the independence of the Transvaal, under the suzerainty
of England, was recognized.

5.--_The Convention of 1881 inapplicable._

It must be confessed, that the Liberal Government committed a grave
error. It seemed afraid of a rebellion among the Afrikanders of the
Cape; and these quickly learned that threats only were needed to induce
the English Government to yield to their demands. The English Garrison
in Pretoria was withdrawn; no reparation was exacted from the Boers who,
under the command of Cronje, had conducted themselves in an infamous
manner at the siege of Potchefstroom, and had been guilty of actual
treachery in the case of Captains Elliot and Lambert.

True, the Convention prescribed the suppression of slavery; gave
guarantees for the safety of the persons and property of alien whites;
placed the foreign relations of the Transvaal under the control of the
British Government. But, in reality, it was of little value, for the
English Resident was in the position of a man who has been conquered
with the pretension of controlling the actions of the conquerer.

At the first election under the new conditions, Krueger, who represented
the extreme reactionary party, was elected President, although he had
accepted office under the British Government, while Joubert, who had
declined any dealings with them, was defeated, being suspected of
sympathising with the Uitlanders. His defeat does not prove him to have
been in the minority. His partisans affirm, with a fair show of reason,
that Mr. Krueger never greatly respected the sanctity of the ballot.

6.--_Violation by the Boers._

The powerlessness of the British Government to ensure respect for the
Convention of 1881, explains its consent to the modification of 1884.
"It would be easy to find a _casus belli_ in the behaviour of the
Boers," said Lord Derby in the House of Lords. But the Government had no
wish to find one, and added to the weakness it had displayed after
Majuba a fresh show of weakness, which convinced Mr. Krueger that the
violation of a convention was the easiest method of obtaining anything
he wanted.

In point of fact, it is the British Government that is responsible for
the present war, through having inspired President Krueger with the
conviction, that he had only to continue in 1899 the policy which had
succeeded so well in 1880.

CHAPTER IV.

ARTICLES OF THE CONVENTION OF 1884.[7]

1.--_Krueger's Point of View._

Dr. Kuype