OUTLANDERS' GRIEVANCES IN THE TRANSVAAL.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 112, 13 May 1899, Page 5

OUTLANDERS' GRIEVANCES IN THE TRANSVAAL.

A HOPEFUL ANNOUNCEMENT. [press association.] • (Received May 13, 9.20 a.m.) London. 12lh May., Reports from Borlin state that tho Transvaal Government will shortly concede re-d..-cs i> for the Outlanders' fjriovances. [The prospects of reform in the Transvaal are discussed in a special article in The Times of 3rd April, indicating the nature of the negotiations Avhich haA'e been conducted belAveen the magnates of the mining industry on the one hand and tho Transvaal Government on tlie other. Tho writer, Avho is evidently behind the scenes, declares that there is iioav scarcely any doubt that the policy of the Progressives is in the ascendant, and states that the decision of the British Government upon the petition from the British subjects of Johannesburg iioav in course of transmission Avill depend upon the result of the negotiations proceeding betAveen the mining representatives and the Transvaal Government. The leading members of the mining industry, the article proceeds, are agreed upon the basis of a last and satisfactory compromise, which has been embodied in a written statement which was handed to President Kruger simultaneously Avilh the despatch of the petition to Her Majesty the Queen. It is understood, says the writer, that the extension of the franchise forms the basis of the proposals submitted to the approval of the white population of the Transvaal prior to its final conclusion. Mr. Kruger's proposals, the article continues, are manifestly inadequate, and upon the negotiations will haA T e proved abortive. The, mining industry AvilJ only accept a substantial reduction of the time for enfranchisement, Avith a recognition of past residence to qualify for the enjoyment of franchise rights. Other important points embodied in the proposals include an alteration of the present objectionable oath of allegiance, the appointment of an independent State financier, of recognised standing, the maintenance of the independence of the High Court, and the satisfactory adjustment cf the native labour, liquor, and dynamite questions. In the event of a settlement on this basis being arrived at, Johannesburg is prepared to render the Government hearty financial support, and to make liberal sacrifices in return for the redress of the principal grievances. It remains to be seen, the article concludes, whether President Kruger is sufficiently aAyare of the difficulties of his oavii position, and is prepared to take the relatively easy Avay out which has been prepared for him.]