THE TRANSVAAL.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVI, Issue 1318, 25 July 1899, Page 3

THE TRANSVAAL.

• « . — . The Times states that the Transvaal still insists on a high property qualification and naturalisation under vexatious conditions. It is reported at Pretoria that the Government have arranged to cancel the dynamite monopoly. The franchise proposal has finally passed the Baads, and comes into operation as soon as gazetted. It empowers the Executive to dispense with naturalisation conditions in the event of service rendered to the country. Th« Act facilitates the enfranchisement of alien youths. The loyalist people in Johannesburg and Capetown are disappointed at Great Britain's acceptance of the compromise offered by President Kruger, which they fear will prove illusory. Natal, however, is more satisfied with the result. Mr Chamberlain has confirmed the franchise concession. He states that he has heard unofficially that it was intended to give seven new seats to districts chiefly inhabited by aliens. If this was confirmed, he hoped to arrange for a basis of settlement on Sir Alfred Milner's lines. Though there were a number of conditions retained which would possibly imperil the value of the concessions, he was confident President Kruger would reconsider details, and not alloy the concessions or permit them to be nullified by future legislation or administration. The South African League meeting declared that the restrictions imposed vrould render the franchise practically valueless. The statement made by the London Times, that the Transvaal crises had been ended by Great Britain's acceptance of the Volksraad's concession of seven years' prospective and retrospective franchise to the Uitlanders, has caused consternation at Capetown. The Uitlanders have called a meeting to condemn the franchise proposals, arid to demand a more complete settlement. Mr Rhodes, addressing a meeting at Capetown, scouted the idea of war. The Imperial Government continue to make precautionary preparations in regard to South Africa. Eleven battries of artillery are ready for despatch from Woolwich. The Standard and Morning Post's special cables state that Mr Schreiner, Priemer of Cape Colony, on hearing Great Britain's reported disposition to compromise, telegraphed to President Kruger, exhorting him to yield no further but await the Imperial despatch, which will probably open the door to arbitration. Mr Schreiner concluded his message with the words " Festina lente." Mr Chamberlain's speech has dispelled the alarm felt in Johannesburg that Great Britain was about to effect a weak compromise. The German steamer Konig has left Naples with a large cargo of rifles, ammunition, and mules for tho Transvaal.