THE TRANSVAAL.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2278, 15 September 1899, Page 3

THE TRANSVAAL.

Pretoria. Sept. 6. The staffs of large financiers at Johannesburg have started for Capetown with their office books.

Capetown, Sept. 6

A million cartridges have l>een sent to Pietenuaritz and Ladgsmith. Dutch farmers are leaving Bechuanaland and laagering across the frontier.

Sept. 7. The reply of the Transva9l Government is prolix and impertinent. It admits that Great Britain, under the convention and international law, is entitled to protect British subjects ; agrees to a commission of delegates to test the genuineness of the proposals ; awaits details of the conference, and whether it will enquire into the scope of the arbitration ; also whether the Orange Free State will be joined.

The authorities at Pretoria admit

that a French consignment of cannon is expected.

Bloemfovtf.in-, Sept. 8. A thousand rifles have been dis tril'Uted.

The Orange Free State, viewing the Transvaal's reply as destructive of peace prospects, has summoned its artillery reserves and warned the burghers to be in readiness. Pretoria, Sept. 7.

The Transvaal Government has cabled the 'New York World' that British agitators are attempting the destruction of the Republic and the annexation of the Transvaal. Sept. 8. Commandant Viljoin declares that an ultimatum by Britain will be the signal for martial law. Mr Reitz, interviewed, explained that the Transvaal accepts a conference, not a joint enquiry. The Colster debate in the Volksraad was resumed and Mr Reitz read Sir A. Milner s sarcastic reply that the position and number of troops were no secret. It was well known that they were there to protect British interests and provide for emergencies. Insulting and minatory speeches followed. London, Sept. 9.

The Cabinet meeting lasted two hours and twenty minutes. It was unanimously decided to demand a categorical reply to Sir A. Milner's proposals. Ten thousand troops, for purely defensive purposes, ha\e been ordered to reinforce Natal ; the total force in South Africa will then be 23,000. Two batallions of infantry and two batteries of artillery will leave England immediately, the First Scottish Borderers start at once from Malta ; India's contingent sails on the 18th and comprises the sth Dragoons, 9th Lancers, 19th Hussars, 21st, 42nd and 53rd batteries of artillery, first batallions of the 11th and 28th, and the second batallions of the 60th and 92nd Foot.

Pretoria, Sept. 8. The recent debate in the Volksraad

is taken in the Rand to indicate that the Transvaal will not yield to the pressure of the Uitlanders. The people attach great significance to the uncompromising vehemence of the speeches, and anticipate that the Boers will become immediately aggressive. It is reported that artillery is massing on Buffalo River, and fighting is expected near Laing's-Nek. Sept. 9. The total exodus from the Rand is 25,000. In the speeches in the Volksraad, violently disparaging references were made to Mr Chamberlain and .Sir A. Milner. President Kruger declares that Mr Chamberlain is aware the suzerainty all depended on his (Mr Chamberlain's) reply. The Transvaal had yielded everything but its independence and God must be the final arbitrator, and he hoped He would change Mr Chamberlain's heart. If the proposed Conference were renewed the Transvaal would send a commissioner. The newspapers declare that it will be incredible if Kruger should tight for the sovereignity when every guarantee of the internal independence of the Republic has been conceded.