AN UPLIFTING POWER	207
	and with the standard South African gauge of 3 feet 6 inches, the remaining stretch from Umtali to Salisbury having been originally laid with the broader gauge. In spite of the lack of cooperation and capital, and all other impediments and delays in view of the character of the country, the advance of railway systems in South Africa has been phe­nomenal in the last few years. Including the six or seven short private lines constructed for the advance of mining operations and suburban and other local traffic, there were 2264 miles of railway in Cape Colony at the close of the year 1898. The Transvaal came next with 777 miles, followed by Rhodesia with 604 miles, Natal with 465 miles, and the Free State with 361 miles. Besides this aggregate, 256 miles had been constructed
	in Portuguese territory, making a total of 4727 miles of railway actually opened and working in South Africa, and more than half as much more in process of construction, or guaranteed by appropriations. In the struggle to reach the goal of the Diamond Fields, with the handicap of the lack of capital, it is not surprising that much of the roadways ana the rolling stock fell below any high modern standard. The light rails and rickety cars answered the purpose