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PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.

THE "South African Question" will probably, by the time this work reaches the public, be a burning one, and it is my design to make its study easier both for rulers and people. The condition of South Africa is interesting to others than the parliamentarians and politicians of England. It is one that appeals to the merchant, the intending emigrant, and the soldier, as much as, or more than, it does to the professional politician. It appeals strongly to the English taxpayer; and before July 1879, will appeal forcibly and deeply to his pockets. A recent writer has asked, and very fairly asked, Why must our artisans be taxed in aid of populations who have no millions of paupers to support? He enters in his 'Greater Britain' at length into this question, which is essentially a ratepayer's one. I am prepared to give the answer-in fact, the story that I tell answers it.

I have written solely in the interest of truth. I have sought to epitomise—for the benefit of politicians, sportsmen, travellers, and intending emigrants — the experience of years. When the present troubles are over, I shall endeavour to put further information—

sound practical information-before intending settlers and enterprising men desirous to invest capital in the Transvaal.

The knowledge I have acquired of colonial men and manners depends on ten years' intimate connection with the press and people of South Africa. In this work I represent no especial party. I am not writing either to praise or to blame, but simply to state facts calculated to bring the cause and the costs of the war now being waged on the north-eastern border of the Transvaal fully, fairly, and intelligently before the British public.

If what I have written causes inquiry, awakes a livelier interest in subject populations, and, however indirectly, saves one human life, I shall rest satisfied that I have performed a duty.

October 1878.

NOTE TO SECOND EDITION.

The first edition of 'The Transvaal of To-day' having been exhausted, the greatly increased public interest in the subject and continued demand for the work, have led to the issue of a new and cheaper edition. The Author has not in any way altered the original text, and the reader will thus be enabled to verify the correctness of his forecast of the probable course of events in South Africa.

March 1881.

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