2654 L 
 G78 • 
 
 B.CVIILLIAMS 
 
 ■RtPOUT ON THE Session 
 
 OF THE VOUKS-RAAB OP THE 
 
 South African TtepuBUc 
 AueusT 8,1886 
 
Cornell Onlverslly Library 
 
 3 1924 030 542 827 
 
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SOgTa AFBlOAN REPUBLIC. 
 
 REPORt 
 
 HV 
 
 hIr majesty^ s agent at 
 
 - PRETORIA, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 SISSIGN OF THE VOLKSRAAD OF THD 
 
 SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC IN 
 
 1888. 
 
 #= 
 
 ^izimttls to ti'^ ^otti^ed af J0xtli&mmt in Commnntr of ^ev jBlnie^tn, 
 
 i' ' ' November lB88i *""*' 
 
 LONDON: 
 
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 And toJW purchased, either directly or through any Booksellei', from 
 
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 ,; ,. ;,; 1888. 
 
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SOUTH AFKICAN REPUBLIC. 
 
 Report by the British Agent at Peetoeia ok th® 
 Session of the Volksraad for 1888. 
 
 Mr. Williams to Sir Hercules Robinson, 
 
 British Agency, Pretoria, 
 
 South African Republic, 
 Sir, August 8, 1888. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that the 
 ordinary annunl session of the Volksraad of the South African 
 Republic was opened on the 7th of May for the transaction of 
 business. 
 
 The principal matters referred to in the opening speech of the 
 President were : — 
 
 (a.) The Conference held at Bloemfontein in September 1887. 
 (A.) The correspondence with the High Commissioner as to 
 the sending of deputies to the Conference Recently held 
 in Cape Town, 
 (c,) The proposal to unite, with the New Republic. 
 (d,) " The request of the King of Matabeleland, Lo Bengula, and 
 " a full Tassembly of his councillors to have a representa- 
 " tive of this Republic in Matabeleland," Mr. P. .7. 
 Grobler having been appointed as such. 
 ((?.) Re-election of State Secretary. 
 
 The first question of importance submitted to the Raad was 
 that of the importation of coolies. 
 
 By resolution of Volksraad of July 1887, Government was 
 empowered to draw up a law to stop the importation of coolies 
 atid Chinese. The Executive reported that they could not submit 
 such a draft law io the Raad, it being, in the opinion of the State 
 Attorney, in conflict with the Convention of London. 
 
 In the result a resolution has been adopted that " as the im- 
 " portation of coolies acted prejudicially to the best interests of 
 " the State, correspondence should be opened with Her Majesty's 
 " Government in order to have the provisions of the Convention 
 " in this respect modified." 
 
 The draft of an amended gold law was submitted and passed 
 as printed. 
 
 The sum of 3,000/. has been voted for the purpose of taking 
 part in the Paris Exhibition of 1889, and the Government has 
 been authorised to appoint a commissioner to represent the State. 
 On the 12th of May Mr. J. F. Celliers was sworn in as 
 member for Barbertpn ; the first representative elected on behalf 
 of the gold fields. 
 
 A 56081. G. 60. ■ A 2 
 
Sanction has been given to the provisional operation of a Spoor 
 Convention with British Beohuanaland, for the prevention of 
 theft on the border and for the recovery of stolen cattle. 
 
 Aieply was drafted on the 12th of May to the commixnication 
 of tiie German Government w^ith respect to the death of the 
 Emperor William and the accession of the Emperor Frederick. 
 
 In view of the high price of necessaries and house rent, members' 
 allowances have been increased from 1/. 10«. to 2Z, per diem. 
 
 An agreement has been sanctioned by which the South African 
 Eepublio taltfes over the New Eepublic with all the privileges they 
 have hitherto enjoyed." 
 
 By this agreement the burghers of the New Republic obtain 
 the franchise in the South African Republic on the same con- 
 ditions as prevail in the New Republic, being thus placed on a 
 very advantageous position compared with other new comers into 
 the country, the five year and 15 year term not being held to 
 apply in their case. 
 
