WAR PREPARATIONS ON THE PART OF ENGLAND.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 160, 9 January 1896, Page 2

WAR PREPARATIONS ON THE PART OF ENGLAND.

MOVEMENTS OF THE NAVi. [Per Press Association] London, January 7. Apparently the rival plots la the Transvaal were, firstly, that Kruger was aiming at the independence of the Transvaal, and freedom to negotiate foreign treaties, and was relying on promises of assistance by Germany and Holland, and secondly that a section of the Uitlanders, anxious for reforms, arranged a rising with the help of the British South Africa Chartered Company, but had no general desire for an armed revolution. However the Boers' military precaution and specious promises prevented the Uitlanders' from coalescing with Jameson. Opinion in Capetown condemns the latter for precipitating events, and he is now regarded as a martyr to money-grabbing Uitlanders. Joubert proposed an armistice when Jamieson was approaching, which it is reported the residents accepted. The assistance sent by the Uitlanders arrived shortly after the surrender. It has transpired that during the light with Dr J amieson s party, the Boers were in danger of running short of ammunition, but obtained a fresh supply of cartridges from Johannesburg. There is an intense revulsion of feeling in Johannesburg against the leaders of the reform movement for having deserted Dr Jamieson after seeking his assistance, and the mob threatened to attack and maltreat them. Sir Hercules Robinson has seized the Chartered Company's war stores at Culuwayo aud Mafeking. The report of the formation of a German Colonising Company to introduce military settlers into the Transvaal is denied. Sir H. Robinson is urged to offer President Kruger terms tor the release of the British prisoners. January 8. The Admiralty has ordered the formation of an entirely new flying squadron of two first-class warships aud four cruisers, to be ready at a moment's notice for service anywhere. Tho Admiralty has also decided to send a naval force to Delagoa from the Cape or East India. Four British warships at present lying at Zanzibar are available at a moment's notico. The Times announces that the decision of the Admiralty has been arrived at in view of the undeveloped danger which now threatens the peace of Europe and tho well-being of the British Empire. The British squadron is waiting to add powerfully to the means ot the country's defence, aud will prove the readiness of the Naval forces for an emergency. Sir Hercules Robinson has wired that the Uitauders have complied with Presdent Kruger's demand, and yielded up their arms. The Berlin correspondent of the Times wires ttiat Dr Jameson's defeat alone prevented the Germans landing a body of marines at Lorenzo Marquez and invading the Transvaal. Bkrlin, Jan. 7. Leyds, the Transvaal envoy, had a gratifying interview with Emperor William, who is reported to have expressed his recognition of the complete independence of the Transvaal. Pretoria, January 8. The people of Johannesburg have accepted Sir H. Robinson's protection. Sir H. Robinson has promised to see justice done, and he will confer with President Kruger regarding the treatment of prisoners, and the redress of the grievances complained of by the Uitlanders. Dr Jameson says he might have escaped without help if the Uitlanders had destroyed the Kruger's drop line conveying a fresh supply of ammunition to the Boers.