Trouble in the Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 9 January 1896, Page 2

Trouble in the Transvaal.

The Boers in the fight numbered 1500, and occupied a strong positir^.-, but Jimeson attacked them three times, meeting with a repulse 'on ?ach occasion.

He then tried to move on to Roodepoort via Randfoutein, but was blocked at Boerkop, where the fight was renewed on Thursday afternoon.

His party was without food for three days. The total casualties numbered 240.

The Boers had only four four men killed, although other reports give the number as 15.

It is reported that Bettington left Johannesburg with a force to relieve Jameson, but the Boers surrounded his party and made prisoners of 80.

The wounded received excellent treatment.

Willoughby and Jameson, who are imprisoned at Johannesburg, are not injured.

Mr Chamberlain, replying to a deputation of Gape merchants, said the prospect of farther trouble was remote, and he believed President Kruger would satisfy the demandß of tha inlanders, with whom the British were in sympathy. Britain, he said, would maintain her suzerain iy over the Transvaal.

This is regarded as a rejoinder to the congratulatory message of the Emperor of Germany. The London and European Exchanges are firm. Mr Rhodes wires to Colonel Sir Howard Vincent that he 13 on the best of terms with the Boers, and that they will work together for a long time yet. President Kruger telegraphed to Mr Chamberlain on Saturday complaining that British reinforcements were being massed on the Transvaal border. In this message President Kruger hinted that Mr Rhodes wai implicated in the whole trouble, despite his repeated denials. President Kruger replied to Mr Chamberlain that the prisoners would receive a fair and legal trial. He thought this leniency on his part afforded a strong contrast to the freebooting measures adopted by Jameson's men. President Kruger added that the confidence of the Boers iv Mi Rhodes had men rudely shaken, and his denial of complicity in Jameson's expedition ought to be received with (he greatest caution.

It was reported to-day that Mr Rhodes had resigned the Premiership, but that Sir Hercules Robinson had declined to accept his resignation.

President Kruger has sent the German Emperor a message expressing his heartfelt thanks for bis sympathy, and adding that with God's help he would maintain the independence of the Transvaal. Mr Csci! Rhodes has resigned the Premiership of the Cape Colony, anl been eucceeded by Sir J. Gordon Sprigg, hitherto Colonial Treasurer. Mr Rhodes expresses . the belief that Jamp.-on understood that the women and children in Johannesburg were in danger.

It has been ascertained that Germany had arranged to march marines belonging to her warship? from Delagoa Bay to the Transvaal in the event of Jameson's expedition being victorious.

The casualties on Jameson's aide consisted of 180 killed and 87 wnunded.

Oa the 81st December the National Union at Johannesburg wired to Sir Hercules Robinson thas large numbers of Boers, under General Joubert, were assembling to attack Johannesburg, and that they had directions to shoot at sight all agitators. The Union asked Sir Hercules to protect the citizens, who were only agitating constitutionally.

The same day the Union formed a temporary Government, and declared that it was ablu to defend the town.

President Kruger has offered to extend the franchise to all supporters of the Government.

Germany declines to admit the British suzerainty over the Transvaal, and expresses surprise at the British anger at the Emperor's message.

The Germans are forming a colonising company to introduce 5000 military settlers.

Uerr Hofinever wired to President Krug.u' denouncing Jameson's expediiion and expressing the hope that ih-^ Boers would be victorious.

Wh«n the newn was received of Dr Jameson's expedition. President Krug^r told the Uitlanuers' Committee that a force of 4000 Boers had started to intercept the party.