 The President stated with reference to the New Republic, that 
 the Convention between the South African Republic and the New 
 Republic on the one hand, and the British Grovernment on the 
 other, had been sent to the High Commissioner, to be forwarded to 
 Her Majesty for signature. 
 
 The suggestions of the Cape Colony Government with regard 
 to the addition of Article II. of Act No. 9 of 1887 of another 
 article to include the extradition of fugitives who have contra- 
 vened the Insolvent Ordinance, and to extend Article No. XIV. 
 of 1886 for a period of one year until February of next year, until 
 the new treaty entered into should come into force, have been 
 approved of. 
 
 A discussion regarding the islands situate on the Vaal River 
 has resulted in the Government being authorised to sell such of 
 the islands as belong to the South AfricaJa RepubKc. 
 
 A concession granting to Mr. Edward Amandus Lippert a 
 monopoly, for the period of three years, of the sole manufacture of 
 Portland and hydraulic cements, has been passed by 24 votes to 
 eight. 
 
 The granting df this concession has roused much adverse 
 criticism in the newspapers and elsewhere. 
 
 An Act has been passed for the prevention of cruelty to animals, 
 the desire being to deal as far as possible with the cruelty inflicted 
 on trek oxen. 
 
 An Act has been passed which provides for the flogging of 
 white men. 
 
 This law has provoked much comment from the press and the 
 public, owing to the comparatively trifling offences which entail 
 the penalty. 
 
 A law has been passed to make certain alterations in the 
 constitution of the High Court. 
 
 By this law the appointment of a third puisne judge has been 
 sanctioned, circuit courts have been created, and other matters 
 of detail arranged. 
 
Authorisation has been given to Government to suspend the 
 licences of careless surveyors. As the majority of the surveyors 
 are from the Cape Colony and Natal, I insert this provision. 
 
 An Act has been passed for the proper observance and to 
 prevent desecration of the Sunday, which, for the information of 
 strangers entering the country, I will summarise. 
 Briefly speaking, penalties have been provided for : — 
 (e.) SeBing or offering for sale on that day goods, cattle, or 
 
 other live stock. 
 (J.) For opening a shop' or other place for the purpose of 
 trading. 
 l' (c.) For working in the veld or garden. 
 ; '\d.) For firing off a gun. 
 
 (e.y For working steam or other machinery. 
 
 (/) For Kiliiting or coursing; 
 
 (ff.) For selling by the market-master or other person on the 
 
 market. 
 (h.) For keeping open a public place for billiard playing or 
 
 ganxbling. 
 (i.y For assembling in a public place for the purpose of gambling, 
 dbg fighting, or cock fighting. 
 
 Exception to these penalties is made in favour : — 
 
 (a.) Of apothecaries and druggists selling medicines. 
 
 (b.) Of hotel or lodging-house keepers affording necessarieK to 
 travellers. 
 
 (f'.) Of those who buy before 9 o'clock in the morning meat or 
 bread from butchers, bakers, or refreshment vendors. 
 
 (d.y Of those who buy before 9 o'clock in the morning and after 
 4 o'clock in the afternoon milk firom milk vendors. 
 
 On the 20th of May a discussion took place on the franchise, 
 but the suggestions for a revision of the qualification were thrown 
 out by a majority of 25. 
 
 The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour has been offered to 
 the President by the French Republic, and accepted by his Honour, 
 with the consent of the Volksraad. 
 
 A discussion has taken place on a petition that the concession 
 granted to the Netherlands Company, for the construction of a 
 railway from Delagoa Bay, should be withdrawn, it being detri- 
 mental to the best interests of the country. 
 
 The prayer of the petitioners was refused. 
 
 It has been announced, in reply to a petition, that the Govern- 
 ment did not at present intend to construct any other I'ailway 
 than the Delagoa Bay line. 
 
 Mr. J. N. de Villiers, a member of the Volksraad, has been 
 appointed representative of the South African Eepublic at the 
 exhibition to be held in Paris in 1889. 
 
