We are so short-handed at present that the cruiser Philadelphia, returning from Hawaii, was obliged to transfer part of her officers and crew to the Baltimore, which was to take her place at Honolulu. There were not enough sailors available to man the Baltimore without this exchange.
It is said that the health of good old Oom Paul is failing, and that he is not likely to live very long.
In spite of this, the rugged old President of the Transvaal is so anxious to be re-elected that he is going round the country making speeches and trying to secure votes, as if he were still a young man.
Oom Paul has three times been made President of the Transvaal. The presidents of the South African Republic hold office for five years, so the reins of government have been in this one man's hands for fifteen years.
He is opposed by General Joubert, the man who beat the English at the battle of Majuba Hill.
General Joubert is also much beloved by the people, and has twice before opposed Oom Paul for the office of President, but there is little chance of any other candidate being elected, so long as Paul Kruger is willing to run for office.
The Boers have a reverence and love for this great leader of theirs which is touching. They regard him as the father of their country, and feel it their duty to support him.
One old man who was asked at the last election whether he meant to vote for Kruger or Joubert, replied indignantly:
"Paul Kruger is as my father; I am as his son. Do you think I would disobey him?"