THE TRANSVAAL. 177 



Uitlanders would, for the present at all events, 

 do well to drop active agitation for the franchise, as 

 even if it were granted it would be so surrounded 

 by limitations as to be useless. Instead, insist, to 

 the limits of peace, on just and fair recognition 

 of the material grievances as affecting commercial 

 interest, and on a total change in the attitude of 

 the Transvaal Government as it affects adversely 

 their just interests and possible prosperity. 



To use a slang but expressive Yankeeism, the 

 Transvaal President, who is practically an autocrat 

 of a pronounced type, is actuated by a spirit of 

 pure " cussedness " in all his dealings with any 

 community outside the little class of those he 

 fanatically believes to be the " Chosen People," 

 and of whom he is the archpriest and prophet. 

 The immunity from penalties, which he has so 

 many times incurred, warrants him in supposing 

 that the patience of the Imperial Government 

 knows no limits. If its officials allow themselves 

 to be deceived by specious words and promises, 

 they incur the responsibility of the issue of dealings 

 with a man who recognises no obligation to keep 

 faith with Philistines. The spirit I have alluded 

 to as the actuating factor of Kruger, and his clan, 



N 



