B. BURNETT HITCHCOCK, Lieutenant, Asst. Provost-Marshal to Military Governor. April 6th, 1900. * * * * * THAT V.C. BY A. B. PATERSON. 'Twas in the days of front attack, This glorious truth we'd yet to learn it, That every "front" has got a "back," And French is just the man to turn it. A wounded soldier on the ground Was lying flat behind a hummock; He proved the good old proverb sound, "An army travels on its stomach!" He lay as flat as any fish, His nose had worn a little furrow, He only had one frantic wish-- That like an ant-bear he could burrow. The bullets whistled into space, The pom-pom gun kept up its braying, The four-point seven supplied the bass; You'd think the Devil's band was playing. A valiant comrade crawling near Observed his most supine behaviour And crawled towards him, "Eh! what cheer? Buck up," says he "I've come to save yer!" "You get up on my shoulders, mate! And if we live beyond the firing, I'll get a V.C. sure as fate, Because our blokes is all retiring. "It's fifty pound a year," says he, "I'll stand you lots of beer and whisky." "No," says the wounded man, "not me, I won't be saved; it's far too risky! "I'm fairly safe behind this mound, I've worn a hole that seems to fit me, But if you lift me off the ground It's fifty pound to one they'll hit me!" So off towards the firing-line His mate crept slowly to the rear, oh! Remarking, "What a selfish swine! He might have let me be a hero!" * * * * * TO THE PEOPLE OF THE FREE STATE. BY MESSRS. KIPLING AND RALPH. The British have come to stay. Our students of political economy have taught us that the constitution and laws of the old Free State were as nearly perfect as any that could be framed for a democracy. The basis of the British Government is that of an enlightened and progressive democracy. It is therefore certain that British rule will not bring any violent or revolutionary changes to the conditions under which you citizens have been living. What are British principles? The absolute independence of the individual, so long as he does not interfere with his neighbour's rights. Prompt and equal justice, before the Lord, to all men. A natural and rooted antipathy to anything savouring of military despotism, in any shape or form. Absolute religious toleration and freedom of belief for all peoples. Prompt and incorruptible justice to all men in every walk of life. The right of every man to make his home his castle. In view of these things and of the unalterable fact that the country has passed under a new rule, why should burghers hesitate or delay in making friends with the new situation? We are your friends. We have never felt unfriendly toward you; for even in war we realised that you were deceived by unwise and selfish leaders.