Under this strange thing, called Martial Law, these Colonists were summoned to join the ranks of the Boers.  In how far this action of commandeering Colonists was commendable on the part of the Republics is difficult to say for one not versed in all the technicalities of International Law, or in the terms prescribed by the various Conventions.  It seemed, however, that as far as the Republics were concerned, International Law and Convention obligations did not exist at all.  The policy of the Republics all through the war, as one might expect, was to secure and maintain the friendship and sympathy of their colonial brethren.  The Colonist was treated as a friend, and not as an enemy.  His person and property were respected so long as he remained neutral.  Strict neutrality, and nothing more, the Boers enjoined, especially towards the end of the war.

To be fair towards the Republics, we have to note that when the Colonists were commandeered at the commencement of the war—­for it was only then, and not later, that they were summoned to the front—­the object of the States was not to force them into their service.  It was more a precautionary measure to protect the Colonist should he fall into the hands of the enemy.  The fact that he had been commandeered, when taken into account, might, and did, tend to mitigate his punishment.  This commandeering was never rigorously enforced.  Occasionally officers acting on their own responsibility, and without instructions from the Boer governments, commandeered and pressed Colonists to take up arms without their consent; but such cases were exceptional, and were disapproved of.  What the Boers wanted were men who volunteered their services, and came to them, not because they were disloyal to their Government, but because such a strain was laid upon them that they were compelled to come.  Upon such men they could rely, and they proved themselves worthy of the confidence placed in them.

The various war proclamations issued by the British from time to time goaded the Colonists into rebellion.

[Illustration:  COMMANDANT W.D.  FOUCHE.]

If all the proclamations which were circulated in the Republics and British colonies were published they would constitute a volume of no mean dimensions, and might afford instructive reading “to principalities and powers” planning to enlarge their dominions by the assistance, and on the basis, of proclamations.  In South Africa these “paper sheets” were by far the most formidable allies of the British Empire.  They wrought greater havoc among the Boer forces than all the British batteries ever did; for when they first began to explode in the midst of the burghers the latter dropped down thick and fast.  Thousands were lured away from the posts of duty by the fascinating and seemingly generous proposals contained in some proclamations.  Had the Field-Marshal only understood the Boer character better, and strictly adhered to his first proclamation, and not violated its conditions,