The above subjects are only those which have been discussed between the Government representatives and ourselves, but, in order to arrive at a final permanent settlement, we think that we ought to endeavour to remove all other causes of disagreement, and treat as well several other important questions left untouched; and we would beg that the Government will take the necessary steps, as far as lies in their power, to assist the industry by bringing native labourers to the goldfields, and to this end will be willing to confer with the Chamber of Mines as to the best means to be adopted; that the law relating to the sale of intoxicating liquor at present in force shall be maintained and strictly enforced.  We may further state that we have every confidence in the probity and honour of the Judges of the S.A.R., and wish to place on record our desire that the independence of the Bench should be assured and maintained inviolate in the highest interests of all the inhabitants of the Republic.

We enclose copy of the cable which we sent, embodying the proposals of the Government of the S.A.R. as communicated to us by Mr. Lippert, and copy of the precis and resolution passed at the meeting held in London, when the above cable was considered.

This letter conveys to you our opinion as well as that of our friends in Europe, and we should be most happy to arrange a meeting with you and any other representatives of the Government to consider and discuss the points contained therein.

We beg to assure you once more that we, as well as our European friends, are most sincerely desirous to arrive at a satisfactory settlement, securing a peaceful future and promoting the welfare of the country and the people, and trust that you will regard the expression of our opinion in that light.

We remain, honourable Sir,
Yours obediently,
G. ROULIOT. 
H.F.E.  PISTORIUS. 
E. BIRKENRUTH. 
JOHN M. PIERCE. 
A. BRAKHAN

The foregoing embodies our views as well as that of our London houses.

(Signed) J.G.  HAMILTON. 
W. DALRYMPLE.

The following memorandum—­the one referred to in the above letter—­was prepared by well-known Uitlanders whom the Government, owing to the refusal of the capitalists to deal with the franchise, had been obliged to select in order to get some pronouncement upon that question.  The little ironies of life have two properties:  the humour for the winner, and the hurt for the worsted.  The Uitlanders had for three years enjoyed a singularly monotonous experience in ironies, but a turning came in the long lane when it became necessary for the President to suspend the operation of his three years’ ban on two of the Reformers in order to get their advice upon the franchise question.

JOHANNESBURG, S.A.R.,
24th March, 1899.

GENTLEMEN,

In response to the invitation from the Government of the South African Republic conveyed to us by Mr. E. Lippert, we beg to submit the enclosed memorandum upon the franchise question.