Page:The constitution ("grondwet") of the South African Republic.djvu/8

 OF THE

GENERAL PROVISIONS. This State shall be called “THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC.”

2. The form of Government of this State shall be that of a Republic.

3. It desires to be recognised and respected by the civilised world as a free and independent People.

4. The People seeks no extension of territory, and would have the same only in accordance with just principles, if such extension should be advisable in the interests of the Republic.

5. The People wishes to possess and maintain inviolate its territory situated in South Africa, with the inclusion of its rights and claims to the territory situated to the east and south east of this Republic as far as such rights and claims extend; and likewise to the west and southwest. The Government of the South African Republic shall be obliged to take in hand as soon as possible the delimitation and proclamation of its lines and boundaries.

6. Its territory shall be open to all strangers who comply with the laws of this Republic. All persons who may happen to be in the territory of this Republic shall have an equal claim to protection of person and property.

7. All lands or farms situated in this territory which have not as yet been allotted are declared the property of the State, but shall be obtainable by the public as hitherto. No farm shall be inspected for that purpose to a larger extent than 3000 morgen. Nobody shall be entitled to apply for and obtain land unless he shall have attained the age of sixteen years.