THE DREAM OF A DUTCH ASCENDENCY IN SOUTH AFRICA.
CYO THE EDITOR OW THE " SP IICITA.TOR•1 SIB,—I read the article on this subject in your issue of May 26th with regret. It does not seem in accordance with the traditional high standard of the Spectator that the convenience of getting rid of the Boer should justify us in taking from them their highly prized national existence, and even, as you suggest, pursuing into the mountainous district those who are willing to abandon their homes if they may but escape from British rule. It is so easy for the conquering host to make the "peace of South Africa" an excuse for injustice and oppression; but surely the completeness of the British victory is sufficient to prevent any attempt—some would say renewed attempt—to establish a Dutch supremacy by arms. As I write we learn that Pretoria is in the hands of the British, and thus the task attempted by Dr. Jameson, and those who inspired him, on January 1st, 1896, has now been accom- plished. That would have been a robbery. If we should remain in the possession of the gold-mines, will it be any less so because the seizure is made officially ?—I am, Sir, &c.,
H. H.
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