Such is plainly the idea of Mr. Krüger and of the majority of the 29
members of the Volksraad, and we shall see that that idea underlies the
whole of its political economy.

Mr. Krüger was, however, in error in supposing that he could practise
this system indefinitely in these times of ours, and with respect to the
citizens of a country which represents the modern conception of
industrial civilization.

Professor Bryce, a strong opponent of the present policy of England,
says in his _Impressions of South Africa_ (p. 470):

"A country must after all take its character from the large
majority of its inhabitants, especially when those who form that
majority are the wealthiest, most educated, and most enterprising
part of the population."

Mr. Krüger has aimed at realizing this paradox: the oppression and
plunder of the most enterprising, most educated, the richest and most
numerous portion of the population by the poorest, most ignorant, most
indolent of minorities.




CHAPTER IX.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE GOLD MINES.[12]