Delaware gazette and state journal., 1899-11-02

tortuous instead of direct 1t is because
he is untutored in the art Of direct de
ception and uses the best weapons he
has at hand.
Until lately no one ever suggested
that Mr.. Kruger had amassed his very
comfortable fortune by the prostitution
Of his office. The immense rise in the
value of his land, as well as that of his
follow -countrymen generally, after, the
discovery of gold on the Rand, together
with the salary of s35, 600 year which
he has received for SO long and spent so
sparingly, would fully account for his
worldly possessions.
1t is absolutely impossible for the
average man to realize the primitive
life of the people from which Paul
Kruger is sprung, and of which he re-
mains, with all of his years and expert
ence, an exemplary type. II seems not
too much to say that the citizens of the
South African Republic are not only of
q grade of intelligence comparable to
ordinary Continental peasants, but go
further, and arc perhaps complete
reproduction of the German peasants Of
200 years ago.
Kruger used to live on typical farm
on the Veldt. This is life little above
that Of the aboi iginal natives. The
Dutch ideal of living is to have as
much land as possible certainly
enough to put out of view your neigh
bore chimney to cultivate as little of
this land as tho most meager household
needs require, and that a household
of the most primitive description,
generally but two roomsa kitchen and
a common bed room--for all the MEM
bers of u large family; to devote the
rest of the wild land to the pasturage
of a few scrubby horses and cattle, and
to live in the greatest idleness possible,
sitting all day IN the kitchen drinking
concoction of coffee.
OF education there is still very little,
although the contact with civilization
of late years has demanded slightly
higher standard than used to prevail.
There are now some schools. Formerly
nearly all education was acquired from
from house to house and, in return for
food and lodging, taught the children
to read and write in Dutch.
The virtues induced by this mode of
life also abounded There was no
question whatever of the hospitality of
the people. Visitors were made well
ccme to stay as long as they liked, to
partake of the simple food. OF which
there was probably meat once day
and few of the coarser vegetables,
and to share portion of bed in the
room where all of the family slept.
Perhaps it was this ingrained in
dolence which made the Beers so
opposed to innovations. For it is we'll
remembered how bitterly the first pro-
position of a railroad through the
Tiansyaal was opposed with the argu-
ments that the oxwagon had been the
vehicle of Gods people from time i'm
memorial, and that any moie Iarid
means of getting about would only
assist the departure of the wicked
thieves, most likely.
This manner of living was brought
by the krugers to the Government
House in Pretoria, and cannot be said
to have been greatly changed by the
dignities which progress has forced
them to add to their outward state.
Perhaps within the last few years good
Iante AUNT Kruger has--as much in
view OF her advancing years as her
Presidential dignity-taken servants
into the house, but formerly all of the
work was done by herself and her
daughters.
One gentleman, who described to me
visit to the Krugels, said that the
door was opened for him by Mrs.
Kruger with kepi Ia large sunbonnetl
on her head, her skirts tucked up, and
an orange, which she was sucking.
glued to her mouth. There were few
additions TO the midday executive
dinner table which these of the country
generally did not enjoy, but everything
was bountifully supplied.
The daughters waited on the table,
but their places have probably been
taken by servants now. The meat is
boiled, and the President is said to be
particular ly fond of tulnips, which he
cats raw as we'll as cooked. Here also
coffee in large quantities is drunk,
and is the only beverage.
There is absolutely no social life
beyond this-no gatherings of any kind
among the people for amusement.
When they meet it is either for busi-
ness or religion.