But the singular thing is that despite repeated, nay constant, rebuffs,
all who have any dealings with Mr Kruger persist in hoping that he will
relent in the end, and may genially try to exercise his authority for
the termination of the existing unpleasantness. I spoke with all sorts
and conditions of men at Johannesburg, and I only met one man who
expressed his convictions that it was utterly impossible to induce the
President to alter, or modify, his views. The rest, so often defeated
and humbled, still continue to entertain a lively hope that things will
improve. They are mostly clever and highly educated men, but whether it
is that they have no time to study the disposition of the man, in whose
hand lie their destinies, or their faith in themselves is so great, I
know not, but it is certain that no sooner are they baffled in one
attempt, than a new project has captivated their fancy, and enlisted
their enthusiasm. They have tried to shame Kruger by their
ill-considered demonstration in favour of Sir Henry Loch. The National
Union has published its solemn declarations of uitlander claims and
rights, they have had a Jameson raid, they have had the benefit of Lord
Rosmead's diplomacy, they have resorted to giving indiscriminate
backsheesh, they have made much of the Progressive party, they have had
an Industrial Commission, Chamber of Mines gatherings and speeches, but
they are not a whit further advanced, and if to-morrow it is suggested
that the mines should be closed, I suppose they would adopt that course
or any other with equal belief in its efficacy.