The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-07-23

republic, and bordering in part on Portu-
guese East Africa, valuable mining con
cessions and all the grazing rights of vast
and fertile plains, and subsequently at
tempted to assume jurisdiction over this
territory. England objected, and again
negotiations were had which through the
shrewd natural diplomacy of Paul Kruger,
ended in 1894 in a treaty, by which Swat
Land was coded TO the South African re-
public. The latter, however. was bound
by this treaty to prevent all organized
emigration of Beers into territory north
OF the republic, into British South Africa.
This latter colony is part of the former
Matabele Kingdom and was organized by
the Royal Chartered company.
~
Recent developments in South African
politics make it plain that England has
never ceased trying to subjugGte the
South African republic. The Jameson
raid is an example of the tactics pursued
by England in this direction. The Eng
lish policy is largely based upon the
"Uitlanders" foreigners or immi-
grdnts-in Transvaal, who do not enjoy
the same political rights as the Beers.
According to the constitution OF the South
African republic of 1890 only such citizens
as were either born in the republic or
have lived there since 1876 can be elected
ell. Members of the second volksraad
may be those who have lived for four
years in the republic. Suffrage for The
hrst volksraad is based upon a residence
OF fourteen years, for the second upon
residence of two years. Inasmuch as no
law can be passed without the consent of
the first volksraad, the supremacy of the
Beers is obvious.
England favors the unlimited equality
of the "Uitlanders" in the first place, but
Will accept the secondary qualification as
binding for both houses of the legislature,
hoping that by this means the British in
terest will achieve supremacy. The Beers,
both of the African republic and the
Orange Free State, on the other hand,
concluded on March II, 1897. a treaty for
common defense of their rights 1t is but
necessary to refer to the logged persever-
ance of the Beers, and to. their undylng
hatred of everything English, that this
treaty has the support, morally II not
openly OF all the Beers still living in
Natal and Cape Colony.
~
For the better understanding the fol-
lowing figures regarding the population
of the three great districts which may
form the South African Federation" of
the future--the dream of President Kru-
ger-may be of interest
population. Whites
South African republic 1904 ,156 S45, 395
orange Free state...... 207,5O3 77,7l6
Na'ai ''''.''''..'...... $4,000 $1,000
:
Total 1920, 1854 4S3,113
II VIII be seen that Cape Colony proper
mas been left out of any calculation in
case OF armed resistance by the
boers' The three states named, according
70 an estimate from German sources. will
ne anie to place an army OF about $4,000
men IN the field, poorly organized. of
course, as judged from a European stand
point, but hardened fighters who are in
spiIeo by intense hatred of the English. a
natrea that has been nursed for nearly
,nIee centuries. England. ON the other
hand, maintains we'll seasoned aad thor
oSuehly disciplined army of $500 men In
ape colony, and can readily double this
lumber by drawing on the East India
forces 1t may not come to open hostili
ues Tor some time because President
hIuser OF the South African republic has
SHOWN very conciliatory spirit. But.
,;a.i aliatory tactics in diplomatic nego-
.lallpns have always been EMPLOYED with
great success by the willy old Boer.
John Ehlert