15th January, 1896.  No. 1.—­Your telegram 13 January, No. 1, only reached me last night, after I had left Pretoria.  I could if you consider it desirable, communicate purport to President of South African Republic by letter, but I myself think such action would be inopportune at this moment.  Nearly all leading Johannesburg men are now in gaol, charged with treason against the State, and it is rumoured that Government has written evidence of a long-standing and widespread conspiracy to seize government of country on the plea of denial of political privileges, and to incorporate the country with that of British South Africa Company.  The truth of these reports will be tested in the trials to take place shortly in the High Court, and meanwhile to urge claim for extended political privileges for the very men so charged would be ineffectual and impolitic.  President of South African Republic has already promised municipal government to Johannesburg, and has stated in a proclamation that all grievances advanced in a constitutional manner will be carefully considered and brought before the Volksraad without loss of time; but until result of trials is known nothing of course will now be done.

Mr. Chamberlain replied to the above: 

15th January.  No. 5.—­Referring to your telegram, No. 1, of the 15th January, see my telegram No. 1 of to-day, which was sent before receipt of yours.  I recognize that the actual moment is not opportune for a settlement of the Uitlanders’ grievances, and that the position of the President of the South African Republic may be an embarrassing one, but I do not consider that the arrest of a few score individuals out of a population of 70,000 or more, or the supposed existence of a plot amongst that small minority, is a reason for denying to the overwhelming majority of innocent persons reforms which are just in themselves and expedient in the interests of the Republic.  Whatever may be said about the conduct of a few individuals, nothing can be plainer than that the sober and industrious majority refused to countenance any resort to violence, and proved their readiness to obey the law and your authority.  I hope, therefore, to hear at an early date that you propose to resume discussion with President of South African Republic on lines laid down in my previous telegrams.  I do not see that the matter need wait until the conclusion of the trial of the supposed plotters.  I am anxious to receive the information asked for in my telegram No. 1 of the 14th January.  Please communicate at once with the President on this matter.

The following is the telegram to which allusion is made above: 

14th January.  No. 1.—­Press telegrams state numerous arrests of leading residents on the Rand, including many Americans, Germans, and other nationalities.  Fear that number of these arrests of active managers, representatives, may disorganize industry on the Rand.  Wish to know of what accused, when brought to trial, whether bail allowed, and what penalities prescribed by law.  Shall be glad to learn from President of South African Republic what his intentions are in this matter, which affects the subjects of so many States.  Propose to communicate President’s reply to American and Belgian Governments, which have already asked us to take charge of interests of their respective citizens.