The Transvaal of To-Day ; War, Witchcraft, Sport, and Spoils
in South Africa. By Alfred Aylward. (Blackwood.)—Mr. Aylward, who describes himself on his title-page as "Commandant, Transvaal Republic," has had for a main purpose in writing his book to advo- cate the cause of the Boers against this country. This advocacy seems to have been stimulated by that which he and a certain " Lydenberg Volunteer Corps," commanded by him, endured at the hands of the officials who carried out the annexation of the Transvaal. The question is far too difficult and complicated, and above all, far too fresh, for us to express any opinion. Our impression is that one great cause of difference between the Boers and the English was to be found in their treatment of the natives. Here, again, there is a very serious conflict of evidence. But statements have been made about the slavery, disguised or undisguised, maintained by the Dutch, about the fearful massacres which they have made of the natives, which can hardly be altogether inventions. All of Mr. Aylward's book is not devoted to these vexed questions. It would have pleased many readers if he had separated the controversial and non-contro- versial portions into distinct volumes.
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