The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1899-12-20
HiQh School Bulletin.
EDITORIAL STAFF.
Editor-in- Chief Clement Flynn oi.
Assistant Editor Frances King, '02.
Local Editor-Amy Reno 100

boctl hnitOr amy htnos W.
N0O~N-o~oNN~N|NNNNC-O NC-O~0~OOoNN~~~N-~o~~~
The threatening clouds that have
been darkening the horizon In the far
off lands of Stanley's travels, have at
last broken, and the closing months of
the nineteenth century present
mournful spectacle to the apostles of
social progress. To-day the attention
OF the American people is riveted on
the cruel drama that is being enacted
in the land OF Kruger on the far off
shores of South Africa, and true to our
traditions Of the past, we extend our
hand of sympathy to our sister republic,
who, though bleeding at every pore,
continues To float her banner Of liberty
TO the breeze with deathless determin-
alton that challenges the admiration OF
the whole civilized world. To properly
understand the causes that led up to
the present conflict, it will be necessary
for us To go back in history for period
Of twenty years, when we find the South
African Republic, or Transvaal. to have
been inhabited by sturdy, thriving
race OF people known as the Beers, and
to have been annexed to Great Britain
by proclamation. A British diplomatic
agent had been dispatched into the
country TO feel the temper OF the people,
so TO speak, and to spy out the land
Having notified his government that It
would be advisable, proclamation was
issued which simply swallowed up the
whole republic, and British governor
and regiment of soldiers was dispatched
to take hold OF the reins of the govern
ment. The inhabitants, who at that
time numbered about fifty thousand
souls, met In assembly time and again
to protest against these proceedings,
but to no avail. About this time, how
ever, change in power took place in
England by which the brilliant, but un-
scrupulous Disraeli was replaced by
that grandest statesman Of the age,
William +. Gladstone, and IL was
thought a change in England's attitude
would be brought about; but Parliament
decided that the demands Of the Beers
could not be granted.
So in December, 1880. three years
after this, actuated by the same inspired
feelings as were our fathers OF 70, and
bowed under the weight Of oppression
that had been heaped on them, they
marched from their farms under the
lead of the gallant Joubert, determined
to throw of the yoke that bound them
SO closely to their oppressors. The re-
suit was long period OF bloodshed,
until Gladstone, realizing that grave
error had been committed by his pre-
decessor In Office, sent ambassadors to
bring about peace. While the terms
agreed upon still retained the sem
blance of monarchy yet 1t granted to
the struggling Beers what they sought
self government.
So, peace was at last brought about,
and the little republic once more COM
menced her prosperous career which
she enjoyed uninterrupted until a few
months ago, when the long, avaricious
paw Of the British Lion, no longer re-
strained by the voice of Gladstone, WAS
once more raised in selfish greed toward
these people. The result we all know,
and our prayers ascend heavenward for
the young manhood OF that country who
are dyeing the green hills crimson with
their martyr blood, shed in defense OF
that self-inherent right Of man, self
government.