All the signs point to the fact that the Orange
Free State means to join the Boers. Such action is foreshadowed in the correspondence between the High Commissioner and President Steyn in regard to the massing of British troops on the Free State border. It is still more evident in the speech addressed by President Steyn to the Free State Raad. He was disinclined, he said, to advise the Transvaal to accept the latest demands, and he virtually accused the British Government and Mr. Conyngham Greene of bad faith,—an absurd accusation considering the history of the negotiations. We do not feel sure that President Steyn will carry the Raad with him, but, in any case, there is no need for anxiety as to the matter. We should be very sorry to see the Orange Free State lose its independence, as it must if it wantonly joins in the attempt of the Boers to keep down and oppress the Outlanders ; but from a military point of view its open hostility would be a distinct advantage. If it remains neutral, the easiest way into the Transvaal is barred to our troops. If it fights it only brings a few thousand not very willing riflemen to join the Boer forces.
