JOTTINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICAN PAPERS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10483, 23 October 1899, Page 6

JOTTINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICAN PAPERS.

From Mafeklng, on September 22nd, it was reported that the defence preparations were progressing. Field pieces had been planted in an advantageous position round the town. From Maritzburg, on September 22nd, it was announced that the colours of the Leicestershire, Liverpool, and Dublin Regiments had been sent to a safe place under, escort, it not being the rule nowadays to cany the colours of a regiment into the field. This is looked upon as the last step ■when war is certain. Local merchants in Pretoria, towards the end of September, were Ttiplring preparations for barricading their premises for protection against possible looting. Business men, with the exception of dealers in foodstuffs, had almost given up thought* of business, and not a few while away the time in making bete. One bet of £&00 to £30 was taken that there would be war. For safety's sake the bet was duly recorded, and a document drawn up by a'local firm. Pretoria had a most martial appearance while the town burghers, many of whom are civil servants, were being served out with Mausers. Field-cornet Marais said that tie ward could place 4000 men in the field, most of whom are townsmen. The armoured trains spoken of in our cable messages are believed to be protected by steel rails, as several engines and carriages were being armoured in that fashion when our last advices left tbe Cape.