resolution presented by fifty-three Progressive
members of the Cape Parliament, embodying their entire disapproval of
the opinion put forward by the petitioners, and containing the
assurance that Her Majesty's Government might rely upon their
strongest support.

[Sidenote: The ultimatum delivered.]

The ultimatum was delivered to Sir William Greene on the afternoon of
Monday, October 9th, and forthwith telegraphed to the High
Commissioner at Capetown. Although it was a week behind time at
Pretoria, its arrival was somewhat unexpected at Government House.
Saturday and Sunday had been days of quite unusual calm. The
Secretary, whose business it was to decode the official telegrams,
commenced his task with but languid interest. He had decoded so many
apparently unnecessary and inconclusive despatches of late. At first
this seemed very much like the others. But, as he worked on, he came
upon words that startled him to a sudden attention:

"This Government ... in the interest not only of this Republic,
but also of all South Africa,... feels itself called upon and
obliged ... to request Her Majesty's Government to give it the
assurance:

"(_a_) That all points of mutual difference shall be regulated by
the friendly course of arbitration, or by whatever amicable way
may be agreed upon by this Government with Her Majesty's
Government.

"(_b_) That the troops on the borders of this Republic shall be
instantly withdrawn.

"(_c_) That all reinforcements of troops which have arrived in
South Africa since June 1st, 1899, shall be removed from South
Africa within a reasonable time, to be agreed upon with this
Government, and with a mutual assurance and guarantee upon the
part of this Government that no attack upon or hostilities
against any portion of the possessions of the British Government
shall be made by the Republic during further negotiations within
a period of time to be subsequently agreed upon between the
Governments, and this Government will, on compliance therewith,
be prepared to withdraw the armed burghers of this Republic from
the borders.

"(_d_) That Her Majesty's troops which are now on the high seas
shall not be landed in any part of South Africa.

"This Government must press for an immediate and affirmative
answer to these four questions, and earnestly requests Her
Majesty'