Taiban Valley news., 1921-11-04
CAREZONyO

For death itself would be sweet compared with the
step which we must now take. But let us bow
before the will of Cod
"'The future is dark, indeed but will not
give up courage hope and trust in God. NO
shall convince me that this unparalleled sacri-
flee which the African nation has laid upon the
altar of freedom will be in vain. 1t has been war
for treedOm-and not only for the freedom OF the
Beers, but for the freedom Of all the nations OF
South Africa. It's results we leave in Gods hands
Perhaps 1t is His will to lead our nation through
defeat through abasement, yes, and even through
the valley Of the shadow of DEATH to the glory of
a nobler future, to the light Of a brighter day.
SHUTS prevailed And his "brighter day" came
quickly. Death had removed Cecil Rhodes, for
quarter of century the dominating personality on
the imperial side in South African politics. the man
morally culpable" in the famous Jameson raid"
the diamond king who left by will practically his
whole fortune Of $30OOOOO0 to the public service
Within few years after the war, under the lead
ership Of Botha and SHUTS, the BOer nation arose
out Of the wreck of the BOer republics. In 1910
Cape Colony, Natal, Orange Free State and the
Transvaal became the Union Of South Africa with
the consent and approval of the British govern
ment. 1t contains 473,OOO square miles and 6OOO,-
600 people. 1t is practically a self-governing
ton. 1t has liberal constitution and parlia-
ment and the Beers in the majority Both
the English and Dutch languages official.
SHutS was SUN engaged on tne TASK OF nOulnS
together these confederated colonies when the
World called him again into the field. This
time he went in as the head Of an army and took
German East Africa from the Germans.
The necessities of the British empire then
called SHUTS to England for counsel. The war
won, SHUTS took major place at the peace
ference through sheer moral force and intellect.
He had much to do with forming the League of
Nations He helped construct the treaty and he
Elut ho OdunnO Of toSt
and explanations to terms forced into 1t against
his will. That protest his admirers say marks
him as prophet as we'll as statesman.
Smuts has been called an liable compromised"
an "Opportunist In politics" and call things to
all men," And his nickname in his own country
among the old-time trekkers is "Slim Jamie"
"Slm" meaning tricky, slick, evasive.
The career of SHUTS, however seems to SUD-
port the view of his admirers that in matters OF
principle he has always stood steadfast as bed
rock. His admirers put it this way: "He has a
way of overlooking unessenNNl details which
smaller men stumble over" They assert that he
Is an all-around man Of firm will, determined
character great experience and hard common
sense They also speak with admiration for his
tact 1t is this tact that earned Cor him the "Slim"
of the od-time Beers. He has easy tact which
makes for amiabity and smooths over disagree
able situations. Also, he is just about the best
whist player in South Africa and the old Beers
thought he was very wicked because he played
cards!
In the old Boer household, such as SHUTS came |
FROM says Mr.. Hill, the cOffee-pot is always boil
ing With cup of coffee and piece of biltong |
(dried meaD the Boer can fight trek all day |
long. SHUTS only bad habit, If it can be called
bad habit is addiction to coffee. He neither
drinks liquor of any kind nor smokes and he eats
sparingly.
He is essentially out-of-doors man and his
body is wiry and rangy. He has the stride of a
man familiar with long marches and the natural
swing Of one who is at home in the saddle. He
speaks with vigor and sometimes with emotion.
The Boer is not demonstrative or emotional
person. and SHUTS has much of the racial reserve.
At times he Is an inspired orator, and something
of his place in the world is due to his eloquent
tongue He seems to lack the tricks of the SPELL
binders trade. He is forceful, convincing and
persuasive.
There is n strong religious trend In the charac-
ter Of General Smuts He comes of strain of
men who went into battle with supplications to
God upon their lips, stock that held In ridicule
and contempt the goddess ways Of other people