'I beg you, for my brother's sake, to maintain a spirit of calm
restraint. We have done everything in our power for him, and used our
very best judgment. In face of the complicated circumstances, no other
course could have been taken.'

It was as oil on the troubled waters.

JANUARY 3.--

FROM THE REFORM COMMITTEE.

The Reform Committee issued the following notice at noon:--

'_Resolved_: That in view of the declaration by the
Transvaal Government to Her Majesty's Agent that the
mediation of the High Commissioner has been accepted, and
that no hostile action will be taken against Johannesburg
pending the results of these negotiations, the Committee
emphatically direct that under no circumstances must any
hostile action be taken by the supporters of the Reform
Committee, and that in the event of aggressive action being
taken against them, a flag of truce be shown, and the
position explained.

'In order to avoid any possibility of collision, definite
orders have been given. The matter is now left with the
mediation of the High Commissioner, and any breach of the
peace in the meanwhile would be an act of bad faith.

'By order of the Committee.'