’Given under my hand and seal this 31st day of December,
1895.

’Hercules Robinson,
’High Commissioner.

‘By command of His Excellency the High Commissioner.’

Johannesburg is dumfounded!

The sixth edition of the ‘Star’ this evening says that Jameson is only fifteen miles away, and that he has had a second encounter with the Boers.  The populace has recovered from the Proclamation, and their wild enthusiasm can scarcely be restrained.  They want to go out to meet Jameson and bring him in with triumphal outcry.  It is hard to be only a ‘she-thing’ and stay in the house with a couple of limber-kneed men, when such stirring happenings are abroad.

11 P.M.—­Mr. Lionel Phillips has just addressed the crowd collected around the ‘Gold Fields’ waiting for news.  He told them that the Reform Committee Delegation—­of which he was one—­had been received with courtesy by the Government Commission, the Chief Justice of the Republic acting as chairman.

They were assured that their proposals should be earnestly considered.  Mr. Phillips then explained what was wanted, and reiterated the Reform Committee’s determination to stand by the Manifesto.  He also told the Commission that the leaders of the Reform Committee had arranged with Jameson to come to their assistance when necessary, but that unfortunately he had come before required, probably through some misunderstanding or false report.  While the Reform Committee regretted Jameson’s precipitate action, they would stand by him.  And as they had no means of stopping him they offered to prove their good faith by giving their own persons as hostages that Jameson should leave Johannesburg peacefully if he were allowed to come in unmolested.  This offer was rejected by the Commission, but a list of the names of the Reform Committee was asked for.[3]

As a result of this interview the Government decided to accept the offer made by Her Majesty’s High Commissioner to come to Pretoria to settle differences and avoid bloodshed.  An armistice was then agreed upon pending the High Commissioner’s arrival.  Mr. Phillips was often interrupted by the crowd, some with cheers and others hooting.  One voice called out, ‘And how about Jameson?’ Mr. Phillips answered, ’I am instructed by the Reform Committee to state to you, as I did to the Government, that we intend to stand by Jameson.  Gentlemen, I now call upon you to give three cheers for Dr. Jameson.’  There was prolonged and enthusiastic cheering.

The Reform Committee has sent out J.J.  Lace to escort a messenger from the British Agent, who carries the Proclamation, and also to explain the situation to Dr. Jameson.

It is said that Lieutenant Eloff was captured by Jameson some miles beyond Krugersdorp.  Eloff declaring he had official orders to obstruct his advance, Jameson expressed his determination to go on, but added that he had no hostile intentions against the Government.