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?"

As the majority of the voters in the Transvaal seem to feel in the same
way, there is little doubt that Oom Paul will be re-elected.