Martinus (or Marthinus) Theunis Steyn (October 2, 1857 – 1916) was a South African politician, last president of the Orange Free State.

He was born at Winburg, OFS. He studied in the Netherlands and later in England at the Inner Temple, and was called to the English bar in November 1882. After his return to South Africa he practised as a barrister at Bloemfontein, and in 1889 was appointed state attorney of the Free State. A few months afterwards he became second puisne judge, and in 1893 first puisne judge of the high court. His decisions won him a reputation for ability and sound judgment.

In 1895, upon the resignation of President FW Reitz, Steyn was the candidate of the pan-Dutch party for the vacant post. The election resulted (February 1896) in a decisive victory for Steyn, and he assumed office as president. The beginning of the Boer War in 1899, caused Steyn to link the fortunes of his state with those of the Transvaal, allying with them against the British Empire. While OFS was under British occupation, Steyn ran a government in exile, playing a key role in continuing Boer resistance and the guerrilla warfare that made up most of the Boer War.

Regarded as one of the most irreconcilable of the Boer leaders, he took part, however, in the preliminary peace negotiations at Klerksdorp in April 1902, but was prevented by illness from signing the Treaty of Vereeniging at Pretoria on May 31. The treaty ended the independence of the Orange Free State and Steyn's term as its president. By 1902 Steyn was suffering from myasthenia gravis brought on by his constant exertions; and in the July following he sailed for Europe, where he remained until the autumn of 1904.

He then took the oath of allegiance to the British crown, and returning to South Africa partially restored to health resumed an active participation in politics. In 1908-1909 he was vice-president of the Closer Union Convention, where he was distinguished for his statesmanlike and conciliatory attitude, while maintaining the rights of the Boer community.

While addressing a meeting in 1916, he collapsed and died.

Quote

"I would rather lose the independence of the Free State with honor than retain it with dishonor". Stated before he dispatched the ultimatum (starting the Anglo-boer War) to the United Kingdom.

References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

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