FROM RETROCESSION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR The Transvaal in 1881 was in a much better condition than in 1877; in material matters the retrocession conditions much favoured the Boers. And a new commercial era was dawning. But the burghers were dissatisfied with the limitations of the Pretoria Convention ; nor did they keep its terms. Especially they encroached once again on Bechuanaland, where they set up the so-styled republics of Stellaland and Goshen. Kruger, in reply to remonstrances, described this as an "irresponsible" movement for expansion, came again to London (Nov. 1883) and with the 15th earl of Derby, then secretary of State for the colonies, concluded another agreement known as the London Convention. It was signed on Feb. 27, 1884, being the third anniversary of the fight at Majuba. The London Convention neither denied nor affirmed British suzerainty—Lord Derby maintained that he had pre served the substance if not the word—but limits were still im posed on complete independence. The State was permitted again to call itself the South African Republic ; but it bound itself not to extend its borders, which were once again strictly defined ; to allow freedom of trade, travel and residence to "all persons" other than natives, not to impose any taxes, local or general, upon foreigners other than those imposed on citizens of the republic (this to apply to the persons, property, commerce and industry of such foreigners) and to conclude no treaty or en gagement with any other State or nation (the Orange Free State excepted) nor with any native tribe east or west of the republic until such treaty had been approved by the British Government.