ABSTRACT
In the case of the Transvaal and Great Britain, the political relationship–independent of the word itself–is indicated by the character of the Conventions of Pretoria and of London. In both, the document is in the nature of a grant from a superior to a dependent. In refusing the Transvaal that independence in foreign relations which would enable States to hold it directly accountable, Great Britain retained, in so far, responsibility that foreigners should be so treated as to give no just ground for reclamations. The political relation of the Transvaal to Great Britain is certainly not the same as that of one of our States to the central Government. But Great Britain, by retaining the ultimate control of foreign relations, and by her well-defined purpose not to permit interference in the Transvaal by a foreign Power, was responsible for conditions of wrong to foreign citizens within its borders.
