State, equally with an industry, our thorough knowledge of which is
undeniable. We ask neither for concessions, nor for monopoly. All
that we ask is fair treatment for our business and our
shareholders. I may here express my disappointment at seeing that
all our efforts to bring about good feeling and union between
ourselves and the executive, meet with nothing but contempt on the
part of the latter."

He then goes on to allude to Hollander officials; and possibly, to
certain members of the diplomatic body:--

"Those act in bad faith who unceasingly encourage the executive of
this country in their retrograde policy, and constantly tell them
that all they do is well done."

He concludes by pointing out the manner in which the Press and political
agents of the Government of Pretoria are stirring up ill-feeling against
the proprietors and managers of mines. Persons without any defined
profession, attracted by the vision of gold, have flocked to
Johannesburg; unable to find employment, they have become a discontented
proletariat. These are the true adventurers, if the word be taken in its
worst sense. Mr. Krüger and his agents choose them as colleagues and pit
them against the "wealthy metal-hearted mine owners." This is the policy
pursued by Dr. Leyds in Europe, where he has been clever enough to
excite alike the capitalist and socialist Press against the hated mine
owner.

Mr. Rouliot continues, that it is not within the province of the Chamber
of Mines to provide work for incompetent workmen. It was, no doubt,
from among these men that Mr. Krüger had raised the signatures of the