weeks there, tell us exactly what we ought to do; and we don't like
it. I wish I could speak to you as a sort of amiable critic, but I
have the misfortune to belong to that much-despised class the local
politician, and I notice that, when anybody says anything about the
Colonies in England, all unite in kicking the local politician. In
order not to sail under false colours, I state frankly that I
belong to that class. Of course, South Africa is creating a deal of
interest at the present time. People who come to fortunes usually
do excite a great deal of interest among relations who may in times
gone by have given them the cold shoulder. There can be no doubt as
to the material prosperity of South Africa at the present time, and
still less doubt as to the future. The gold fields of Witwatersrand
are unique in the world. This is not my own statement, but the
statement of eminent mining engineers from America. For thirty
miles and more you have a continuous stretch of reef, which gives
throughout a uniform yield per ton, and which has been proved to
the depth of some hundred feet, and may--there is every reason to
believe--go to unknown depths. The reefs are now being worked in
the most economical manner. When proper appliances for mining are
used, and when we get the stock-jobbers off our backs, I believe a
career of prosperity will open of which few people dream. From
another point of view, to those who love the country and make their
home there, there cannot but be a seamy side to the picture. Great
wealth brings other things in its train. It has brought into South
Africa a great spirit of gambling. People neglect the honest
industries of the country: they leave their farm work, and rush off
to make fortunes in a minute. Everybody--from the king to the
beggar--is gambling in gold shares. Everybody neglects his
business, and talks about nothing else. I ask whether this is a
wholesome state of society? Is it not a state of society to which