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The Transvaal

The Transvaal is officially called the South African Republic. It lies N. of the Vaal river and S. of the Limpopo river. It is bounded W. by Bechuanaland; E. by Portuguese territory; S. by Swaziland, Zuzuland, Natal, and Orange Free State. Boundaries defined by Convention of London, 1884. Area, 114,360 sq. m.; population about 800,000, of whom some 50,000 only are whites. Country divided into 15 districts; capital, Pretoria. Other towns are Potchefström, Leydenberg, Wesselström, and Heidelberg. The country is generally elevated, in some parts very rugged. The climate is fine. The country is rich in minerals. Coal, gold, silver, copper, iron, cobalt, tin, platinum, and plumbago exist. Transvaal is ruled by a President elected for five years, with a Council of four members. Legislation is effected by a Volksraad of 44 members, one-half retiring every two years. To exercise the franchise burghers must reside five years, take the oath, and pay £25, or $125. There is no force to maintain order or enforce collection of taxes, but every burgher may be called out in time of war. Exports are of wool, cattle, hides, grain, ostrich feathers, ivory, butter, gold, etc. Industries are farming, mostly pastoral, some mining and hunting. The Dutch Reformed Church is the dominant religion.