Majesty's Government, is producing a great effect on a large number
of our Dutch fellow colonists. Language is frequently used which
seems to imply that the Dutch have some superior right, even in
this colony, to their fellow-citizens of British birth. Thousands
of men peaceably disposed, and if left alone perfectly satisfied
with their position as British subjects, are being drawn into
disaffection, and there is a corresponding exasperation upon the
part of the British.

'I can see nothing which will put a stop to this mischievous
propaganda but some striking proof of the intention of her
Majesty's Government not to be ousted from its position in South
Africa.'

Such were the grave and measured words with which the British
pro-consul warned his countrymen of what was to come. He saw the
storm-cloud piling in the north, but even his eyes had not yet
discerned how near and how terrible was the tempest.

Throughout the end of June and the early part of July much was
hoped from the mediation of the heads of the Afrikander Bond, the
political union of the Dutch Cape colonists. On the one hand, they
were the kinsmen of the Boers; on the other, they were British
subjects, and were enjoying the blessings of those liberal
institutions which we were anxious to see extended to the
Transvaal. 'Only treat our folk as we treat yours! Our whole
contention was compressed into that prayer. But nothing came of the
mission, though a scheme endorsed by Mr. Hofmeyer and Mr. Herholdt,
of the Bond, with Mr. Fischer of the Free State, was introduced
into the Raad and applauded by Mr. Schreiner, the Africander