The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1896-04-04
ROMANTIC STORY OF CONQUEST.

ROMANTIC STORY OF CONQUEST.
The news from South Africa is very
disquieting. The Beers are exceedingly
active in arming, Strengthening de-
lenses, drilling men and provisioning
the country, in short doing all a people
can do in anticipation of war. This
would indicate a fear on their part
that the South African Republic ex-
poets an assault from British lines, and
an attempt to extend the sphere Of
British influence" over the Transvaal.
The Beers have seized upon a pro-
pitious time In which to make prepare
ton, for the English are forced to de-
vote all present attention to the new
uprising of the Matabeles under the son
of the late King, Lobengula. The Bit
ish just now in Africa are deficient in
small arms, men, artillery and ammuni-
ton, and the dispatches say that they
are in such a state that a combined as
sault by the Matabeles and a few Of
their tribe colleagues, would be likely
to result in defeat Of British arms. If.
however, a few weeks elapse without
such reverse, reinforcements viii have
arrived and the situation will have
changed for the better for the English.
In the midst Of all this the Beers heap
Goals of fire on the English head by Of
fering to permit the enlistment Of Eng
lish residents of the Transvaal for re-
sistance of the Matabeles, and Offering
also to aid the British In suppressing
the new uprising.
In this connection some rapid sketch
ing of the history of English absorp-
ton of Matabele territory may not
prove undressing. Matabeleland is
one Of the richest spots upon the face
of the globe In arabic lands, in placer
gold mines, and in general products 1t
is a paradise of natural wealth. Its
area is 10000 square miles and it's
population some 100000 natives, besides
some 100, 900 tribe men from other sec
lions. The natives are Of four classes.
the dominant one being the ancient
savage, warlike, tyrannicA and cruel,
but remarkably shrewd, intelligent and
devoted to defense Of their rights. They
do not know what fear Is, and their
physical endurance in war is unparal-
leled. They are well armed, are good
marksmen and use the spear and the
sword with wonderful skill. The men
do no work, for slaves and women are
the tollers.
In 1883 the English Government an
nounced that 1.-The sphere Of British In
fiuence" demanded its extension over
Mashonaland under Matabele jurisdic-
ton. This was simply another way of
saying I'VE want your land and pro-
pose to take it" King Lobengula gave
notice that he would not recognize the
claim of anyone to his acres and gold
fields. The South African Company
had been chartered by England, and the
Duke of Fife, who may some day be
King Of England. was placed at Its head.
A man named Rudd was sent out to
bamboozle the Matabeles. He operated
under the direction Of Cecil Rhodes, and
the Same DR.. Jameson, who invaded
Boer land recently. was pulling wires
in the background.
Rudd, by adroit management, got a
concession from Lobengula Of certain
mineral lands with right Of the Eng
Lab 70 enter and work them. The con-
alteration was twelve hundred and
sixty pounds sterling. 1000 rifles. 100,-
600 rounds Of ammunition and a gun
boot. The English Government by
enactment gave the South African Com
pany absolute and autocratic power
over the whole territory of Mashona-
Land with power to establish civil gov
eminent, maintain an armed force, set
up courts, try offenders and do all
things an independent power could. but
subject to the pleasure of the home
Government
This was in 1889. and within six
months Lobengula had his eyes opened,
discovering that he had received not
sne-tenth value for his concession
.rants, and that the scheme OF the South
African Chartered Company was