The Boers Had Made, As
Has Been Briefly Shown, Great Efforts To Establish A Country Of
Their Own.
They had travelled far, worked hard, and fought bravely.
After all their efforts they were fated to see an influx of
strangers into their country, some of them men of questionable
character, who outnumbered the original inhabitants.
If the
franchise were granted to these, there could be no doubt that
though at first the Boers might control a majority of the votes, it
was only a question of time before the newcomers would dominate the
Raad and elect their own President, who might adopt a policy
abhorrent to the original owners of the land. Were the Boers to
lose by the ballot-box the victory which they had won by their
rifles? Was it fair to expect it? These newcomers came for gold.
They got their gold. Their companies paid a hundred per cent. Was
not that enough to satisfy them? If they did not like the country
why did they not leave it? No one compelled them to stay there. But
if they stayed, let them be thankful that they were tolerated at
all, and not presume to interfere with the laws of those by whose
courtesy they were allowed to enter the country.
That is a fair statement of the Boer position, and at first sight
an impartial man might say that there was a good deal to say for
it; but a closer examination would show that, though it might be
tenable in theory, it is unjust and impossible in practice.
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