Chapter II

Events Preceding the Annexation. Mr. Burgers elected president?—?His character and aspirations?—?His pension from the English Government?—?His visit to England?—?The railway loan?—?Relations of the republic with native tribes?—?The pass laws?—?Its quarrel with Cetywayo?—?Confiscation of native territory in the Keate Award?—?Treaty with the Swazi king?—?The Secocœni war?—?Capture of Johannes' stronghold by the Swazi allies?—?Attack on Secocœni's mountain?—?Defeat and dispersion of the Boers?—?Elation of the natives?—?Von Schlickmann's volunteers?—? Cruelties perpetrated?—?Abel Erasmus?—?Treatment of natives by Boers ?—?Public meeting at Potchefstroom in 1868?—?The slavery question?—? Some evidence on the subject?—?Pecuniary position of the Transvaal prior to the annexation?—?Internal troubles?—?Divisions amongst the Boers?—?Hopeless condition of the country 23-49