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ROUGH RIDERS OF THE TRANSVAAL.

REPRESENTATIVE BOERS FRESH FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR.

Whatever may have been the merits of the controversy between Great Britain and the Boers, the American mind was little aided, in decision between them, by the volumes of affirmations and arguments, accusations and recriminations poured forth by both at the outset of the South African war, and sympathy with either was more determined by predisposition than conviction. Heated partisanship has been demonstrated by a minority of our people–most largely, perhaps, among our adopted citizens–but the general feelings has been one of willingness to suspend judgement and accept the verdict rendered by the stern arbitrament of war. But the American is prone to sympathize "with the under dog," especially if he is putting up a particularly good fight, notwithstanding the advantages of his position, and it will hardly admit of question that the Boer has made good a claim to out appreciative interest in his personality, quite apart from an consideration as to whether he is right or wrong. He may be rough, uncultured, bigoted, an obstacle in

(Picture)
A SQUAD OF BOER CAVALRYMEN.

the way of progress--as his enemies declare--or he many be nothing of the sort, which is equally probable, but there is no doubt of his being a good fighter. The men who have met him in the field heartily accord him that credit.

It must not be forgotten that when the two little repubics--the Transvaal and Orange Free State--declared war against Great Britain, they had not trained soldiers, no leaders skilled in the art of war, nothing in the way of military organization beyond a surprisingly loose and elastic militia system. Every citizen capable of bearing arms was held liable to military service, but each burgher, as "commandeered," took the field pretty much when he pleased, as he pleased, and remained or went home again according to his own sweet will. He might report for duty simply with his horse and rifle, or he might bring with him his women folk and servants. If he did not approve of his commandant, he might go to another, or move his comrades to elect a new one of supposably greater energy and ability. In course of time these conditions were greatly reformed, as the burghers learned by experience the necessity for more rigid discipline, and European volun-