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Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 158, 6 July 1899, Page 9

(Bf Electric Telegraph.) (Press Association— Copyright.)

(Received July 6, 10.30 a.m

THE TRANSVAAL

OUTLOOK DECIDEDLY GLOOMY,

MONEY WITHDRAWN FROM BANKS.

ORANGE FREE STATE BACKING DOWN.

BRITISH WARSHIPS AT DELAGOA BAY.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

PRETORIA, July 5

The political situation combines exceedingly grave, and though Mr Hofnieyer, who, with Mr Herholdt, has arrived here, is said to be hopeful that a peaceful settlement will be arrived at, the present outlook is decidedly gloomy. Yesterday a great meeting oi merchants and others was held in Johannesburg to consider the existing crisis. The proceedings were characterised by complete unanimity. A .resolution was passed In favour of Sir Alfred Milner's francniso proposals as 'submitted to President Krrtger at the Bloeinioutein conference, and it was also decided to ask Ilie President, with a view to stopping the exodus from the town, to give n guarantee to the residents that in the event of a war breaking out between the Republic and Great Britain the Boer forte would not fire on the eily. and that the provisions of the Geneva Convention would be observed. The Chairman, in the course of his speech, announced that- the vci. >"ous foreign Consuls had recommended foreign residents to prepare inventories of their belongings so as to be able to prove loss in the event of looting occurring should hostilities be commenced. During the past few days large withdrawals have been made from the savings bank here, and great uneasiness prevails. At Buluwayo 900 residents have .signed a petition to the Queen in favour of the demands of the Uitlanders. The President has asked Great Britain to agree to the questions in dispute being submitted to a judicial Hoard of arbitrators selected from the African States and colonies. He also proposes to increase the representation by adding 15 new seats in Boer districts, and four seats in Uitlander districts. The Orange Free State is disappointed with his proposal. A number of British warships have arrived at Delagoa Bay. LONDON, July 4. The "Standard" states that. President Kruger was obstinate to MiFischer, the delegate from the Orange Free State, -who is seeking to release or frustrate the predicament into which the hasty resolve of the Orange Tree State to support President Kruger has landed it. and that President Steyne, of the Orange Free Stale, realises that the State, disapproving of Boer corruption, is unwilling to fight for the Transvaal.