"As regards the proclamation, the only name mentioned in it is that
of Kritzinger, and the proclamation is signed by him. The names of
any of the other commandants are not mentioned in it at all.

"As regards the witnesses for the prosecution, there are three who
have been deported, and therefore could not be obtained."

_Address by the Counsel for the Defence._

(Advocate H.G. Gardiner.)

"Mr. President and Members of the Military Court:--

"We are now reaching the end of a great trial, the great trial of a
great man. Of all the trials that have been held before Military
Courts in this country, this, I may fairly say, is most important.

"No officer of higher or even equal rank to him, who was once Chief
Commandant in this Colony, has yet been tried, and on this trial
much will depend. It is a case the result of which may have great
and far-reaching influence. It may influence greatly the Boer
commandoes in the field. On the verdict now given in his case the
attitude of other leaders will greatly depend. I do not urge this
upon you that you should acquit the prisoner. I do not ask you to
consider the consequences of the verdict you may bring in. I know
that you will bring in whatever verdict you think right regardless
of all consequences, but I do bring these facts before you as a
reason why you should carefully consider the evidence.

"The charge in this case is the charge of murder, the greatest