On the one hand, they were the kinsmen of the Boers; on the other, they were British subjects, and were enjoying the blessings of those liberal institutions which we were anxious to see extended to the Transvaal.

'Only treat our folk as we treat yours! Our whole contention was compressed into that prayer.

But nothing came of the mission, though a scheme endorsed by Mr.Hofmeyer and Mr.Herholdt, of the Bond, with Mr.Fischer of the Free State, was introduced into the Raad and applauded by Mr.Schreiner, the Africander Premier of Cape Colony.

In its original form the provisions were obscure and complicated, the franchise varying from nine years to seven under different conditions.

In debate, however, the terms were amended until the time was reduced to seven years, and the proposed representation of the gold fields placed at five.