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’We should delude ourselves by entertaining the hope that matters would mend by-and-by.  It would only be self-deceit.  I tell you openly, matters are as bad as they ever can be; they cannot be worse.  These are bitter truths, and people may perhaps turn their backs on me; but then I shall have the consolation of having done my duty.’

* * * * * * *

’It is said here this or that man must be released from taxes, because the Kaffirs have driven them off their farms, and occupy the latter.  By this you proclaim to the world that the strongest man is master here, that the right of the strongest obtains here.’ [Mr. Mare:  ‘This is not true.’] ’Then it is not true what the honourable member, Mr. Breytenbach, has told us about the state of the Lydenburg district; then it is not true either what another member has said about the farms in Zoutpansberg, which are occupied by Kaffirs.  Neither is it true, then, what I saw with my own eyes at Lydenburg, where the burghers had been driven off their farms by the Kaffirs, and where Johannes was ploughing and sowing on the land of a burgher.  These are facts, and they show that the strongest man is the master here.  The fourth point which we have to take into account affects our relations with our English neighbours.  It is asked, What have they got to do with our position?  I tell you, as much as we have to do with that of our Kaffir neighbours.  As little as we can allow barbarities among the Kaffirs on our borders, as little can they allow that in a state on their borders anarchy and rebellion should prevail.’

* * * * * * *

’Do you know what has recently happened in Turkey?  Because no civilized government was carried on there, the Great Powers interfered and said, “Thus far, and no further.”  And if this is done to an empire, will a little republic be excused when it misbehaves?

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’Complain to other Powers, and seek justice there?  Yes, thank God! justice is still to be found, even for the most insignificant; but it is precisely the justice which will convict us.  If we want justice, we must be in a position to ask it with unsullied hands.’

* * * * * * *

’Whence has arisen that urgency to make an appeal for interference elsewhere?  Has that appeal been made only by enemies of the State?  Oh no, gentlemen; it has arisen from real grievances.  Our people have degenerated from their former position; they have become demoralised; they are not what they ought to be.’

* * * * * * *

’To-day a bill for L1,100 was laid before me for signature; but I would sooner have cut off my right hand than sign that paper, for I have not the slightest ground to expect that when that bill becomes due there will be a penny to pay it with.’

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