The Hon. K. Southey said:—­

“I concur entirely with what has been said by the Right Hon. Mr. Forster with regard to slavery.  It must be admitted that the institution does not exist in name; but in reality something very closely allied to it exists, for in that country there is no freedom for the coloured races.  The road to the interior must be kept open, not only for the purposes of trade, but also as a way by which the Gospel may be carried from here to the vast regions beyond Her Majesty’s possessions in that part of the world.  If we allow the Transvaal State to annex a territory through which the roads to the interior pass, not only will there be difficulties put in the way of our traders, but the missionary also will find it no easy task to obey the injunction to carry the Gospel into all lands, and to preach it to all peoples.”

Sir Fowell Buxton presented the following thought, which might with advantage be taken to heart at the present time:—­

“We know how in the United States they have lately been celebrating the events that recall the time a century ago of the declaration of their independence.  I will ask you to consider what would have been the best advice that we could have given at that time to the Government at Washington?  Do we not know that in regard to all that relates to the well-being of the country, to mere matters of wealth and property, the best advice to have given them would have been, to deliver their country at once from all connection with slavery in the days when they formed her constitution.”

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Sir William M’Arthur, M.P., said:—­

“I have never seen in the Mansion House a larger or more enthusiastic meeting, and I believe that the feeling which animates this meeting is animating the whole country.  Any course of action taken by Her Majesty’s Ministers towards the Transvaal will be very closely watched.  I myself am for peace, but I am also for that which maintains peace, viz., a firm and decided policy.”

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The poor Chief, Mankoroane, having heard that the Transvaal Delegates would discuss questions of vital importance to his people, left Bechuanaland and went as far as Cape Town on his way to England to represent his case there.  Lord Derby, however, sent him word that he could not be admitted to the Conference in London, where the ownership of his own country was to be discussed.  Mankoroane then begged Mr. Mackenzie to be his representative, but was again told that neither personally nor by representative could he be recognised at the Conference in Downing Street, but that any remarks which Mr. Mackenzie might make on his behalf would receive the attention of Government.  (Blue Book 3841, 92.)