What about the faults and defects of the Boer? some may be asking.  While commenting on the different phases of the Boer character, we have alluded to and admitted many of these; for they are many.  There is indeed much which we lament in the character of our people, and which we would, if it were possible, gladly alter or improve upon.  Not all of them are good patriots, saints and heroes.  Neither are all resourceful, kind-hearted, hospitable, and attached to their homes.  There were “National Scouts,” traitors, renegades, among the burghers!  Among the women there were, alas! some, not many, who yielded to temptation.  Such characters are found among all nations.  Among the Boers they formed a small minority, and were the exceptions and not the general rule.

CHAPTER X.

THE RISING IN THE CAPE COLONY.

Having been in the full tide of the emotions of the Cape Colony—­emotions which led to the taking up of arms—­we feel ourselves justified in setting down those things which were to the Cape Colonist the justification of a warlike and anti-British policy.

It is strange, when one bears in mind that England admittedly extends greater liberties to her colonies than most other Powers, that many of her subjects are a continual source of trouble and fear to her.  How has this to be accounted for?  Is it because the colonists enjoy such great liberty (?) and share in so many privileges?  Or is it because so many of them became British subjects only because they were compelled to take an oath of allegiance (or sign a declaration) to a government they neither loved nor respected but hated and despised?  In the former case it would be base ingratitude on their part to rise in rebellion, in the latter it seems almost natural.  However it be, the lustre and beauty of English history is sadly marred by the fact that often British artillery had to bear on British subjects, and British arms had to be employed to subdue England’s own children.

Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the United States of America, India, Afghanistan, Egypt, South Africa, and many besides of less importance, have resisted British authority at different times.  Some of these, like the late Republics, were at one time or other laid in ruins and devastated by British arms.  For years and years their inhabitants were subjected to awful persecutions.  The blood of the best and bravest was spilt like water, whilst millions were spent to conquer whole populations—­millions which might have been used for better and nobler purposes.  And to-day thousands of British subjects are ruled by the point of the bayonet—­by sheer force, not by common consent.