies embodied his history of the past, and from + it springs his hope for the future. Surely even the most uncompromising of + those marching under the banner of civilisation must hesitate before they + condemn this deep-rooted system to instant uprootal.[*] The various + influences of the white man have eaten into the native system as rust into + iron, and their action will never cease till all be destroyed. The + bulwarks of barbarism, its minor customs and minor laws, are gone, or + exist only in name; but its two great principles, polygamy and + chieftainship, yet flourish and are strong. Time will undo his work, and + find for these also a place among forgotten things. And it is the + undoubted duty of us English, who absorb people and territories in the + high name of civilisation, to be true to our principles and our aim, and + aid the great destroyer by any and every safe and justifiable means. But + between the legitimate means and the rash, miscalculating uprootal of + customs and principles, which are not the less venerable and good in their + way because they do not accord with our own present ideas, there is a + great gulf fixed. Such an uprootal might precipitate an outburst of the + very evils it aims at destroying. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] I do not wish the remarks in this paper, which was + written some years ago, to be taken as representing my + present views on the Natal native question, formed after a + longer and more intimate acquaintance with its + peculiarities, for which I beg to refer the reader to the + chapter on Natal.—Author. +</pre> + <p> + What the ultimate effect of our policy will be, when the leaven has + leavened the whole, when the floodgates are lifted, and this vast native + population (which, contrary to all ordinary precedent, does <i>not</i> + melt away before the sun of the white man’s power) is let loose in its + indolent thousands, unrestrained, save by the bonds of civilised law, who + can presume to say? But this is not for present consideration. Subject to + due precautions, the path of progress must of necessity be followed, and + the results of such following left in the balancing hands of Fate and the + future. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Cetywayo and his White Neighbours, by +H. Rider Haggard + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CETYWAYO AND HIS WHITE NEIGHBOURS *** + +***** This file should be named 8667-h.htm or 8667-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/6/6/8667/ + +Produced by John Bickers; Dagny; David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’ WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. + +The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + </body> +</html> |