A Womans Part in a Revolution | Page 6

Johannesburg peacefully if he were allowed to come in unmolested.
This offer was rejected by the Commission, but a list of the names of
the Reform Committee was asked for.[3]

As a result of this interview the Government decided to accept the offer
made by Her Majesty's High Commissioner to come to Pretoria to
settle differences and avoid bloodshed. An armistice was then agreed
upon pending the High Commissioner's arrival. Mr. Phillips was often
interrupted by the crowd, some with cheers and others hooting. One
voice called out, 'And how about Jameson?' Mr. Phillips answered, 'I
am instructed by the Reform Committee to state to you, as I did to the
Government, that we intend to stand by Jameson. Gentlemen, I now
call upon you to give three cheers for Dr. Jameson.' There was
prolonged and enthusiastic cheering.
The Reform Committee has sent out J.J. Lace to escort a messenger
from the British Agent, who carries the Proclamation, and also to
explain the situation to Dr. Jameson.
It is said that Lieutenant Eloff was captured by Jameson some miles
beyond Krugersdorp. Eloff declaring he had official orders to obstruct
his advance, Jameson expressed his determination to go on, but added
that he had no hostile intentions against the Government.
JANUARY 2.--Betty and I sat up all night. The excitement is too
intense to admit of hunger or fatigue. We know nothing beyond the
rumours of the street. Jameson is said to be at Langlaagte, fighting his
way into town, the Boers in hot pursuit.
Mademoiselle has asked leave to go to the Convent to make her will.
In the streets, private carriages, army wagons, Cape carts and
ambulances graze wheels. Every hour or two a fresh edition of the 'Star'
is published; public excitement climbing these bulletins, like steps on a
stair. We sit a half-dozen women in the parlour at Heath's Hotel. Two
sisters weep silently in a corner. Their father is manager of the 'George
and May'; a battle has been fought there a couple of hours ago. No later
news has come to them. A physician, with a huge red-cross badge
around his arm, puts his head in at the door, and tells his wife that he is
going out with an ambulance to bring in the wounded. At this we are
whiter than before, if it were possible.
Poor Mademoiselle returned an hour ago and was obliged to go to bed,
done up with the nervous tension.
Jacky is loose on the community; in spite of energetic endeavours
(accompanied by the laying-on of hands in my case) his Aunt Betty and
I cannot restrain his activity. He is intimate with the frequenters of the

hotel bar, and on speaking terms with half the town. The day seems
endless.
Things have gone so far, men want the issue settled, and perhaps the
irresponsible are eager for a little blood-letting; there are certain
primitive instincts which are latent in us all, and the thought of war is
stimulating.
Mr. Lace returned this afternoon and reported that he had ridden
through the lines to Jameson. He had had very little speech with the
doctor, as the time was short, and the messenger bearing the
proclamation of the High Commissioner was also present. Jameson
asked where the troops were. Lace told him that he could not rely on
any assistance from the Uitlanders, as they were unprepared, and an
armistice had been declared between the Boer Government and the
people of Johannesburg.
LATER.--News is brought of a battle fought at Doornkop this forenoon,
and Jameson has surrendered. Johannesburg has gone mad.
MIDNIGHT.--My husband has just come in, his face as white and
drawn as a death mask.
We talked earnestly, and then I insisted upon his going to bed, and for
the first time in three days he drew off his clothes and lay down to rest.
The exhausted man now sleeps heavily; I sit beside him writing by the
spluttering candle. Now, while it is fresh in my mind, I am trying to put
down all that I have just heard from my husband.
He told me the Reform Committee were greatly surprised when they
received the report of Mr. Lace, as Jameson had no right to expect aid
and succour from Johannesburg for the following reasons:--
First.--In answer to a telegram from Jameson, expressing restlessness at
the delay, my husband wired him on December 27 a vigorous protest
against his coming.
Second.--Strong and emphatic messages were taken by Major Heaney,
one of Jameson's own officers, to the same effect, also by Mr. Holden.
Major Heaney went by special train from Kimberley, and Mr. Holden
on horseback across country.
These messages informed Dr. Jameson that the time had not arrived for
his coming; that the people of Johannesburg were without arms,