The Transvaal.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3099, 15 September 1899, Page 1

The Transvaal.

The Cape police are guarding the railway bridges over 14 streams. The Baastos threaten to attack the Orange Free State. Major-general French, Sydney, says that if war eventuates the Boers will probably strike without waiting for the formal declaration, and that they will be successful at first, owiDg to England's unpreparednees on the frontier. It will, he says, take four weeks to get sufficient troops to the fron',. and in the meantime the Boers could do much damage and establish a strong position. The Right Hod. J. Chamberlain's despatch has been handed to secretary Reitz. It demands the immediate acceptance of the five years' franchise proposal, with one quarter representation in the Volk.ravl for the goldfields, equality of the Dutch and English languages, equality of old and new burghers in the Presidential and other eleccions, and a conference to settle the franchise derails and at rangy guarantees, Unless there is a definite acceptance Great Britain will take steps to secure a settlement. President Kruger advises the miners to remain, pro mi si ag them protection and time to l-;ave if war eventuate?. The burghers refused the Boksburg Outlaniers petition, and warned them tbey would ba treated as enemies if they refused to fight. Sir G-. Wliite has ber-n appointed to command the forces in Natal.