There is a vast difference between this attitude and the arrogant tone
generally ascribed to Mr. Chamberlain. It is always advisable to refer
to the documents on a question before discussing it.




CHAPTER XVII.

THE BOER ULTIMATUM.[23]


1.--_Dr. Kuyper's Logic._

Referring to the Bloemfontein Conference, Dr. Kuyper says:

"Mr. Chamberlain opened his criminal negotiations ... Unfortunately
for him, his opponent, of whom Bismarck said there was not a
statesman in Europe who surpassed him for sagacity and sound
judgment, did not fall into the trap. He prolonged the negotiations
... but from the moment he held in his hands undeniable proofs of
the manner in which Mr. Chamberlain was luring him on and seeking
to gain time, he hurled at him the reproach of "coveting Naboth's
vineyard," and sent an ultimatum to London." (p. 502).

We are struck in this passage by the admirable logic of Dr. Kuyper. It
is Krüger who "prolongs the negotiations," and Chamberlain who "seeks to
gain time." To heighten the prestige of Mr. Krüger, Dr. Kuyper invokes
the testimony of Bismarck. I certainly think that it was Krüger's