beyond a harmlessly
exhilarating point; the action of alcohol unbalances the nervous
equilibrium, producing in most cases an excitement above the normal
level, followed by a corresponding depressive reaction below it,
creating an appetite for repeating the potation, with exactly similar
and progressively aggravated results. Then man's moral standard and
general efficiency and dignity become impaired, to the serious damage of
his own welfare and involving the common weal as well. When at the
outbreak of the war the sale of intoxicants became totally prohibited
the measure was received with willing submission and hailed with general
approval, which speaks volumes for the burgher population and without
doubt also tends to preserve their efficiency and stamina.

PRESIDENT KRUeGER

Stephanus Johannes Paulus Krueger is about the most accessible President
on record. Every morning--except Sundays and holidays, after family
worship, that is to say, from 5.30 in summer and 6 in winter to 8
o'clock--he gives audience to Boer and Uitlander, rich or poor alike,
and also on each afternoon, from 4 to 6 and even later. His residence in
the west end of Church Street, Pretoria, is quite an ordinary modest
building of the bungalow type. The only distinction observable is two
crouching lion figures, life size, on pedestals about three feet high,
at the balustrade entrance to the front verandah. A lawn of about thirty
feet across extends to the street limit, where at a very unpretentious
gate two armed burgher guards are constantly stationed. These will
receive an intending visitor's name, an unarmed domestic guard will then
come forward, who, after a short scrutiny, if the person is a stranger,
will report to the President and will immediately return to conduct you
to that dignitary, who may be sitting under the front verandah or in the
adjoining reception-room. There the President will readily shake hands
and point to a chair, rather near by because he is slightly hard of
hearing, the domestic guard standing or sitting between, but a good way
back. By his questions and final remarks one feels assured that the
topic introduced has been attentively listened to and fully grasped.
While conversing, other audience-seekers would drop in, and, while
waiting their turn, coffee would usually be served to all. The manners
observed are devoid of any stiffness of etiquette, but rather marked
with a cordial decorum approaching intimacy, most