The prospects of gold mining in that region are believed to have improved, and the increase of gold production in the mines of the witwatersrand has proved even more rapid than was expected in 1896. An agreement has been concluded between Britain and the German Empire relating to their interests on the coast of the Indian Ocean, which, though its terms have not been disclosed, is generally understood to have removed an obstacle which might have been feared to the acquisition by Britain of such rights at Delagoa Bay as she may be able to obtain from Portugal, and to have withdrawn from the South African Republic any hope that State might have cherished of support from Germany in the event of a breach with Britain.
"Impressions of South Africa"
James Bryce
Nor could it be denied that the state of irritation and unrest which prevailed on the witwatersrand, the probability that another rising would take place whenever a chance of success offered, furnished to Britain, interested as she was in the general peace of the country, a ground for firm remonstrance and for urging the removal of all legitimate sources of disaffection, especially as these re-acted on the whole of South Africa.
"Impressions of South Africa"
James Bryce
Of its white population, which numbers some 170,000, two-thirds are in the small mining district of the witwatersrand.
"Impressions of South Africa"
James Bryce