The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-03-24
NO. 40
The Beers.

OF our civilization Their devotion to eoun-
try and their military proves have been con-
spicuously illustrated in the severe engage
ments they have had with the English troops
defeating them in two sanguinary battles,
and exhibiting determination to maintain
their independence at any sacrifice of life
and property. The armistice recently de-
clared, we hope, may result in peaceful
settlement of hostilities, and the Beers be
permitted to enjoy the liberties of their
own country, in the ways best suited to
their modest, unpretending and. indus
trious methods. The brutal invasion of the
| Transyaal Republic is one of the darkest of
the many dalh1aanssss-o3 Eng i4..d history
and for the credit of that nation and in the
| interest of humanity, it is to be hoped me-
gotiations may be terminated recognizing
the rights OF the Beers and the integrity of
their government before the arrival of the
$4,000 troops recently embarked from Eng
land under Gen. Roberts to crush out the
political existence of this brave people.
The following solemn and impressive
form OF an oath has been communicated to
the Baltimore Sun, illustrative of the char
acter of the Beers, as well as the motives
which are sustaining them in their unequal
struggle. 1t was subscribed by them at Won
derfontein, in the Transvaal, on the 18th of
April, 1879, and is given to show the deep,
heartfelt sincerity of the brave Dutch peas
ants in the defence of their freedom
Tn ha IS
Seacher OF Hearts, and praying for His
gracious assistance and mercy, we, burghers
OF the South African Republic have SOL
EMMY agreed for us and our children to
unite in holy covenant, which we confirm
with solemn oath. 1t is now forty years
ago since our fathers left the Cape Colony
to become free and independent people.
These forty years were forty years of sor-
row and suffering. We have founded Ma
tai, the Orange Free State and the South
African Republic, (Transvaal,) and three
times has the English government trampled
on our liberty, and our flag, baptized with
the blood and tears of our fathers, has been
pulled down. AS thief in the night has
our free Republic been stolen from us. We
cannot suffer this, and we may not. 1t is
the will OF God that the amity of our
fathers and our love to our children should
oblige us to deliver unto our children, un-
blemished, the heritage of our fathers. 1t
is for this reason that we here unite and
give each other the hand as men and breth-
rem, solemnly promising to be faithful to
our country and people, and looking unto
God, to work together unto death for the
So truly help us, God Almighty
The Beers of South Africa are the de-
scendants of the Dutch emigrants, who,
under Jan Van Riebeck, in 1862, settled
upon the southern coast of the African
Continent. OF the white population of
South Africa. 70 per cent. are of Dutch or
lgin. They devote themselves principally
TO agriculture, whence they have their
name, which in England signifies peasants.
Their language, slightly adulterated with
foreign terms, is still the native Dutch, and
while the nations of Europe, in the social
and industrial revolutions of the last CEN
fury and the constant intercourse with each
other, have lost much of their native indi-
viduality, the Beers, owing to their secluded
geographical location and the great dis
tances between their settlements, have re-
tanned more of their ancient Germanic
of Holland themselves. Ever. since the
English definitely took possession of the
Cape in 1906, the Beers have suffered from
their harsh and unjust treatment. In 1884
the British Government prohibited slavery
in Southern Africa. Although just in it.
self, it worked hardship upon the Beers,
whose kindness to their slaves made their
condition one of comfort and ease, and
from the mutual confidence which existed
caused disturbance in industrial arrange
ments which would not have been caused
had the terms of emancipation been by de-
grees The result was that the Beers, in
large masses, emigrated and colonized at
Port Natal, land there laid the foundation for
the Republics Of Orange and Transvaal, in
1885, They soon made the desert to bios
som as the rose, and farm valued now at
$4,000 to $4,000, was, when they first
formed these Republics, given away for
few sheep or piece of linen. The hated
rule OF Great Britain had driven them from
their first colony, and now after having
won their country from the savage and built
oP o hSoAeiiy auo prosperous government.
in 1877 their autonomy was again des-
troyed by The same greedy power, and the
authority over them as subjects of Great
Britain asserted. The discovery of the
diamond fields which, up to 1871, had been
the undisputed property of the Orange
Free State, again increased the hunger of
the British lion for territory in that year
he took forcible possession of that rich and
valuable land, and scarcely four years ago,
without the least semblance of right or
justice, he deprived the fourishing little
republic of the Transvaal of it's indepen-
dence, and annexed it to the British do
minions. In Southern Africa the Beers
have everywhere been the pioneers of En-.
ropean civilization, while the British lion
only followed in its wake to appease his ap-
petite upon the fruits of their labors.
Such is an imperfect sketch of the brave
peasants whose proves in arms has recent
ly arrested the aggressive disposition of
Great Britain, and defeated their armies in
two important battles, and caused a cessa-
ion OF hostilities at least for time, before
every lover of liberty and justice, the rights
OF these brave people may be recognized
and they may be permitted, in their peace
full, unpretentious way to worship under
their own vine and fig tree, free from the
cruel and unchristian disposition of the
British Government.
The President has appointed Hon. VIM.
M. Evarts, of N. Y, ex-senator A. G.
Thurman, of Ohio, and ex-senator Howe
of Wisconsin, as Commissioners of the
| United States to represent this country at
| the Monetary Convention, which meets If
Paris. The selection of Mr.. Thurman ha,
been the occasion of much comment IRON
party papers of both sides, and all OF i
complimentary of this handsome recogni
ton OF the distinguished Ohio Senator. Tn
pay is $4,000 and expenses, each Commits
sioner to have clerk at $4,000.
| TC1tnton 9TowaN traro1,s