The Reform Committee was formed on Monday night, December 30, and it was intended to include such men of influence as cared to associate themselves with the movement.  The object with which it was formed is best shown by its first notice, viz.: 

’Notice is hereby given that this Committee adheres to the National Union Manifesto, and reiterates its desire to maintain the independence of the Republic.  The fact that rumours are in course of circulation to the effect that a force has crossed the Bechuanaland border renders it necessary to take active steps for the defence of Johannesburg and preservation of order.  The Committee earnestly desire that the inhabitants should refrain from taking any action which can be construed as an overt act of hostility against the Government.  By order of the Committee,

  ’J.  PERCY FITZPATRICK,
  ‘Secretary.’

The evidence taken at the preliminary examination will show that order was maintained by this Committee during a time of intense excitement, and through the action of the Committee no aggressive steps whatever were taken against the Government, but on the contrary, the property of the Government was protected, and its officials were not interfered with.

It is our firm belief that had no such Committee been formed, the intense excitement caused by Dr. Jameson’s entry would have brought about utter chaos in Johannesburg.

It has been alleged that we armed natives.  This is absolutely untrue, and is disposed of by the fact that during the crisis upwards of 20,000 white men applied to us for arms and were unable to get them.

On Tuesday morning, December 31, we hoisted the flag of the Z.A.R., and every man bound himself to maintain the independence of the Republic.  On the same day the Government withdrew its police voluntarily from the town and we preserved perfect order.

During the evening of that day, Messrs. Marais and Malan presented themselves as delegates from the Executive Council.  They came (to use their own words) to ‘offer us the olive branch,’ and they told us that if we would send a deputation to Pretoria to meet a Commission appointed by the Government, we should probably obtain ’practically all that we asked for in the Manifesto.’

Our deputation met the Government Commission, consisting of Chief Justice Kotze, Judge Ameshof, and Mr. Kock, member of the Executive.

On our behalf our deputation frankly avowed knowledge of Jameson’s presence on the border, and of his intention, by written arrangement with us, to assist us in case of extremity.

With the full knowledge of this arrangement, with the knowledge that we were in arms and agitating for our rights, the Government Commission handed to us a resolution by the Executive Council, of which the following is the purport: 

’The High Commissioner has offered his services with a view to a peaceful settlement.  The Government of the South African Republic has accepted his offer.  Pending his arrival, no hostile step will be taken against Johannesburg, provided Johannesburg takes no hostile action against the Government.  In terms of a certain proclamation recently issued by the President, the grievances will be earnestly considered.’