Introduction
The telegram written by the High Commissioner Alfred Milner to Mr. Joseph Chamberlain on May 5, 1899, provides a vital insight into the political and social environment of South Africa, as understood by Alfred Milner. Being under British rule, South Africa required consistent management, and the issues regarding the independent governments of the South African Republic and Orange Free State had to be addressed (Porter, 1973). A crucial problem arose in 1899, several months before the Second Boer War, when the relationship between the Dutch Boers and the British began to worsen (White, 1900). As Chamberlain’s advisor, Milner reported the ongoing events, including personal perceptions of the circumstances, and stated that Great Britain’s position in South Africa was becoming fragile.
The telegram from the High Commissioner Sir Alfred Milner to Joseph Chamberlain
The gobbet received by Chamberlain on May 5, 1899, is a prominent example of how Milner understood the effects of the dispute between the Boers and the English. During this time, Milner received numerous grievances from the British subjects in South Africa’s Transvaal and the Orange Free States, who claimed that they were deprived of their basic rights (Tascione, 1977). The majority of the complaints addressed the antagonistic attitudes of the police force and juries and the unfriendly legislation that tremendously lowered the British individuals’ level of well-being (Tascione, 1977). Milner viewed these developments negatively, describing them in the first sentence of the telegram. From the High Commissioner’s perspective, the lack of involvement from the English state not only negatively affected the British residents but also adversely impacted Great Britain’s status.
Continuing his discussion, Milner demonstrated the dangers surrounding the political and social environment of South Africa. The spread of republican ideas and the union between Transvaal and the Orange Free State were mentioned by the High Commissioner as events that could sway the loyalty of the English subjects (Porter, 1973). As such, given the previous resignations and the growing assumption that “the Dutch have some superior right even in this colony”, Milner suggests that the British government’s power over the region is beginning to falter (Burke, 1900, p. 315). From Milner’s viewpoint, these circumstances are caused by nothing other than a “ceaseless stream of malignant lies” from the Dutch, which forces the English subjects to abandon their allegiance to Great Britain (Burke, 1900, p. 315). Milner openly expresses his concerns about England’s future in this region, stating that the Dutch doctrine is harmful to British supremacy and awaiting action from the government.
Conclusion
To conclude, the telegram from the High Commissioner Sir Alfred Milner to Joseph Chamberlain, dated May 5, 1899, clearly represents Milner’s negative perceptions of the political and social environment in South Africa. Given the ongoing confrontation between the Dutch and English forces and the lack of involvement from the British government, the High Commissioner is troubled by the potential reduction of Great Britain’s power. The grievances delegated by the English residents and the spread of the Dutch doctrine occupy a significant portion of the gobbet, demonstrating that Milner is expecting the British government to prevent further complications.
References
Porter, A. N. (1973). Sir Alfred Milner and the press, 1897–1899. The Historical Journal, 16(2), 323–339.
Tascione, F. J. (1977). Lord Milner and South Africa: The failure of anglicization, 1900-1905 [Master’s Thesis, Youngstown State University].
Burke, E. (1900). The Annual Register. Longmans.
White, M. (1900). The danger of personal rule in South Africa. The North American Review, 170(519), 225–239.