South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of HostilitiesCreswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of Hostilities
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
"At the earliest practicable date military administration will
cease and will be replaced by civil administration in the form
of Crown Colony Government. There will therefore be, in the
first instance, in each of the new Colonies a Governor and an
Executive Council, consisting of a certain number of official
members, to whom a nominated unofficial element will be added.
But it is the desire of his Majesty's Government, as soon as
circumstances permit, to introduce a representative element,
and ultimately to concede to the new Colonies the privilege of
self-government. Moreover, on the cessation of hostilities a
High Court will be established in each of the new Colonies to
administer the law of the land, and this court will be
independent of the Executive.
"Church property, public trusts, and orphans' funds will be
respected. Both the English and Dutch languages will be used
and taught in public schools where parents of the children
desire it, and allowed in Courts of Law.
"As regards the debts of the late Republican Governments, his
Majesty's Government cannot undertake any liability. It is,
however, prepared, as an act of grace, to set aside a sum not
exceeding £1,000,000 to repay inhabitants of the Transvaal and
Orange River Colonies for goods requisitioned from them by the
late Republican Governments or, subsequent to annexation, by
commandants in the field being in a position to enforce such
requisitions. But such claims will have to be established to
the satisfaction of a Judge or Judicial Commission appointed by
the Government to investigate and assess them, and if exceeding
in the aggregate £1,000,000, they will be liable to reduction
_pro rata_.
"I also beg to inform your Honour that the new Government will
take into immediate consideration the possibility of assisting
by loan the occupants of farms who will take the oath of
allegiance to repair any injury sustained by destruction of
buildings or loss of stock during the war, and that no special
war tax will be imposed on farmers to defray the expense of the
war.
"When burghers require the protection of firearms such will be
allowed to them by licence and on due registration, provided
they take the oath of allegiance. Licences also will be issued
for sporting rifles, guns, &c., but military firearms will only
be allowed for means of protection.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account