SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 17

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Capetown, January 25. The Cape Timts, commenting on Sir B. Siev wright's recent, statement, says if the Transvaal Government favour insidious sneaking and incitement to rebellion it will be worse than an open raid. Three Boers from tbe Orange Free State were arrested while selling arms to Basntos. The Transvaal authorities deny the charge made by Sir B. Sievwright that emissaries are engaged in fomenting illf«eling among the Dutch .'n Cape Colony. Pbbtobia, January 18. President Kroger states that it is necessary to enoourage tbe construction of railways in the Transvaal, as the rinderpest U destroying the present means of transport. January 31. President Krnger.'referring to the anxieties expressed by Mr Chamberlain a» to the stake of affairs in the Transvaal, remarked : " Let Mr Chamberlain state definitely that the promises made to the Uitlander* have not been kept." Lonbon, January 29. Mr Chamberlain, Secretary of State for th« Colonies, mov6d for the reappointment of a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into tbe Transvaal raid. Sir John Lubbock (London University) and Mr Maclean (Cardiff) spoke in opposition to tbe motion on the ground that it would not serve any good purpose and would revive angry feelings. Tne debate was adjourned. January 30. In tbe House of Commons Mr Chamberlain, in supporting the motion for tbe appointment of a Transvaal Raid Committee, said tbe present situation caused anxiety, and disturbing rumours reached him every day. Recent legislation passed in the Transvaal had not improved the situation, and reports showed that it vrao inadequate to meet tbe case, and that peaoe would be insecure until the grievances of the Uitlanders were redressed! The committee must inquire into the Uitlanders' grievances. The House adopted the motion, and the committee was reappointed.