F.
W. Reitz.

President Steyn was not there. Physical prostration due to his serious
illness prevented him from doing what he had always said he would
never do, viz., put his hand on paper to sign away the Independence of
his People.

The document was signed.

Everything was silent in the apartment where so much had taken place.

For a few moments everyone sat still.

As the members of the Governments of the now late Republics stood up,
as men stupefied, to leave the apartment, Lord Kitchener rose, and,
going up to each of them, offered his hand, saying, "We are good
friends now."

They then left the apartment and proceeded to the adjoining house (the
residence of Mr. Carl Rood), which had been placed at their disposal.

* * * * *

After the resolution of the meeting had been communicated to the
British Representatives, the Delegates met again, when the following
proposal by Commandant Jacobsz, seconded by General Muller, was
unanimously adopted:--

"This meeting of Delegates, considering the pressing necessity to
collect means to provide for the wants of the suffering women and
children, widows and orphans, and other necessitous persons who
have been reduced to a state of indigency by the war,

"And considering the desirability of appointing a Head Committee,
whose duty it shall be to take the necessary steps to make
provision herein and to decide finally about the Administration
and application of the means to be collected,

"Resolves to appoint Messrs. M. T. Steijn, S. W. Burger, L.
Botha, C. R. de Wet, J. H. de la Rey, Rev. A. P. Kriel, and Rev.
J. D. Kestell (Secretary), a Head Committee, to make all such
further arrangements for carrying out the said objects as may
appear desirable and practical to them, and especially to add new
members to their number, to appoint Sub-Committees and an
Executive Committee, which is authorised to draw up Statutes and
amend the same whenever necessary."

It was further proposed by Commandant Jacobsz, seconded by General
Muller, and carried by the meeting:--

"This meeting further resolves to delegate General C. R. de Wet,
General Louis Botha, and General J. H. de la Rey, of the said Head
Committee, to proceed to Europe to collect the said funds."

APPENDIX

THE MIDDELBURG PROPOSALS.

_Pretoria, Marc