BRITISH SOVTH AFRICA AND THE TRANSVAAL 91 



River country, and others crossing the Vaal River founded the South 

 African Republic. The history of the troubles that have arisen be- 

 tween the Boers and the native tribes on the one hand, and the Boers 

 and the British government on the other is too long and complicated 

 for treatment in this paper, while the controversy which has unhappily 

 terminated in the present war has been so thoroughly discussed in 

 magazines and newspapers all over the world that I consider comment 

 on that sui)ject unnecessary. There have been faults on both sides, 

 but so far as the British government is concerned the main cause of 

 trouble has arisen from its vacillation and the want of a settled policy 

 and course of action. AVith all the blessings of a government by poj)- 

 idar representation, it has its weaknesses, and this is not the least of 

 them. To this cause may be traced in great measure the uncertain 

 and unstable policy which, so far as Great Britain is concerned, forms 

 the head and front of her offending in South Africa. 



Wliichever wa}' the present contest ma}' terminate, it must lead to 

 a better condition than that which has existed for man}' years past. 

 If by any combination of circumstances the Boer Republics should 

 be successful and the whole of South Africa were to be united under 

 Dutch- Afrikander rule, even that would be better than the continual 

 atmosphere of strife and unrest that has prevailed. It appears, how- 

 ever, hardly possible that the power of England when full}' put forth 

 can be successfully resisted by the Boers. Then the logical result 

 would l)e the formation of a Dominion of Soutli Africa, something on 

 the plan of the Canadian confederation, in which men of all races 

 could enjoy the benefits of a strong, united government, and all classes 

 and nationalities would be equal before the law. With universal suf- 

 frage and self-government, confidence would be restored, capital would 

 flow into the country, railroads and public improvements would be 

 constructed, and the boundless resources of the country would be still 

 further developed and utilized. 



South Africa has the advantage of being a country where the white 

 man can live and thrive as well as in Australia, New Zealand, or 

 Canada. When the passions which have been aroused by the struggle 

 have subsided, tliere is little doul)t that not only the Dutch, but nil 

 other elements of the po[)ulation will recognize the benefits of peace 

 and progress and become peaceful citizens of a free state. 



When peace shall be restored, the great (juestion tliatwill arise will 

 be the relation of the white !nan to the native races; l)ut before en- 

 tering upon that phase of tiie subject I will b|-ic(l y (lcsci'il)c tlie])Cople 



