THE CRISIS IN THE TRANSVAAL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 37, 14 September 1899, Page 20

THE CRISIS IN THE TRANSVAAL.

The news from South Africa, during the week, has not been of a reassuring character, and war seems imminent, unless Sir Alfred Milner's demands on behalf of the Uitlanders are acceded to in full by the Transvaal. A general exodus of Uitlanders from the Rand has set in, and at latest accounts 25,000 people had left. The gravity of the situation is shown by the preparations for war which have been going on in England. The British Cabinet has ordered 10,000 troops for purely defensive purposes to reinforce Natal. The total number of troops at present in South Africa is 23,000. Sir Redvers Buller takes chief command of the British forces. Large orders for tinned meats, wheat, oats, and flour for South Africa have been received in Melbourne, and there is also a considerable inquiry for gold for the Cape. It is said that the Boers are procrastinating so that the rainy season might set in before hostilities commenced. In reference to the proposed conference between representatives of Great Britain and the Transvaal, the latter sent an evasive reply, and asked for details as to its scope. A meeting of the British Cabinet was held on Friday, when it was unanimously decided to demand a categorical reply to Sir Alfred Milner's proposals. At a meeting of the Yolksraad several vehement speeches were delivered, and violently disparaging references were made to Mr. Chamberlain and Sir Alfred Milner. President Kruger declared that Mr. Chamberlain was aware that there was no suzerainty. The Transvaal had yielded everything but its independence. God must be the final arbitrator. A resolution was carried deprecating the British concentration of troops, and disclaiming' responsibility in the event of war.