BEYERS, CHRISTIAN FREDERICK South African soldier, was born in the Cape Colony, but went in early life to the Transvaal. He took a prominent part in the South African 'War, reaching the rank of general. On the grant of responsible government to the Transvaal in 1906, Beyers was elected Speaker of the House of Assembly, and commended him self to the Opposition by his tolerance and impartial conduct in the chair. On the establishment of Union, in I q I O, he was aU pointed commandant-general of the South African Defence Force and in that capacity visited England in 1912. On the outbreak of the World War, he showed determined opposition to the policy of Botha and Smuts, especially in regard to the campaign in Ger man South-West Africa. His ultra-patriotic views and strong religious feelings gave him much influence with the backveld Boers, and helped to foment the rebellion. After conducting an acrimonious correspondence with Smuts, he resigned his post and shortly afterwards went openly into revolt. Af ter various vicissi tudes his forces were harried and broken, and Beyers himself, in trying to escape across the Vaal river, was drowned Dec. 8 1914. At first some doubts were entertained as to the manner of his death, but on Dec. 10 these were dispelled by the finding of his body.