The burghers were
invited to express their views. The majority appeared dead against it,
but were gradually appeased, and they finally assented to a motion of
approval presented by the chairman, which also conveyed full confidence
in the Government and their representatives to deal with the enactment
and to modify it as they might consider appropriate.

One of the burghers had in his speech stated in passionate terms that no
dictation on the part of Uitlanders could be tolerated; they must either
obey the laws or leave the State. The function and prerogative of making
laws belonged to the burghers. They had been ill-used enough by the
English; it would be still worse, he said, if they were invested with
legislative rights. "On the contrary, it is the Boer nation which is
entitled to supremacy, not only in the Transvaal but right to the sea.
The Cape Colonies," he continued, "are ours by divine right, and so is
Natal, and no Afrikaner may rest until we are reinstated." General
approbation and stamping of feet followed that passionately rendered
speech. Not a word of restraint or censure from any of the four
Volksraad members. Some of these had addressed the meeting already, and
the others in turn followed. Their speeches had one import, viz.,
"Burghers! The Government and the two Volksraads have carefully and
prayerfully weighed this seven years' franchise measure. You may safely
approve of it; it can result in no harm; it will strengthen our cause.
We know that England wants our land because of the gold in it; but this
law will contribute to thwart her, though it will not avert war. We were
a small nation when our fathers trekked to this side of the Orange
River; we have become united and strong since. It will be soon seen that
our people have to be reckoned with among the other nations of the
earth; we have right on our side, and, with God's help, we are certain
to prevail. Burghers, you may trust us as your representatives; we are
all of one mind with you; you may safely approve of the proposed
franchise law, and leave possible modifications in the hands of the
Government." Then followed tumultuous approval from the great majority,
motions of confidence and of thanks. Those burgher meetings were
convened during July and August.

* * * * *

President Krueger is famous for employing clever and original similes in
order to illustrate a policy as he wants his people to understand it.

It