In This State
Of Inertia The Natal Force Remained Until Lord Roberts, After A Six
Weeks' Halt In Bloemfontein, Necessitated
By the insecurity of his
railway communication and his want of every sort of military
supply, more especially horses for
His cavalry and boots for his
infantry, was at last able on May 2nd to start upon his famous
march to Pretoria. Before accompanying him, however, upon this
victorious progress, it is necessary to devote a chapter to the
series of incidents and operations which had taken place to the
east and south-east of Bloemfontein during this period of
compulsory inactivity.
One incident must be recorded in this place, though it was
political rather than military. This was the interchange of notes
concerning peace between Paul Kruger and Lord Salisbury. There is
an old English jingle about 'the fault of the Dutch, giving too
little and asking too much,' but surely there was never a more
singular example of it than this. The united Presidents prepare for
war for years, spring an insulting ultimatum upon us, invade our
unfortunate Colonies, solemnly annex all the portions invaded, and
then, when at last driven back, propose a peace which shall secure
for them the whole point originally at issue. It is difficult to
believe that the proposals could have been seriously meant, but
more probable that the plan may have been to strengthen the hands
of the Peace deputation who were being sent to endeavour to secure
European intervention. Could they point to a proposal from the
Transvaal and a refusal from England, it might, if not too
curiously examined, excite the sympathy of those who follow
emotions rather than facts.
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