7.--_The Franchise is Self-Government._

Confronted with these facts, the Pro-Boer cries: "Ah, but Mr. Krüger was
obliged to protect himself. He could not have his burghers swamped by
Uitlanders. He was perfectly right."

Good. There is the theory that honest dealing is unnecessary in public
negotiations; an apology for that system which is in direct
contradiction to the maxim of private law that you cannot give and
withhold at one and the same time.

"But why should the English insist upon obtaining the franchise for
Uitlanders?"

In order that there should be no more need for the British Government to
concern itself in Transvaal affairs, Sir Alfred Milner was right when he
said to the State Attorney (despatch of August 15th):

"I am sure that the present proposal is made _bonâ fide_ in order
to establish the rights of British subjects once for all; and the
Government of the South African Republic need not entertain any
fear that we should wish to intervene in its internal affairs in
future."

On August 28th, Mr. Chamberlain speaks the same language; at the same
time justly observing, that only a portion of the Englishmen residing in
the Transvaal would seek to become naturalised.

In point of fact when in February, 1896, the British Government demanded
autonomy for the Rand, and on this proposition being refused, demanded