He went on to ask President Steyn what he thought of the proposal which the Transvaal had made to the Free State Government in the October of the previous year.
President Steyn answered that he was still of the same opinion as in June, 1901, when the two Governments had agreed to stand by Independence.

If the English now refused to grant Independence, then the war must continue.

He said that he would rather surrender to the English unconditionally than make terms with them.
The remainder of the day was occupied in listening to speeches from State-Secretary Reitz and President Burger.
On the following day the speakers were:--L.J.

Meijer, J.B.

Krogh, myself, State-Secretary Reitz, and Judge Hertzog.