The Cape Colony-Free State line ends at the Vaal River.  Thence all goods are carried over the Netherlands Railway Company’s section to Johannesburg, a distance of about fifty miles.  In order to handicap the southern line, an excessive rate was imposed for carriage on this section.  Even at the present time the tariff is 8-1/2d. per ton per mile, as against a rate of about 3d. with which the other two lines are favoured.  Notwithstanding this, however, and the obstructions placed in the way by obnoxious regulations and deliberate blocking of the line with loaded trucks at Vereeniging, and also the blocking of Johannesburg stations by non-delivery of goods—­measures which resulted sometimes in a delay of months in delivery, and sometimes in the destruction or loss of the goods—­the Southern line more than held its own.  The block was overcome by off-loading goods at the Vaal River and transporting them to Johannesburg by mule and ox waggons.

Mr. Kruger and his Hollander friends were almost beaten when the President played his last card.  He intimated his intention to close the Vaal River drifts against over-sea goods, and, by thus preventing the use of waggons, to force all traffic on to his railways upon his terms; and as the threat did not bring the Colony and Free State to the proper frame of mind, he closed them.  This was a flagrant breach of the London Convention, and as such it was reported by the High Commissioner to Mr. Chamberlain, and imperial intervention was asked.  Mr. Chamberlain replied that it was a matter most closely affecting the Colony, and he required, before dealing with it, to have the assurance of the Colonial Government that, in the event of war resulting, the cost of the campaign would be borne, share and share alike, by the Imperial and Colonial Governments, and that the latter would transport troops over their lines free of charge.  Such was the indignation in the Colony at the treatment accorded it that the terms were at once agreed to—­a truly significant fact when it is realized that the Ministry undertaking this responsibility had been put and was maintained in office by the Dutch party, and included in its members the best and most pronounced Africander representatives.  But Mr. Kruger is not easily ‘cornered.’  His unfailing instinct told him that business was meant when he received Mr. Chamberlain’s ultimatum to open the drifts.  The President ‘climbed down’ and opened them!  He has several advantages which other leaders of men have not, and among them is that of having little or no pride.  He will bluster and bluff and bully when occasion seems to warrant it; but when his judgment warns him that he has gone as far as he prudently can, he will alter his tactics as promptly and dispassionately as one changes one’s coat to suit the varying conditions of the weather.  Mr. Kruger climbed down!  It did not worry him, nor did he take shame that he had failed.  He climbed down, as he had done before in the Stellaland affair,