ABSTRACT
In February 1890, Rhodes learnt from Selous, who had just returned from Zoutpansberg, in the Northern Transvaal, that arrangements had been completed for a “trek” which was to take place during the approaching winter months. After annexation the trekkers were to form themselves into an independent Republic, and would hold a conference with delegates from Portuguese East Africa for the partition with them of the whole of Mashonaland. The prospectus went on to state that doctors of medicine, ministers of religion, journalists and all other professions were to be represented in the expedition. After crossing the Limpopo River the trekkers would proclaim the “Republic of the North”; a provisional Government would be organised, and a constitution drawn up on the principles of the old Transvaal Grondwet of 1858. A resolution of confidence in the Company was passed without dissent and the Bond thereby denounced the proposed trek.
