Gross Nr. 10825. the proportion is very insignificant. I have only dealt with the white britannien, population of the country, or those of European descent. As regards the 4. Oct. 1894. Transvaalers, the males and females are about equal the foreigners about three males to two females, and I have further to remark that there are fully between 3000 and 4000 half-caste and other coloured people and Kafirs from the Cape Colony, and Asiatics in this country, who are also British subjects. - J. A. de Wet, Her Britannic Majesty's Agent. Note. I had to wait for the number of burghers after I finished my despatch, and find the 18 126 to be full fledged burghers, the number who can only vote for the Second Raad, 548, are probably all foreigners registered since 1890, and most likely from the Free State, Cape Colony, and a large proportion of Hollander and officials who were compelled to register themselves by the rules of the service. Census Report, 1890. Z. A. R. J. A. de W. 35 12 4 1 4645 4668.23 Nr. 10826. Gross britannien. 26. Dez. 1895. 8702 2022 113 5921 1516 103 13 821 20 54 501 Zoutpansberg . 26591 346 801 992 8. 296 115 4 15 2 59 2.14 Nr. 10826*). GROSSBRITANNIEN. — Auszug aus dem Agitations- The Situation in the Transvaal. Johannesburg, Dec. 26. The manifesto which has been issued by Mr. Charles Leonard, Chairman of the Transvaal National Union, states that, in view of the momentous issue *) Die folgenden Aktenstücke bis 10 914 entstammen dem Blaubuche South African Republic February 1896. 7933. Red. Totals as per Government Report Difference Nr. 10826. Gross to be faced in this country, a review of the position prior to the holding of a general meeting on January 6 is necessary. The manifesto points out, that britannien. the objects of the Union are maintenance of the independence of the Republic, 26. Dez. 1895. the securing of equal rights and the redress of grievances. To gain these objects a petition was signed last year by 13 000 persons, praying for the franchise. It was submitted to the Volksraad, but was received in that assembly with jeers. This year attempts have been made to support the socalled Progressive party in the Volksraad, but nothing has been obtained by it. A second petition signed by 38 000 persons, praying for the franchise, has also been rejected. The manifesto continues: "We are the vast majority in this State. We own more than half the land and at least nine-tenths of the property. Yet in all matters affecting our lives, our liberties, and our properties, we have absolutely no voice. Taxation is imposed without any representation. The taxation is inequitable because more is levied than is needed for the Government, because it is simply class-taxation, and because the necessaries of life are unduly burdened. Expenditure is uncontrolled, the Legislature is uncontrolled, by any fixed Constitution. || This Legislature during the last few years has shown a constant spirit of hostility and has tried to keep us in awe by the use of force. The Executive Government has no true responsibility to the will of the people. President Krüger is supreme, and he has supported every act by which we and our children have been deprived of the right to the franchise, and by which taxation has been imposed upon us almost exclusively. In administration the grossest extravagance, bribery and corruption are rampant. The administration of native affairs is a source of danger to the community and the sources of native labour are destroyed. The great public which subscribes the bulk of the revenue is virtually denied all benefit of State aid in education. The railway is held by a corporation in Holland, and it charges an outrageous tariff. We are liable for the whole of the debt. It is built on our credit, and yet we have no control. Monopolies are granted which serve to strangle industry; proper municipal government is denied; religious disabilities are imposed; and the English language is denied official recognition. The country is rich and could be marvellously developed, but it cannot stand the drain of the present exactions. We live largely upon foreign capital, and the total dividends are ridiculously small compared with the amount of capital invested. Credit must consequently suffer. || The general policy of the Government is based on an intense hostility to the English. Its set purpose is to repress the growth of industry and to try and prevent the working class from settling. A sum of 250 000 1. is to be spent on a fort at Pretoria, and 100 000 1. on a fort to terrorize the people of Johannesburg. Krupp guns and Maxims have been ordered. These measures are meant to keep us in subjection to unjust laws by the power of the sword, and to divide the classes instead of joining them by equal laws." || The mani Gross Nr. 10826. festo concludes:-"We desire an independent Republic which shall be a true britannien. Republic, in which every man who takes the oath of allegiance to the State 26. Dez.1895. shall have equal rights, and in which our children shall be brought up side by side as united members of a strong commonwealth. We are animated by no race-hatred. We desire to deprive no man, be his nationality what it may, of any right. We want: Nr. 10827. britannien. 29. Dez. 1895. "1. The establishment of this Republic a true Republic. || 2. A Grondiwet, or Constitution, which shall be framed by competent persons selected by representatives of the whole people, and framed on lines laid down by them— a constitution which shall be safeguarded against hasty alteration. || 3. An equitable franchise law, and fair representation. || 4. Equality of the Dutch and English languages. || 5. Responsibility to the Legislature of the heads of the great departments. || 6. The removal of religious disabilities. || 7. The independence of the Courts of Justice, with adequate and secured remuneration for the judges. || 8. Liberal and comprehensive education. || 9. An efficient Civil Service, with adequate provision for pay and pensions. || 10. Free Trade in South African products. This is what we want. There now remains the question which is to be put before you at the meeting of the 6th of January-namely, how shall we get it? To this question I shall expect from you an answer in plain terms according to your deliberate judgment."Our Correspondent. Nr. 10827. GROSSBRITANNIEN. Der Kolonialminister an den Gouverneur in Kapstadt. Soll die Chartered Com pany zur Ruhe ermahnen. Sent 5.30 p.m., 29th December 1895. Telegraphic. (Strictly Confidential.) || It has been