SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 19, 18 May 1896, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

MR CHAMBERLAIN REPLIES TO PRESIDENT KRUGER. REPORTED MITIGATION OF SENTENCES. LORD ROSEBERY; SUSPICIOUS OF THE DELAY. CAPTAIN NAPIER ROUTS THE MATxVBELE. London, May 15. The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain cabled to the Governor at the Cape : —" Ivruger misled by brief reports cabled of proceedings in House of Commons; had no intention of defending Rhodes in my recent speech." The Government would await the decision of the Joint Select Committee. He deprecated hasty judgment being formed. Reports from the Rand state that, with the exception of the leaders of the Reform Committee who were sentenced to five years, it is likely the others will be released with a fine instead of imprisonment. Cape Town, May 15. The Cape Assembly is in favour of reposing confidence in the Imperial inquiry into the Transvaal raid. Sir Gordon Sprigg, Premier, said some form of Government like that exercised by the Chartered Company would be necessary for years. May 16. Addressing a meeting in Devonshire, Lord Rosebery said the delay in holding an inquiry into the connection of the South African Chartered Company with Dr Jameson's raid was worse than no inquiry at all, and declared such delay would create suspicion abroad and discontent at Home. President Kruger has communicated with Mr Chamberlain, thanking him for the assurance that full inquiry will be made into recent events. Captain Napier defeated the rebellious induna, killing 50 of his followers. The scouts pursued the Matabele for four miles into a forest, and killed 80 of them. It is expected that there will be some heavy fighting when a junction is attempted between the troops of Captain Napier and Mr Cecil Rhodes.