 A discussion has taken place as to the construction of bridges, 
 a very important question in the Bepublic. 
 
 A discussion has taken. place as to the import duties, with the 
 result that a Commission has been appointed to consider them. 
 
6 
 
 It has been resolvedto authorise Government to establish tolls 
 at Bronkhorst Spruit and other plaoec, to impose a waggon 
 licence on transport riders coming from Natal (the cost of the 
 licence suggested being 1/. or 1/. lOs:). 
 
 A discussion has taken place as to the rights of coolies within 
 the.Eepublic to trade without restriction, with the result that 
 the report of the Memorial Commission that "the Raad should 
 " request Government to inquire into the matter and see that 
 " the law be strictly enforced " was approved of. 
 
 In the course of the discussion the Chairman of the Eaiid ruled 
 that "coolies are coloured people (kleurlingen), not natives 
 (inboorlingen)." (Friday, 8th June 1888). 
 
 Public opinion in this matter is somewhat divided, the store- 
 keepers being opposed to the coolie trade, the general public in 
 favour of it ; since the establishment of the coolies prices for 
 articles retailed ,in shops having undergone considerable dimi- 
 nution. 
 
 An important discussion took place on the 9th of June, which, 
 as it may be held to affect Article XIX. of the Convention of 
 London, I will give to your Excellency somewhat in extenso. 
 
 Petitions were presented to the Volksraad to the effect that the 
 Eaad. should revise Law No. II. of 1887, re locations of natives 
 on farms. Memorialists desired that the law should be carried 
 into effect, and that natives should be prohibited frofh hiring or 
 buying fixed property. 
 
 In reply the Memorial Committee advised that the law pro- 
 vided amply for the condition of things, and recommended thai 
 the law be enforced. 
 
 I here quote the substance o£ the law referred to :— 
 
 Article 1, 
 
 The Government have the right of assigning to natives or 
 other coloured people locations for living upon. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 Outside these locations five householders is the highest number 
 that can live together as tenants or hired servants under white 
 people. 
 
 The Commissioner of Native Affairs has power to grant per- 
 mission for an increase of this number, with the sanction of the 
 Government. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 Penalties provided Tor breach of Article II. by white men who 
 employ natives, and provision made for tlie removal from off the 
 land of natives, at the will of Government, to the locations 
 provided by Government for them. 
 
7 
 
 Ar tide- IV. 
 
 Penalties giovided for natives who, against the will of a white 
 man, settle on his farm. 
 
 And provision made for removing such natives on to the 
 locations provided by Grovernment for them. 
 
 Article V. jv . 
 
 * Law to take eflfect three months after publication in the Staats 
 (^0urant^ 
 
 The reason adduced by the advocates of the law is that the 
 farmers cannot obtain hanils to work for them, and that by thus 
 Scattering the natives every farmer will be able to get sufficient 
 labour. 
 
 It was pointed, out by one member that in the case of mission 
 stations and large< companies it would be dangerous to enforce 
 the law. 
 
 In the result it was decided that the recommendation of the 
 Memorial Commission be approved of, and that the law be carried 
 into eflFect. 
 
 I have already informed your Excellency that I have received 
 a communication from the Reverend Owen Watkins, Superin- 
 tendent of iWesleyan Missions, on the question, pointing out that 
 the action of the law, if carried out, will be to break up the 
 mission stations established by the various societies, and to locate 
 such mission stations compulsorily on, ground laid down by 
 Government and under Government control, while the property 
 acquired by missionary bodies will be unduly depreciated in 
 value. ^ 
 
 I do not propose to write at length on the matter in the 
 present state of the case. 
 
 A discussion has taken place on the desirability of imposing 
 an increased tax on all wood brought into the country for fuel. 
 The proposition was defeated by the casting vote of the chairman. 
 
 An important discussion has taken place as to the following : — 
 
 " The Executive having considered petitions in favour of con- 
 structing railways and tramways, decides to bring the matter 
 before the honourable Vplksraad, with a recommendation that a 
 committee be appointed to investigate arid report on the petition 
 to the Raad." 
 
