CHAPTER X.

The Annexation of the Transvaal.

Condition of the Republic in 1877--Dangers Without and Difficulties Within--The British Policy of Confederation--Public Opinion in England not Sufficiently Advanced--Lord Carnarvon, and Mr. J. A. Froude's Mission--Sir T. Shepstone Takes Action--A Peaceful Annexation Quietly Carried Out--Neither Force nor Serious Persuasion Used--The Ensuing Administration--Self-government not Granted--Sir Owen Lanyon's Mistakes--The Failure of the Confederation Scheme--Mr. Gladstone's Political Campaign in England--Effect of His Utterances in South Africa--He Comes into Power--Protests against Annexation Develop--Dutch Delegates in England--Refusal to Reverse the Annexation--Boer Rebellion and Ultimate British Repudiation of Pledges and Policy--Magnanimity Appears to the Dutch as Pusillanimity and Paves the Way for Years of Trouble and Much Bloodshed