6th January.  No. 3.—­It is reported in the press telegrams the President of the South African Republic on December 30 held out definite hopes that concessions would be proposed in regard to education and the franchise.  No overt act of hostility appears to have been committed by the Johannesburg people since the overthrow of Jameson.  The statement that arms and ammunition are stored in that town in large quantities may be only one of many boasts without foundation.  Under these circumstances, active measures against the town do not seem to be urgently required at the present moment, and I hope no step will be taken by the President of the South African Republic liable to cause more bloodshed and excite civil war in the Republic.

These are followed in the same volume by No. 89: 

SIR HERCULES ROBINSON (Pretoria) to MR. CHAMBERLAIN.

(Telegraphic.  Received 7th January, 1896.)

6th January.  No. 2.—­Met President South African Republic and Executive Council to-day.  Before opening proceedings, I expressed on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government my sincere regret at the unwarrantable raid made by Jameson; also thanked Government of South African Republic for the moderation shown under trying circumstances.  With regard to Johannesburg, President of South African Republic announced decision of Government to be that Johannesburg must lay down its arms unconditionally as a precedent to any discussion and consideration of grievances.  I endeavoured to obtain some indication of the steps that would be taken in the event of disarmament, but without success, it being intimated that Government of South African Republic had nothing more to say on this subject than had been already embodied in proclamation of President of South African Republic.  I inquired as to whether any decision had been come to as regards disposal of prisoners, and received a reply in the negative.  President of South African Republic said that, as his burghers, to number of 8,000, had been collected, and could not be asked to remain indefinitely, he must request a reply, ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ to this ultimatum within twenty-four hours.  I have communicated decision of South African Republic to Reform Committee at Johannesburg through British Agent in South African Republic.

The burgher levies are in such an excited state over the invasion of their country that I believe President of South African Republic could not control them except in the event of unconditional surrender.  I have privately recommended them to accept ultimatum.  Proclamation of President of South African Republic refers to promise to consider all grievances which are properly submitted, and to lay the same before the Legislature without delay.

On January 7 Mr. Chamberlain replied: 

No. 1.—­I approve of your advice to Johannesburg.  Kruger will be wise not to proceed to extremities at Johannesburg or elsewhere; otherwise the evil animosities already aroused may be dangerously excited.