The Transvaal drama divides itself naturally into three scenes,—the action
of the " tritlanders," or immigrants, as we prefer to call them, that of Dr. Jameson, and that of the Boers. The immigrants, it is now clear, organised an insur- rection in the last week of December. They appointed a Provisional Government, they armed a portion of their number, and they took possession of Johannesburg and the heights commanding the town. They also summoned Dr. Jameson, promising him active assistance. They did not. however, render him any, but negotiated with President Kruger, who promised them reforms. It is probable that they were disunited and also influenced by Sir Hercules Robinson who arrived in Pretoria on January 2nd, and were also, it is hinted, in fear of a native rising. At all events, they did nothing but protect the town from dis- order and prepare for action, and when Dr. Jameson had surrendered, and Mr. Kruger showed himself merciful, and the town was threatened, they gave up their arms and became as before law-abiding citizens. They receive no credit either from Dr. Jameson, who says they deserted him, or the people of the Cape, who are furious at their "pol- troonery," or people at home, who like to see contracts kept. The precise truth of their conduct is not yet known, but it is clear that they muddled everything, that they had no efficient leader, and that they were not inclined for feats of despairing courage. For the present they are morally dead.
