SITUATION EXCEEDINGLY CRITICAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 210, 5 September 1899, Page 4

SITUATION EXCEEDINGLY CRITICAL.

HURRIED WAR PREPARATIONS

TERRIBLE DISTRESS.

LONDON, September 4, : The situation in the Transvaal is again exceedingly critical. President Kruger has withdrawn hij: proposal to confer the franchise 6u Uitlanders after five years' residence, limiting the inquiry announced in yeV terday's cables to a seven years' fra^ chise. The London "Times" states that Kruger's withdrawal of the five years' franchise implies withdrawal of the whole of his counter scheme. The "Times" Pretoria correspondent understands that the Capetown Con.. ference has been declined, but a modW vivendi is still hoped for. In the meantime the greatest.haste is being manifested in preparing for the worst. LONDON, September 4. The Admiralty have ordered twelve j torpedo destroyers from private firms. * CAPETOWN, September 4. Mr Moneypenny, editor of the Johau v nesburg "Star," who is also correspond: dent for the London "Times." fo Hosken, proprietor of the Transvaal ! "Leader," and others who fled to- ; , | Natal, have arrived there safely. They state that at almost evejy-: station they passed they saw truo|s:f loaded with* stores and ammunition for '■< the Boers. Great military activity exists herefflH Mr Keitz, Secretary of State for the ; Transvaal, and Mr Fischer, of Wm Orange Free State Executive (who has':; been in Pretoria for some time) have; arrived at Bloemfontain.