TRANSVAAL WAR.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 922, 23 July 1901, Page 4

TRANSVAAL WAR.

London, July ly. Private Norman Low, of the New Zealand Mounted Hifles, was severely wounded at Wolvehoek. While the troopship Armenia was conveying 900 Boer prisoners to Bermuda two German and French officers tried among them to seize the ship and compel the officers to navigate to an American port. A Boer informed the authorities. The foreigners were arrested. Letters were found in Steyn's baggage at Beitz. Writing to Steyn on May 10, the Transvaal Government - Botha, Viljoen, and Sniutz-consideied it advisable to ask hit permission to communicate with Mr Kruger owing to the continual surrenders. Another big fight was impossible owing to the exhaustion of ammunition and the difficulty of feeding the commandos. Tho Government Were becoming weaker and disorganised. It was therefore necessary to obtain a definite assurance from the European deputation regarding the prospects of intervention. It was impossible to continue to drift. The time had come to take a final step. Mr Steyn replied on May 15. Their letter, he said, Ayas a great blow. He felt deeply hurt at their deciding without consulting him. Despite their reverses they had not yet come to the last extremity. If the officer* surrendered, the Orange State burgers would still resist. They ought to continue to rely on God. When the two small Republic declared war against mighty England they trusted to God and foreign intervention. " Late European papers," he added, " oonvinced me of early beneficial European complications. The deputation in Europe would not allow us to struggle if intervention were hopeless. If wo wish to remain a nation now is the time to struggle. Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener are unable to pull together. Lord Milner has gone Home because he is not allowed a free hand. July 20. Mr Brodrick informed the House of Commons that the women who were able to support themselves would be permitted to leave the refugee camp, Lord Milner returns to South Africa on August 10. Martial law has been extended to the Mac Lean and Elliott districts. The burghers have ordered tho enlistment of all Boers aged 11 and over. Mrs Fawoott and other members of the Victorian League are included in the Government Committee appointed to visit the refugee camp in South Afriea. Lord Kitchener has commuted 'M death sontencos on Cope rebels to penal servitude for life in Bermuda. A Router's despatoh states that all Cape troops will hereafter operate exclusively within Capo territory, under colonial commanders. They will expel the raiders and suppress the rebellion, co-operating with the Imperial troops engaged beyond the frontier. Ju|y2l- - captured members of tho late Orange Free State Government belong to the most fanatical scotion of Boer malcontents, Lord ltoberts, in distributing Hie prizes won at Bisley, said the South African war had shown the neoessity for good nhooting and the exhibition of individual intelligence since soldiers were compelled to light in very extended order. Cai'Ktiiwn, July li). Thirty-two pounds were found in Steyn's waistcoat.