New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-02

effect reforms or 10 protect the Beers But IN
1879 the most urgent danger in which they
stood-that OF being slaughtered and plundered
by the Zulus and Kafirs-was removed by the
victories OF Lord Chelmsford and Sir Garnet
Woseley. But Wolseley's settlement OF the
Transvaal question was far from Successful
He announced constitution In December
1879 the chief feature OF which was a nomi-
mated and not an elected Council as the Beers
had been promised He declared that the NAL
content Beers were the most formidable enc
mics the Transvaal had ever had He caused
the arrest OF Pretorius on a charge OF high
treason but. quickly changing his mind. dragged
him from prison and nominated him member
Of the Legislative Council.
THE BOERs RISE IN REBELLION.
In England Mr. Gladstone in his campaign
speeches was proclaiming the action OF the Con-
sentative Government IN South Africa IAN In
vason OF a free European Christian ana
republican community" but when the Liberals
came into office the Cabinet decided that the
sovereignty OF the Queen over the Transvaal
could not be relinquished." Sir Bartle Frere
was succeeded by Sir George Colley as High
Commissioner. and in December. lSso' the Boers
rose in armed rebellion and killed wounded
on by wful misrepresentation of British policy
by the chief agitators. who were aided with
money from the Fenians. But the grievance
which gave vital force to the revolt was the
failure TO grant self government to the Trans
vaal as promised by Sir Theophus Shepstone
For this failure both parties in Great Britain
were to blame
Following their first victory the Beers pro-
claimed the independence OF the country. The
small force OF British troops was defeated IN
several disastrous engagements. notably that OF
Majuba Hill Instead Of sending a large force
and queng the uprising. as is the almost uni
versal custom Of the English. the home Gov
eminent Yielded to the armed and victorious
rebels The Transvaal was restored intact 10
the Beers who received complete self-govern-
ment subject to the suzerainty OF Her Majesty.
This convention signed at Pretoria in
August. 1881. No appeasement OF the animosi-
ties between the Dutch and the English
inhabitants OF the Transvaal followed the con-
clusion Of this convention. The Beers never
respected its terms but continued TO importune
the British Government for an amper measure
OF independence.
Lord Kimberley who occupied the Colonial
Office when the convention of 1881 was signed
was followed by Lord Derby The latter lis
tened with favor 10 the arrogant and overbear-
ing demands OF President KRUGER, and in 1889
the convention which forms the present basis
OF the relations between Great Britain and the
Transvaal was signed. BY its terms the latter
was permitted to call itself the South African
Republic while the control Of its foreign pollcy
was reduced TO the provision that the republic
could conclude no treaty with any state or
nation other than the Orange Free state WITH
out the consent of the Queen. Il Is maintained
that as Great Britain retains the power OF
vetong foreign treaties she still exercises suze-
rainty over the South African Republic.
A VAIN HOPE OF AAlITY.
These further concessions were granted in the
vain hope that amity would be restored thereby
between the two white races In South Africa
But this act OF abnegation appeared to the
English residents to set up a rival ruling power
in the British sphere The Beers had unwil-
lingly agreed TO confine the Transvaal within
fixed limits but TO hold them 10 that promise
has been no easy matter and the British Gov
eminent has been obliged TO interfere by force
Of arms to protect British rights and prevent
the Beers from anneXing all the neghborng
native States.
Ever since 1884 the Transvaal Government
has been trying to accomplish two things-first
acquire seaport Of its own. and. second. 10
retain all power in the hands OF the Beers and
TO deny the franchise to all settlers within her
borders. BY the foresight and sagacity Of such
men as Cecil Rhodes Sir Hercules Robinson
and others the Beers have been in the main
defeated in the first OF these objects, although