kind could have obtained credence. But, strange as it may seem, it
is an indisputable fact that the opinion was prevalent all over South
Africa that the Rand was to be annexed to the British Empire just in the
same way as Rhodesia had been and under the same conditions. Everyone in
South Africa knew that the so-called conquest of the domain of King
Lobengula had been effected only because it had been supposed that it was
as rich in gold and diamonds as the Transvaal.

When Rhodes had taken possession of the vast expanse of territory which
was to receive his name, the fortune-seekers who had followed in his
footsteps had high anticipations of speedy riches, and came in time to
consider that they had a right to obtain that which they had come to look
for. These victims of money-hunger made Rhodes personally responsible for
the disappointments which their greed and unhealthy appetites encountered
when at last they were forced to the conclusion that Rhodesia was a land
barren of gold. In time, perhaps, and at enormous expense, it might be
developed for the purpose of cattle breeding, but gold and diamonds either
did not exist or could only be found in such small quantities that it was
not worth while looking for them.

As a result of this realisation, Rhodes found himself confronted by all
these followers, who loudly clamoured around him their indignation at
having believed in his assertions. What wonder, therefore, that the
thoughts of these people turned toward the possibility of diverting the
treasures of the Transvaal into their own direction. Rhodes was brought
into contact with the idea that it was necessary to subdue President
Kruger. With a man of Rhodes' impulsive character to begin wishing for a
thing was sufficient to make him resort to every means at his disposal to
obtain it. The Boer War was the work of the Rhodesian party, and long
before it broke out it was expected, spoken of, and considered not only by
the Transvaal Government, but also by the Burghers, who, having many
opportunities of visiting the Cape as well as Rhodesia, had there heard
expression of the determination of the South African League, and of those
who called themselves followers and partisans of Rhodes, to get hold of
the Rand, at the head of which, as an inevitable necessity, should be the
Colossus himself. No denial of these plans ever came from Rhodes. By his
attitude, even when relations between London and Pretoria were excellent,
he g