The Dutch don't treat the natives as well as we do. Yet in some respects their laws are wise. A native may not live in the Free State without doing some definite work, unless he pays a tax of 5_s._ a month: this is, I think, a wise rule.
We had two very nice services last Sunday at the English church; I preach twice to-morrow.
I write to congratulate you most heartily on your First Class. . . . I believe you will find in a year's time that whatever your work may be, contact with others--the necessity of influencing and guiding them--will be a tremendous help to you in your own life. . . .
Good man! I am delighted to think that you may see the Bishop of Durham. Prophets' eyes are { 112} needed out here to catch the glory which must be slowly--so slowly--gaining on the shade. There is so much materialism, so little refinement and spirituality.
I had a grand voyage: only three people rescued from drowning before I got on board, and two stowaways after we left Madeira, and two or three days of rough weather. I enjoyed it. . . .
I had afternoon tea, or rather coffee, with Uncle Paul. He is a strong, fine old man. He was sitting puffing away at his large pipe. It was after a long day's work in the secret Volksraad. He was tired. 'It is hard work,' he said, 'for the head.' The State attorney, a young Christ's man, explained to him that 'we were both at the same school in England.' Kruger was eloquent on the subject of the Petition. He told me that some of the 21,000 had died three years before they signed it, and some had signed it owing to a bottle of whisky. 'And I want you to let that be known in England' (I know anything said to you will circulate--by experience). He said, did the subtle old man, that he wanted to do what was right and fair irrespective of nationality.
This Transvaal question is complicated. I thought it easy at first. But now I can see no moral grounds of any sort for a war with the Boers, in spite of their iniquities. There is a great deal to be said on their side, and much iniquity concealed under such specious phrases as 'Imperialism,' 'Supremacy of Great Britain in South Africa.' I cannot see that we have a real cause for war, but it is a big question with many sides. If England goes to war and wins, she { 113} will have her work cut out. 'Can she afford,' said the Attorney of the Transvaal to me, 'to have a second Ireland at the distance of some 5,000 or 6,000 miles from home? What if she had war in India?