 The railways more especially referred to here are a suggested 
 line between Pretoria and Johannesburg, and a suggested tram- 
 way between the coal fields and the gold fields of Witwatersrandi 
 
 The President stated in discussion, that "if a tramway was 
 " not soon constructed for the transport of coal, the gold fields 
 " would be ' done for,' and with the gold fields the country ; coal 
 " was now at X'ls. per bag." 
 
 The Vice-President said, that " the members expected much 
 " milk, but they allowed the cow to starve. The construction of 
 " a railway would prove a boon to the farmers." 
 
10 
 
 That of the Puisne Judges to 1,^001.' per annum, with fall 
 travelling expenses to both Chief Justice and Puisne Judges. 
 
 Almost all officials throughout the country have been granted 
 augmented incomes. 
 
 A motion, that " it is desirable at an early date to revise the 
 " ' Grondwet,' in order to place the constitution on a more 
 " sound basis, and to-, meet the present requirements of the 
 " country," has been carried. 
 
 A concession has been granted to Mr. Edward Amandus 
 Lippert for the exclusive right for 16 years of making gunpowder* 
 within the Republic. 
 
 Also the exclusive right, for the same period, to deal in gun- 
 powder. Government rigms being reserved. 
 
 Also the exclusive right, for the same period, of making 
 dynamite. 
 
 Also tbe exclusive right of dealing in dynamite. Government 
 rights being reserved. 
 
 The prices have been fixed for three years, after which they are 
 subject to revision, — 
 
 Gunpowder at 1*. 6d, per pound. 
 Dynamite' at 7L lOs. per case. 
 Gelatine at 4s. 6d. per pound. 
 
 An election has taken place for the office of State Secretary, 
 resulting in Br. Leyds having been elected by a majority of six 
 votes over Mr. Bok, the late holder of the office. 
 
 The Oonvention proposed by Her Majesty^s ' Government to 
 supplement the Convention of London, and having refetenfie to 
 the union between the South African Republic and the New 
 Republic, has been ratified (27th of June 1888). 
 
 Ail amended treaty has been sanctioned by the Volksraad to • 
 the treaty with Belgium of the 3rd of February ]8t6. 
 
 Alterations have been effected in Article IV. as to the 
 respective rights Of burghers of the two nations with regard to 
 military service. 
 
 The second sentence of Article XI. has been altered as 
 follows : — 
 
 The South African Republic also retains the right to grant to 
 one or more of the adjoining States or Colonies certain Excep- 
 tional allowances or privileges, which Belgium cannot demand on 
 account of its right to the treaty applicable to every foreign 
 country in general, .or to, the most favoured nation Country. 
 
 That the present treaty havfc the same duration as the treaty 
 of the 3rd of February 1876, and that, it come into operation, 
 one month after exchange of ratifications, was carried by 
 acclamation. 
 
 In further discussion on the estunates, ja sum of 5001. per 
 annum has been voted for the' travelling expenses of the 
 Minister of Mines and hjs secretary, showing the very high rate of 
 travelling allowance necessary in the Republic. " , '" 
 
11 
 
 On Monday, the 2nd of July, the Treaty of tTnioii between the 
 South African Republic arid the New Kepnblic was approved of 
 by the Baad. 
 
 On Thursday, the 5th of July, a further discussion took place 
 on the coolie question, resulting in a resolution being passed to 
 carry the Coolie Location Law into effect, the President stating that 
 the Government was still in communicatioa with Her Majesty's 
 Government on the matter. 
 
 It was decided to make such alterations in the provisions with 
 regard to the 'appointment of State Secretary as will meet the 
 case of Dr. Leyds, recently elected, and Dr. Leyds will enter 
 upon that office in May 1889. 
 
