SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 32, 3 June 1896, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

EASIER FEELING AT THE RAND. PRESIDENT KRUGER CHEERED ONLY TWO REFORMERS REMAIN IN CUSTODY.

Capetown - , June 1, There is great rejoicing in South Africa at President Kruger's promise to do his best to obtain a mitigation of the sentences on the Reform leaders, which is regarded as a pledge of racial reunion. Stocks have risen 50 per cent., and President Kruger was loudly cheered in Johannesburg. President Kruger is obtaining tenders for 25,000 Mauser rifles, and 10,000,000 cartridges. The Transvaal Government has sent officers to the frontier to verify Sir Hercules Robinson's statement that troops were not being collected at Mafeking.

Pektokia, June 1. The members of the Reform Committee who were released visited President Kruger and cheered him. All the members of the Reform Committee, with the exception of the four leaders and Davis and Simpson (the two latter declining to petition for a remission of their sentences), have now been finally released from custody, but all the linca imposed have been maintained.

Hammond has been liberated on parole, in order that lie may visit his wife, who is dying. The case of the four leaders will be decided next week. Barney Barnato has promised to pay several of the lines. President Kruger denies Mr Seymour Forte's statement that he was arranging an anti-English alliance during his governorship.