ting co-operation in securing their mutual interests. This, I
trust, will ultimately neutralise the effect of the fatal course of past
political action, which unnecessarily developed race jealousies, and
stimulated national friction and animosity; and will bring about in the
future, a blending of the Dutch in friendly union and fellowship with
the British, such as has been undreamed of in the past.
Among many expressions of opinion on the subject of the political
situation made to me while I was in South Africa, I received the
following communication from a gentleman of prominent position in one
of the principal towns of the Cape Colony. It appears to me of such
importance that I avail myself of this opportunity of giving publicity
to it.
"The fact of your arrival at very short notice, combined with the
fact that there are only a few Fellows of the Royal Colonial
Institute resident here, will probably prevent the presentation of
any formal address of welcome to you.
"Nevertheless, to a section of the community which is animated by
patriotic jealousy for the rights and dignity of the Crown
throughout South Africa, your visit is regarded with feelings of
genuine satisfaction, and our hopes are encouraged, that your visit
may result in some good to the cause, which we have at heart.
"You are doubtless acquainted well enough with the principal events
of great national moment of recent years in South Africa. From
whatever point of view politicians may like to regard the end of
the Transvaal war, any resident in this country can be only too
well aware of the fact that one result of that terrible experience
has been, a material weakening of respect for English people, and
for the rights of the Crown throughout the Cape Colony.
"Since the period referred to, a very powerful Dutch-Africander
combination has come into existence, and there can be no doubt but
that one object of such a body, is the severance of all but nominal
ties between the Cape, and Great Britain.
"However visionary such hopes as these must for a long series of
years remain, the fact of their existence, and of their being in a
variety of ways advanced from time to time, has a very marked
influence upon all classes of people in this country.
"For instance, the youth of the country are influenced to hope for
a time, when
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