Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 26 May 1896, Page 2

Africa.

The Volksraad of the Orange Prea State has rejected the contention of the Cape to construct the branch 1 railway. The German Reichstag has voted supplies for further reinforcement! being sent to Damaraland, South \f.iica, thus making the strength of the regulars there 2000. I The despatch of German reinforce oients for Damaraland provoke* ft suspicion of German collusion with the Boers. I Mr Chamberlain, Secretary for State for the Colonies, speaking at a South African dinner, said he was i deeply disappointed at the result of the revision by the Transvaal Etecun tive of thesententences passed upon the Reform Committee. The severity show must result in delaying the reconciliation between the two raoes. England would adhere to the poliey she had so far pursued. The situation on the Rand is critical. The rinderpest and the general want of confidence paralyses trade. By the closing of Mr B. Barnarto'o mines over 1000 men are thrown out of employment. Pretoria is in a shockingly insanitary condition, and an epidemic is feared. Dr Leyde, Secretary of State in the Transvaal Government, enquired from the Government of the Cape Colony the reason for the massing of the large forces near Mafeking. Sir Hercules Robinson replied that he was surprised that such obvious falsehoods as had been circulated were credited, and advised the Transvaal authorities to take proceedings for libel against those who spread untrue reports. The sentences passed on the political prisoners include the following ;— Sir Drummond Dunbar, J. W. Lsonard, Max Langarmann, Barley and Bettmgton, five months' imprisonment. S. W. Jameson (brother of £>r Jameson) and Hamilton, one year. S. B. Joel was discharged. Baviea, one of the political prison* ers, has developed homicidal mania. The surgeon in charge of the case has vainly asked for his removal from prison. Two more of the reformers have been released Priuca Bismarck's organ declares that Groat Britain's offensive policy in South Africa forces Germany to enter on military preparations on a scale which proves her intention of rntainina hpr flnlonift?-