order and the destruction of the independence of the country, then it would very soon lose its influence, and the strained relations existing between the two Governments would quickly disappear. The Afrikander population of this country would not then be under the apprehension that the interests of the British Empire imperatively demand that the Republic should be done away with and its people be either enslaved or exterminated. Both sections of the white inhabitants of South Africa would then return to the fraternal co-operation and fusion which was beginning to manifest itself when the treacherous conspiracy at the end of 1895 awakened the passions on both sides.

SAND RIVER CONVENTION OF 1852.

1. The Assistant Commissioners guarantee, in the fullest manner, on the part of the British Government, to the Emigrant Farmers beyond the Vaal River, the right to manage their own affairs and to govern themselves according to their own laws, without any interference on the part of the British Government; and that no encroachment shall be made by the said Government on the territory beyond, to the north of the Vaal River; with the further assurance that the warmest wish of the British Government is to promote peace, free trade, and friendly intercourse with the Emigrant Farmers now inhabiting, or who hereafter may inhabit, that country; it being understood that this system of non-interference is binding upon both parties.

2. Should any misunderstanding hereafter arise as to the true meaning of the words "the Vaal River," this question, in so far as regards the line from the source of that river over the Drakensberg, shall be settled and adjusted by commissioners chosen by both parties.

3. Her Majesty's Assistant Commissioners hereby disclaim all alliances whatever and with whomso

ever of the colored nations to the north of the Vaal River.

4. It is agreed that no slavery is or shall be permitted or practised in the country to the north of the Vaal River by the Emigrant Farmers.

5. Mutual facilities and liberty shall be afforded to traders and travellers on both sides of the Vaal River; it being understood that every wagon containing ammunition and firearms, coming from the south side of the Vaal River, shall produce a certificate signed by a British Magistrate or other functionary duly authorized to grant such; and which shall state the quantities of such articles contained in said wagon, to the nearest Magistrate north of the Vaal River, who shall act in the case as the regulations of the Emigrant Farmers direct.

6. It is agreed that no objection shall be made by any British authority against the Emigrant Boers purchasing their supplies of ammunition in any of the British colonies and possessions of South Africa; it being mutually understood that all trade in ammunition with the native tribes is prohibited both by the British Government and the Emigrant Farmers, on both sides of the Vaal River.

7. It is agreed that, so far as possible, all criminals and other guilty parties who may fly from justice, either way across the Vaal River, shall be mutually delivered up, if such should be required, and that the British Courts, as well as those of the Emigrant Farmers, shall be mutually open to each other for all legitimate processes, and that summonses for witnesses sent either way across the Vaal River, shall be backed by the Magistrates on either side of the same respectively, to compel the attendance of such witnesses when required.

8. It is agreed that certificates of marriage issued by

the proper authorities of the Emigrant Farmers shall be held valid and sufficient to entitle children of such marriages to receive portions accruing to them in any British colony or possession in South Africa.

9. It is agreed that any and every person now in
possession of land and residing in British Terri-
tory shall have free right and power to sell his
said property and remove unmolested across the
Vaal River, and vice versa; it being distinctly
understood that this arrangement does not com-
prehend criminals or debtors without providing
for the payment of their just and lawful debts.
(Signed)

A. W. J. PRETORIUS, Commandant General.
H. S. LOMBARD, Landdrost.

W. F. JOUBERT, Commandant General.

G. J. KRUGER, Commandant.

W. S. HOGGE, Assistant Commissioner.

C. MOSTYN OWEN, Assistant Commissioner.
J. N. GROBBELAAR, Member of the Volksraad.
P. E. SCHOLTZ.

F. G. WOLMARANS, Elder.

J. A. VAN ASWEGEN, Fieldcornet.

F. J. BOTES.

N. J. S. BASSON, Fieldcornet.
J. P. FURSTENBERG, Fieldcornet.

J. P. PRETORIUS.

J. H. GROBBELAAR.
J. M. LEHMAN.
P. SCHUTTE.
J. C. KLOPPER.

In presence of:
JOHN BURNET.
J. H. VISAGIE.

THE PRETORIA CONVENTION OF 1881.

PREAMBLE. Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Settlement of the Transvaal territory, duly appointed as such by a Commission passed under the Royal Sign Manual and Signet, bearing date the 5th of April, 1881, do hereby undertake and guarantee on behalf of Her Majesty that, from and after the 8th day of August, 1881, complete self-government, subject to the suzerainty of Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, will be accorded to the inhabitants of the Transvaal territory, upon the following terms and conditions, and subject to the following reservations and limitations:

ARTICLE 1. The said territory, to be hereinafter called the Transvaal State, will embrace the land lying between the following boundaries, to wit: [here follow three pages in print defining boundaries.]

ARTICLE 2. Her Majesty reserves to herself, her heirs and successors, (a) the right from time to time to appoint a British Resident in and for the said. State, with such duties and functions as are hereinafter defined; (b) the right to move troops through the said State in time of war, or in case of the apprehension of immediate war between the Suzerain Power and any Foreign State or Native Tribe in South Africa; and (c) the control of the external relations of the said State, including the conclusion of treaties and the conduct of diplomatic intercourse