suggested, although I Gross- do not think it probable, that an endeavour might be made to force matters at Johannesburg to a head by some one in the service of the Company advancing from Bechuanaland Protectorate with police. | Were this to be done, I should have to take action under Articles 22 and 8 of the Charter. Therefore, if necessary, but not otherwise, remind Rhodes of these Articles, and intimate to him that, in your opinion, he would not have my support, and point out the consequences which would follow. Nr. 10598. britannien. Nr. 10828. GROSSBRITANNIEN. - Der Gouverneur in Kapstadt an den Kolonialminister. Meldet den Aufbruch Jamesons gegen Johannesburg. Received 4.45 p.m.. 30th December 1895. Telegraphic. || Information reached me this morning, that Dr. Jameson Gross- was preparing to start yesterday evening for Johannesburg with a force of 30. Dez.1895. police. I telegraphed at once as follows to the Resident Commissioner in the Bechuanaland Protectorate:-"There is a rumour here, that Dr. Jameson has entered the Transvaal with an armed force. Is this correct? Gross If it is, send Nr. 10828. a special messenger on a fast horse directing him to return at once. A copy britannien. of this telegramm should be sent to the officers with him, and they should 30. Dez.1895. be told, that Her Majesty's Government repudiate this violation of the territory of a friendly State, and that they are rendering themselves liable to severe penalties." || If I hear from Newton, that the police have entered the Transvaal, shall I inform President Krüger, that Her Majesty's Government repudiate Jameson's action? - Nr. 10829. GROSSBRITANNIEN. Der Gouverneur in Kapstadt an den Kolonialminister. Uebersendet eine Anfrage des britischen Geschäftsträgers in Pretoria über Jameson's Aufbruch. Received 5.32 p. m., 30th December 1895. Gross Telegraphic. I have received following from Britisch Agent in the Nr. 10929. South African Republic:- || Begins: 30th December, very urgent. President britannien. South African Republic sent for me, and the General then read to us telegram 30. Dez. 1895. from Landdrost of Zeerust, that a number of British troops have entered Transvaal Republic from Mafeking and cut the wire, and are now on the march to Johannesburg. I assured President, that I could not believe the force consisted of British troops. The General then said they may be Mashonaland or Bechuanaland police, but he believes the information that a force had entered the State, and he said he would take immediate steps to stop their progress. His Honour requested me to ask your Excellency whether this force is composed of British troops or police under your Excellency's control, or whether you have any information of the movement. Ends. || I replied, that I had learnt rumour to same effect, and have telegraphed to inquire, adding that, if true, the step has been taken without my authority or cognizance, and that I have repudiated the act and ordered force to return immediately. Nr. 10830. GROSSBRITANNIEN. Der Kolonialminister an den Gouverneur in Kapstadt. Billigt Robinson's Verfahren. Sent 11.30 p. m., 30th December 1895. Gross Telegraphic. || I reply to your telegrams relative to situation in South Nr. 10830. African Republic, your action is cordially approved. I presume, that Mr. C. J. britannien. Rhodes will co-operate with you in recalling Administrator of Matabeleland. 30. Dez. 1895. Keep me informed fully of political situation in all its aspects; it is not clearly understood here. Leave no stone unturned to prevent mischief. Staatsarchiv LVIII. 2 Nr. 10831. Grossbritannien. Nr. 10831. GROSSBRITANNIEN. Der Gouverneur in Kapstadt an den Kolonialminister. Beschwerde der südafrikanischen Republik. Received 11.5 a. m., 31st December 1895. Telegraphic. Following further message just received from British Agent, South African Republic:- || Begins: 30th December, most urgent. Com31. Dez.1895. mandant-General has received positive information, that about 800 Mashonaland troops are close to Rustenberg well armed with six Maxims and four other cannons, on march to Johannesburg, flying the English flag. His Honour desires me to say, that an armed force of British subjects entering Transvaal Republic by force is a serious breach of London Convention, that he is much surprised that Her Majesty's Government should allow such serious movements to go on unchecked, and he still hopes your Excellency will take immediate steps to stop this force from proceeding any further, as his Honour cannot allow such encroachment on his legal rights with impunity, and most serious consequences will follow, for which his Government cannot be held responsible. Awaiting immediate instructions. Ends. I have instructed British Agent to send at once a thoroughly trustworthy mounted express with following message from me to Dr. Jameson to meet him on the road: Begins: Her Majesty's Government entirely disapprove your conduct. in invading Transvaal with armed force; your action has been reputiated. You are ordered to retire at once from country, and will be held personally responsible for the consequences of your unauthorised and most improper proceeding. Ends. Inform President South African Republic of purport of this message. Ends. || Rhodes has not been in Capetown to-day. I have sent him in writing the purport of your message, and have remonstrated in strongest terms against Jameson's action, warning him of the consequences. Nr. 10832. britannien. Nr. 10832. GROSSBRITANNIEN. - Der Gouverneur in Kapstadt an den Kolonialminister. Die südafrikanische Republik hat die Intervention Deutschlands und Frankreichs nachgesucht. Received 11.28 a. m., 31st December 1895. Telegraphic. I have received following from British Agent, South Gross- African Republic: || Begins: 30th December. Most urgent. I have just been 31. Dez. 1895, informed on unquestionable authority that, in view of an armed force entering Transvaal Republic, presumably Britisch subjects under British flag, President South African Republic has asked for the intervention of Germany and France, and Consuls have cabled the request to their respective Governments. No reply to any of my telegrams of to-day yet. I respectfully submit, that I am placed in a most awkward position in this critical condition to be without any instructions for my guidance; the Government has already sent for me twice; possibly by this time blood has already been shed. Ends. || British Agent has been informed, that his previous telegrams have been replied to as soon as received. |