emy's camp there was
every hope of gaining powerful assistance. Until the situation in the
Union became clear, it was Germany's part to defend her colony in
Southwest Africa, hoping by a brave display of arms to win over the
Dutch, who were bitter against England.

German Southwest Africa enjoys many natural advantages. Her capital is
far in the interior. Between her railway on the south, which almost
reaches the Cape frontier, and her border spreads out the desert of
Kalahari and the arid, waterless plains of northwest Cape Colony. The
branch railways are separated by about 200 miles from German
territory, and on the northern line Kimberley was a little less than
400 miles distant. British forces entering the colony by land must
encounter many difficulties, especially in the desert region, which
the Germans left undefended because they believed it could not be
crossed by troops.

Before the war, according to the official returns, the colony had a
force of 3,500 men, mainly whites; but with reserves and volunteers
from among the population of German blood it has been variously
estimated that an army of from 6,000 to 10,000 men could be gathered
together. The Germans were believed to be strong in artillery, and
were known to have sixty-six batteries of Maxims. There was also a
camel corps 500 strong.

After the declaration of war in August, 1914, Dr. Seitz, the German
Governor, began to carry out his plan of defense. In the second week
of August, 1914, the Germans abandoned Swakopmund and Luederitz Bay,
their principal stations on the coast, and after destroying the jetty
and tugs in harbor, retired with their military stores to Windhoek,
the inland capital. In the last weeks in August they made short dashes
into British territory, intrenching themselves in some places, and
occasionally engaged in a skirmish with farmers on the frontier.

Thus, when the Union Parliament met September 8, 1914, it was informed
by General Botha, the Premier, that Germany had begun hostilities
against the British colonies. On the following day, as a challenge to
the pro-German party, he moved a resolution to convey to King George
an address, assuring him of the loyal support of the Union. Upon this
General Hertzog moved an amendment to the effect that attacking German
territory in South Africa was against the interests of the Union and
the empire. But the victory was with General Botha's Government when
the questions were voted on. Only