It is impossible to deny that the state of affairs is very serious, and that the future looms dark before us.

Our position requires the most careful consideration, and as there are sure to be differences of opinion, it will be necessary for us to bear with one another, and yet, at the same time, to speak our minds freely." The President proceeded to refer to the correspondence which had taken place between Holland and England.

A copy of this correspondence had been sent, through Lord Kitchener, to the Governments of the two Republics.

The opinion of the Transvaal Government (which was the first to receive the correspondence) was that advantage should be taken of this opportunity.

It was proposed to ask Lord Kitchener to allow the Transvaal Government to meet that of the Orange Free State, so that they might discuss the desirability of making a peace proposal to England.
The two Governments had accordingly met, and had corresponded with Lord Kitchener and Lord Milner.