South Africa was founded in
oppression, independently of us as it happened, since the forefathers of
the Boers were largely French Huguenots.
It was not enough, that the Anglo-Saxon should rush from starvation and
persecution, to a freer home across the seas. No sooner had he found it,
than the old oppression might again be clanking its chains at his heels.
The stern Mother more than once stretched out her hand to coerce her
freer children, forcing them ever to take new ground, and be, so to
speak, clear of her clutches. The instance of America occurred during
this second stage in the weft and woof of tribulation which was at the
root of our growth. The same with the Boers of South Africa, who, by
harsh regulations, were forced inland, thus opening up new territory. It
had all worked with the precision and force of a Nasmyth hammer.
Naturally, a time would arrive when the liberty and freedom of the Saxon,
gone over sea, should react upon the Old World. Sir George held it proven
that the inspiration of the New World had, in real measure, been the
emancipation of the Old. Very many of the inventions of the nineteenth
century, which were the threads of modern progress, were to have their
origin in the New World. She would heap coals of fire on the head of the
Old.
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