The record-union., 1899-09-27
THE SOUTH AFRICAN CLOUD.

Tt is announced that the Orange Free
State has resolved in case of war in
South Africa, to cast its fortunes with
the Transvaal State. AS the matter
is put by the smaller nation, if it does
not join with the Beers and the latter
are defeated, the English will next alb
sorb the lesser State the time being
postponed only until there is discovery
of rich mineral deposits and a flocking
in of Uitlanders. Therefore, it is ar
gued, the right thing to do is to make
common cause with the Beers now
against the aggressions of England.
If the Orange Free State joins with
the Transvaal the two can put into
the field about DC, 600 men, every one of
whom Is a. sharpshooter and trained to
fight on his own account. England
can, of course, place double that num-
Der Of soldiers. She has the advantage
of having full possession of the coast
line, has unlimited supplies and can
recruit her forces constantly. On the
other hand, the South Africans could
not much refresh their armies under
two years, when youths come on able
to bear arms, while the end of their
resources for maintenance of an army
they have already in view.
They know that they could not main
tain the conflict beyond a couple Of
years at most, and that at the end of
that time, the fields untitled, stock un-
cared for and the best manhood of the
country exhausted, they must yield.
But in the meantime they will give the
English such battle as they most dread.
It will be bloody from the beginning.
The Boer is to fight upon his own soil.
he is familiar with every foot of the
territory and viii not be much impeded
in his movements by typographical OBJ
stacles. His army can be scattered in
the hills at single blast Of the bugle
and reassembled almost as quickly.
There is a possibility that the Dutch
in Cape Colony may be drawn into the
trouble and join forces with the Beers.
In that case some 1O, 900 more men will
be found in resistance to England But
if the Afrikanders of the Cape Colony
take that position they will be a great
sufferer. Their position is not inland
and is far more open to assault than
the people of the Orange Free State
or of the Transvaal
LII
struggle and long one. We do not
look upon the outcome as doubtful.
England, by reason of her superior
strength and inexhaustable military re-
sources, viii probably crown her ban
ners with victory. But it will be
victory bearing resemblance to that
which cost Napoleon nearly two years
Of hard fighting to achieve in the Ty-
ed by Hofer and his devoted patriots.
If war breaks out it will be found
that the English tactics will be of the
rush order. Their aim will be to
force and vigor that will carry the
advance guards well into the enemy's
country, and thus at the very outset
depress him. English Generals will
do all that men may do to make the
war short, swift and decisive A pro-
longed campaign will Of all things else
be avoided by them if possible. Con-
centration and a rush toward the CEN
ter Of the Transvaal will be the order
that the conflict may be wound UP be-
fore the friendly States can be reused
to that extreme hight of sympathy that
will carry their entire populations In a
wave over TO the side of the Beers.
Hope Is still to be entertained that
war may be averted. England is by
no means a unit for it. There are many
statesmen and many interested in
Great Britain opposed to a conflict.
holding that a peaceful adjustment
with honor may be achieved. These
influences are, of course, in the minor
ity, but it is a courageous one. There
is one possible outcome of the war if
1t opens namely that the Beers and
their allies may make such a stubborn
resistance and such expressive move
ment and so hold the English off, that
the latter may find it discreet and in
consonance with the best thought of
the country to renew overtures for a
settlement. In that event peace will
be easily accomplished, but it will then
be with far greater advantage to the
Pretoria government.