 On the 10th of July a voluminous report was handed in to the 
 Baad by the committee which had been appointed to consider the 
 Free State Deputation. Briefly the committee recommended : — 
 (a.) That negotiations for a political union be continued. 
 (&.) That the principle of federal union be affirmed, 
 (c.) That a treaty of commerce and friendship be entered into, 
 wherein free importation shall be permitted to the Free 
 State, provided that no Colonial railway be extended 
 towards the Transvaal border this side of Bloemfontein. 
 (d.) Finally the Committee recommend that free importation 
 be granted to ■ products from the Cape Colony and 
 Natal, subject to the condition that those Colonies shall 
 agree to wait with the extension of their own lines of 
 railway until the railways of the State have been 
 completed. 
 The report- was passed and agreed to. 
 
 An amended Gold Law has been passed, reducing the licence 
 fees and otherwise giving relief to the digging community. 
 
 The petition largely signed in favour of restoring representation 
 in the Baad to the large towns has been set aside almost without 
 discussion. 
 
 A correspondence between your Excellency and the State 
 President on the question of the Delagoa Bay Bailway has been 
 laid before the Baad, resulting in the undertaking of Her 
 Majesty's Government that it has no intention to buy or acquire 
 the Portuguese Delagoa Bay Bailway or the controlling power 
 of that raUway, or in McMurdo's Company, if the Government 
 of the South African Bepublic will state that they have no inten- 
 tion to impose duties on iinports by Colonial routes other than 
 those iniposed on imports hy the Delagoa Bay route, to which 
 the President's reply was, " As he had never had any intention to 
 " make difference in import .duties on goods arriving by Colonial 
 '? routes and those arriving by Delagoa Bay route, naturally he 
 " was quite prepared to give the required declaration." 
 
 Your Excellency's telegram of the 20th of June with reference, 
 to the cancellation of Article 39 of the Dutch Netherlands Bail- 
 way concession was quoted. 
 
 An Act has been passed to enforce the use of the Dutch 
 language on all markets and in all public offices by all officials. 
 
12 
 
 This actioa of ffe'VoIksrjiad has given rise to much tpriticisin. 
 
 On the 1 7th of July.anfl on subi*quent days g, discussion took 
 place on the report of the Coiiimitf ee on Kailways and Trara^ys, 
 to which I have prqjpiousfy referred,' •- , ' ' 
 
 The Coiiimittee advjsed that the' proposed railway hetvveen 
 Johannesburg ; and Pretoria ' should be disallowed, but that a 
 concession should be gra,nted to tlte Netherlands South African 
 Railway for the construction of a tramway from Boksburg to 
 Johannesburg. . , i 
 
 In the result the" recommendations of the Commitfee' ^w/ste 
 passed in detail. 
 
 The Committee appointed to report on the relative* merits of 
 two rival applications for a concession for the establishment, 
 within the Republic, of a bank and mint,' reported on the one 
 under Dutch auspices as most favourable. . . ,, . 
 
 On a division, ho w5ever, it was decided by a majority of ; 17 to 
 1 1 , that the matter of the bank be left over for one year. 
 
 On the following morning the Raad practically rescinded their 
 resolution of the previous day, and, on the urgent solicitation of 
 the President, passed a resolution by 28 votes to 9, conferring 
 full powers on "the wboJe of the Executfve- Council " to deal 
 with the question, and erect a bank and mint. 
 
 A suggestion has been made that ^ immediate steps be taken 
 next session to pass a resolution . imposing a censorship of the 
 press. . ' . ■: i ■ -. 
 
 • With this and the usual- complimentary, speeches the session -of . 
 the Raad was concluded. • • 
 
 I trust that I may have succeeded in conveying to i'y^our 
 EiXfiellency, for the information of Her Majesty's Govra-^^, 
 a satisfactory epitome of the proceedingeof the session of: 1888 
 as a whole. i' ?: ~ ■:■ 
 
 ;. I have, &c., .: ■ ' : ; ' ■■:. 
 
 (Signed) Ralph Ch. WiLLrAMS, - 
 Z*-'* ' n--'''' : ' Her Majesty's Ageirt. 
 
 His Excellency Ihe Right Hon. 
 Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., 
 .:.&c." -r. . .-fee, - &c.