The Truth from Johannesburg. A Vindication of the People. (1896)

Publisher's red grained cloth with black titles to front and gilt titles to spine. 123pp + adverts at rear. Binding tight. Near Fine copy.

'It is asserted that the inhabitants of Johannesburg "consistently and repeatedly petitioned the Government of the South African Republic for reforms that, in any civilised country, would be uncalled for ; and...that (their) complaints have been invariably treated with contempt." It is pointed out that strangers had been invited, in the most cordial terms, to settle in the Transvaal, by its former President, and at that time they received, "after two years' residence in the country, the same privileges of citizenship" as the Burghers enjoyed. Reference is made to the negotiations between Johannesburg and Pretoria, which preceded the Jameson Raid, and it is stated that "Johannesburg was ready for war, and had everything to lose and nothing to gain by allowing the Government time, except for the purpose for which such truce was avowedly granted." Regarding the assertion that "Dr. Jameson and his troopers were betrayed by the people of Johannesburg," this is strenuously and indignantly denied, and it is stated that "The Reform Committee immediately denied all complicity" with Jameson's action, but when they became aware of it they concluded "a further armistice for three days...between Johannesburg and Pretoria." The author dilates on "the treachery of the (Transvaal) Government," and remarks  that the Reform Committee, believing in its bona fides, laid down their arms, only to find themselves "terrorised into submission by the display of military forces," followed by the arrest of the Committee.' - Mendelssohn, Vol.I, page 975.