Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1913.djvu/343

 PROVINCE OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE

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Province of the Orange Free State

The Orange River Avas first crossed by Europeans about the middle of the 18th century. Between 1810 and 1820, several Europeans settled in the southern parts of the Orange Free State, The Great Trek greatly augmented the number of settlers during and after 1836. At first no settled govern- ment was established. In 1848, Sir Harry Smith proclaimed the whole territory betAveen the Orange and Yaal Rivers as a British Possession and established what was called the Orange River Sovereignty. _A British Resident was appointed at Bloemfontein, with Assistant Commissioners at Winburg and Caledon River. Great dissatisfaction was caused by this step, as well as by the native policy of the British Government. In 1854 the Convention of Bloemfontein, by which British Sovereignty was withdraAvn and the independence of the country was recognised, was signed by Sir George Russell Clerk.

During the first five years of its existence the Orange Free State was much harassed by incessant raids by, and fighting with, the Basutos. Moshesh was at length conquered. The British Government then stepped in and arranged matters much to the dissatisfaction of the conquering party. By the treaty of Aliwal North, only a part of the territory of Moshesh was incorporated in the Orange Free State. This part is still known as the Conquered Territory.

A great deal of unpleasantness Avas caused by the dispute over the Kimberley Diamond Fields, A\'hich belonged to the Orange Free State, but Avere annexed to the Cape Colony by the British Government.

On account of the Treaty betAveen the Orange Free State and South African Republic, the former State took a prominent part in the South African War (1899-1902), and was annexed to the British Dominions by proclamation of Lord Roberts, on May 28, 1900, as the Orange River Colony. After peace Avas declared CroAvn Colony Government was established and continued until 1907, Avhen responsible government Avas introduced. On May 31, 1910, the Orange River Colony Avas merged in the Union of South Africa as the Province of the Orange Free State.

The seat of provincial government is at Bloemfontein.

Administrator. — The Hon. A. E. W. Ramshoitom (salary, 2,000Z.)

There are municipalities at Bloemfontein ant) other centres, 40 in all ; local authorities have, so far as possible, the usual local administrative poAvers

Area and Population. — The area of the Province is estimated at 50,392 square miles ; it is divided into 24 districts. The population at the last 3 censuses was as follows : —

White

Coloured

Total

Year

Males

Females

Total

Males

Females

Total

Males 1 Females

In all

1890 1904 1911

40,571 81,571 94,617

37,145 01,108 80,572

77,716 142,679 175,189

67,791 128,524 184,165

61,996 116,112 168,820

129,787 244,636 352,965

108,362, 99,141 210,095 1 177,220 278,782 ■ 249,392

207,503 387,315 528,174

The capital, Bloemfontein, had in 1911,- 14,720 white inhabitants (9,005 males and 5,715 females), and 12,169 natives (6,204 males and 5,965 females) ; total, 26,989.