CHAPTER I

.--THE EXPLOSION. Oct. 11, 1899. AND EVENTS PREVIOUS THERETO.

The Boer Ultimatum--Intrigues against British supremacy--Great Britain's interest in the Dutch Republics--Common interests of the white peoples--Early history of Cape Colony--Unpopularity of the Dutch East India Company--British capture Capetown--"The Great Trek"--England recognises the Republics--Their attitude towards us--Sir Bartle Frere--Majuba--The Outlanders--The Jameson raid--Kruger--His character--Sir Alfred Milner--The Bloemfontein conference--Transvaal refuses England's demands--War 3-16

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