Nevertheless, the Ministry declared that, as there existed an absolute necessity for finding new resources to liquidate the expenses contingent on the war, it would propose a tax on diamonds and another one on dop.
The exasperation of the Rhodesian party, which was thus roused, was the principal reason why the agitation for the suspension of the Constitution in Cape Colony was started and pursued so vigorously in spite of the small chance it had to succeed.

His support of this agitation may be called the death-bed effort of Rhodes.

When he was no longer alive to lend them his strong hand, the Rhodesian party was bound to disperse.

They tried in vain to continue his policy, but all their efforts to do so failed, because there was nothing really tangible for them to work upon.
With Cecil Rhodes came to an end also what can be called the romantic period of the history of South Africa, that period during which fortunes were made and lost in a few days; when new lands were discovered and conquered with a facility and a recklessness that reminded one of the Middle Ages.

The war established an equilibrium which but for it would have taken years to be reached.