FISCHER, ABRAHAM
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Abraham Fischer (April 9, 1850-November 13, 1943), prime minister of the Orange River Colony from 1907-10, was considered a capable diplomat and a moderate influence.
PHOTO CAPTION: Fischer Abraham. SOURCE: EA Library
Born in Cape Town, he was educated at the South African College and admitted to the Cape Bar. In 1875 he moved to Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State, where he practised as attorney and later as lawyer. His political career began in 1879 when he was elected unopposed as member for Philippolis (later for Smithfield) to the Volksraad (the Orange Free State parliament). In 1896 he became a member of the executive council and was a close confidant of and adviser to President M.T. Steyn.
Abraham Fischer played an important part in the development of the railways and education. His diplomatic skill and moderate approach in political matters aroused attention and Lord Alfred Milner regarded him as the most influential politician in the Free State. His efforts to prevent the South African War of 1899-1902 failed, however, and during the hostilities he led a delegation to Europe and the United States in an attempt to secure foreign intervention. Although the mission was unsuccessful, he distinguished himself as a capable diplomat and won the respect of those he met.
After the peace he helped to found the Orangia Union (the political union formed at that time to achieve self-government for the Orange River Colony), and became its first leader. In 1907, when “Responsible Government” was granted, he became the first (and only) prime minister of the Orange River Colony. He strove for cooperation between the two white racial groups and tried to promote closer union between the British colonies in South Africa.
He was a delegate to the National Convention of 1909-10, and in 1911 was made a privy councillor. In the first Union cabinet he was minister of lands, and in 1912 became minister of interior. He was responsible for the Immigration Act of 1913 which embodied the Union’s Asian policy.
When the breach between General Louis Botha and General J.B.M. Hertzog occurred in 1912-13, Fischer remained a supporter of Prime Minister Botha in spite of losing the support of many Afrikaners.
J. C. H. GROBLER
