That is the point which I think English people must keep before them.  There’s no question about ruling the Transvaal or the Orange Free State—­the one great question that has to be fought out between the Dutch in South Africa and the English race is, which is to be the predominant Power—­whether it is to be the Boer Republic or the English Monarchy. [Cheers.] Well, if I at all understand and know the people of this nation, I can see but one end to it, and it will be the end that we hope for and have looked for. [Cheers.]

But I would warn every man who takes an interest in this subject not to imagine that war can be carried on like a game of chess or some other game in which the most powerful intellect wins from the first.  War is a game of ups and downs, and you may rest assured that it is impossible to read in history of any campaign that it has been a march of triumph from beginning to end.  Therefore, if at the present moment we are suffering from disappointments, believe me, those disappointments are in many ways useful to us.  We have found that the enemy who declared war against us—­for they are the aggressors—­are much more powerful and numerous than we anticipated.  But at the same time, believe me, that anything that may have taken place lately to dishearten the English people has had a good effect—­it has brought us as a nation closer together.  The English-speaking people of the world have put their foot down, and intend to carry this thing through, no matter what may be the consequence. [Cheers.]

I have the greatest possible confidence in British soldiers.  I have lived in their midst many years of my life, and I am quite certain of this, that wherever their officers lead they will follow.  If you look over the list of our casualties lately, you will find that the British officer has led them well.  Certainly he has not spared himself; he has not been in the background. [Cheers.] He has suffered unfortunately, and expects to suffer, and ought to suffer; and I hope most sincerely and truly, whatever may be in store for us, whatever battles there may be in this war, that when we read the list of casualties there will be a very large proportion of officers sufferers as well as men.  It would be most unworthy of our Army and of our nation if our officers did not lead, and if they lead they must suffer as well as those who follow.  I am extremely obliged to you for the compliment that has been paid to me.  It has been a very great pleasure for me to come here.  I had no idea I was to listen to such an admirable speech from your Chairman.  I thank you sincerely for having listened to me, and hope you will make every allowance for any defect in a speech which certainly had not been prepared. [Loud cheers.]

WU TING-FANG

CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES