Not only did the Government supply the deputation with the minute in writing already quoted, but they also instructed the local officers of Johannesburg to make public their decision to avail themselves of Sir Hercules Robinson’s services.  It will be observed that the notification published in Johannesburg is not so full as the Executive minute handed to the deputation in Pretoria, but the spirit in which it was given and accepted is shown by the following notice issued by the Reform Committee embodying the official statement: 

REFORM COMMITTEE.

NOTICE.

The Government have handed us a written reply this afternoon (January 1), stating they have agreed to accept the offer of the High Commissioner to go to Pretoria to assist the Government in preventing bloodshed, and then the representations of the Committee will be taken into serious consideration.  The communication referred to is as follows: 

’The Government of the South African Republic have accepted the offer of the High Commissioner to come to Pretoria.

(Signed) J. L. VAN DER MERWE, Mining Commissioner.
J. F. DE BEER, Judicial Commissioner.
CARL JEPPE, Member of the First Volksraad,
Johannesburg.
A. H. BLECKSLEY, Commandant Volunteers.

Desirous as the Committee has always been to obtain its objects without the shedding of blood and incurring the horrors of civil war, the opportunity of achieving its aims by peaceful means is welcome.

The Reform Committee desires that the public will aid them with the loyalty and enthusiasm which they have shown so far in the maintenance of its organization, and will stand firm in the cause of law and order and the establishment of their rights.

By order of the Committee.

This notice was published in the local press, and also distributed as a leaflet in Johannesburg.

More than this!  At one o’clock on Wednesday President Kruger had sent for Sir Jacobus de Wet and requested him to transmit to the Reform Committee the following message:  ’I desire again to invite your serious attention to the fact that negotiations are going on between Mr. Chamberlain and His Honour the President.  I am convinced the Government is prepared to meet any committee or deputation at any time to discuss matters.  In view of this and of negotiations with Mr. Chamberlain I advise you to follow a constitutional course.’  That telegram was framed at President Kruger’s request and approved by him before being transmitted.

A great deal has been said about the impolicy, and even the bad faith, of the Johannesburg people in concluding an armistice which did not include Dr. Jameson.  From the above account it is clear in the first place that every effort was made to provide for his safety, and in the next place that no armistice was concluded.  Certain terms were offered by the Government which it was open to the Committee to