Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 2 May 1896, Page 2

Africa.

jjW of the members of the Reform Committee— Mr Hsmmond, Mr Phillips, Mr Farrar and Colonel Rhodea (brother of Mr Cecil Rhodes) — have been sentenced to death. Sixty others have been sente&Agd^fc. to two years' imprisonment, fincc^^ £2000, and banished from tha country for three years. Mr Chamberlain baa telegraphed to President Kruger stating that the Government has no doubt it is intended to commute the sentences, and that he has assured Parliament uf this conviction. . The- announcement of the sentences created great excitement in the House of Commonsi - The American Consul at the Cape has cabled that Mr Hammond's sentence will be commuted. Both Hiuses have carried a peti* liou iv i^ci.u^ao K.u^et fur the pU< J.JU Li Hj>iniU.')D<J. Congress and the press are unanimous in tho demand for the com* mutation of the sentence. There is now a strong revulsion of feeling in favour of Mr Cecil Rhodes among the Afrikanders* The Judge, in passing sentence, stated that he was compelled to pasa sentence in accordance with the „ Roman and Dutch law, but he hoped the Executive would show a clemency similar to that displayed towards Dr Jameson and his party. The death sentences passed on four members of the Reform Com* mitteo have been commuted. The people of Pretoria, including the Boer jurors, petitioned for the commutation ol the death sentences. The Executive having commuted the death sentences, is discussing what action shall be taken in respect of the other sentences. . Further news received with reference to the situation in Matabeleland show that three impis reinforced the rebels at Matoppo, and in attempt* iog to surround Buluwayo were repulsed with great loss, the Sekombi induna being killed. Portugal has permitted Great Britain to convey arms through Her territory at Beira, iv Portuguese East Africa, the nearest port to Matabeleland. The Matabele have retired to a position ten miles from Bulowayo. The larger chiefs are disposed to submit to the British. The brother of Khama, chief of the Bamangwato, conveys 50 waggons of flour to Buluwayo.