Mr. Rhodes recently made a speech of some moment to
the Congress of the South African League. His view, or rather, perhaps, the one he gave his audience, was that there had been no quarrel between the English and the Dutch, but that the English had fought and defeated " Kragerism." By "Krugerism " he meant, as appeared from his explanation, a system of terrorism established and maintained by a minute group, of whom Mr. Kruger was the absolute chief. Dr. Leyds himself had told him that no one in Pretoria had the slightest power of influencing the President. "Krugerism " being dead, Mr. Rhodes advised the League, and indeed all citizens of South Africa, to "drop disputes" and concentrate their attention upon the development of the magnificent resources lying beneath their feet. The " Queen's flag and equality for all civilised men" should in future be the only cries. That is all very well as a statement of future policy, but we must demur to its accuracy as history. There is no such thing on earth, and never has been, as a self-existent despotism. Either the Dutch of the Transvaal believed "Krugerism" to be good policy or they did not. If they did not, why did they always support Mr. Kruger P If they did, then they are responsible for the policy of which they approved. To drop disputes is most wise, but they will not be dropped the sooner because their origin is misre- presented.
Previous page
