THE RAND RAID.

Evening Star, Issue 10242, 18 February 1897, Page 2

THE RAND RAID.

MR RHODES AND THE UITLANDEBS.

(Per Press Association.)

LONDON, February 17.

The Prince of Wales, besides numerous members of both Houses, were present at the opening of the sitting of the Transvaal Raid Committee of Inquiry. No ladies were amongst the spectators. Continuing his evidence, Mr Cecil Rhodes said the persistent unfriendly attitude of the Transvaal towards the Cape prevented common action being taken. The denial of civil rights to the Uitlanders became intolerable. The situation had been almost on the verge of a revolution for years, and preparations for a change would continue to be made until the grievances were redressed. Dr Jameson bad started on the expedition without his authority. Mr Rhodes admitted having placed troops on the frontier ; also that he had supplied them with money and arms. Ho was probably morally culpable, but the case of Prince George of Greece starting for Crete without the concurrence of the Great Powers was an analogous one. AN INTERESTING DUEL. Sir W. V. Harcourt cross-examined Mr Rhodes with bland delicacy, the duel between the witness and the Leader of the Opposition being watched with intense interest. Mr Rhodes was impatient when asked for details. Sometimes he refused to answer questions put to him. His almost rude replies disconcerted Sir William Harcourt. He admitted having sent a cablegram to ' The Times' with regard to an invitation to Dr Jameson from the Rand for help, but was unaware who altered the date of his letter. He denied having pressed the Rand to rise. He declined to state without reflection if Colonel Rhodes's telegram of December 21 implied that the rising would not be proceeded with unless Lord Rosmead and Mr Cecil Rhodes went to the Rand. The inquiry has been adjourned till Friday.