CHAPTER V.

Development of Dutch Rule.

Divergent Lines of Growth in the Republics--The Orange Free State and the Basutos--Early Difficulties and Laws--Rise of President Brand into Power--His High Character and Quarter of a Century's Wise Administration of the Free State--Diamond Discoveries and the Keate Award--Liberal Policy of the Free State and General Friendship with England--In the Transvaal--Troubles of the Emigrant Farmers North of the Vaal--Four Little Republics--Union Under Martin W. Pretorius, in 1864, after a Period of Civil War--Rise of S. J. P. Kruger into Prominence--Conflicts with the Natives--T. F. Bergers Becomes President--General Stagnation, Developing by 1877 into Public Bankruptcy--Failure to Conquer Sekukuni and the Bapedis--Danger from the Zulus under Cetywayo--Annexation to the British Empire--A New Link Forged in the Chain of Events