THE TRANSVAAL. 167 



trembles in his shoes in anticipation of wrath to 

 come. Oftentimes these little scenes are varied 

 by threats of Presidential resignation, and on such 

 occasions apologies, regrets, and promises of 

 amended behaviour for the future is the scene upon 

 which the curtain is lowered, as the President picks 

 up his stove-pipe hat, retires to enjoy a smoke, 

 and, if in a liberal mood, indulges in a cup of 

 coffee. His Honour Paul Kruger would in any 

 other country than that in which he rules be looked 

 upon as an extremely eccentric personality, repre- 

 sentative of ideas long since obsolete, but manfully 

 adhered to in defiance of the presence of modern 

 "progress." His great popularity with that large 

 majority of his constituents called " Doppers " is 

 based on the profession and practice of a hard 

 and fast puritanic regime, resembling that of 

 Cromwellian times, upon the possession of a large 

 amount of common-sense, a good reserve of 

 "cunning," and undeniable personal courage. His 

 literary acquirements are, or were till very lately, 

 limited to a very intimate acquaintance with the 

 sacred Hebraic records B.C. As a personification 

 of extreme thrift he excels, and as far as mere 

 utility is concerned 500 a year would supply him 



