The Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 12 August 1899, Page 2

The Transvaal.

G!oomy views prevail in Pretoria, in r gird to the situation.

The V •lk-raad ha^ empowered he Pi'efcMent, with the consent of the Executive Council, to proclaim imrtial law in the event of war or rebellion. Should hostilities break out every inhabitant of the republic ia required to a«si.-t in its defence.

The fo.-tifiaaiions here aro baing strengthened.

Railway wagons are being prepared hr the conveyance of wounded troops.

Boers are making large purchases of draught oxen in Becuuanaland

The "Times" statea that the Transvaal Government will decline bo join in a commission of inquiry into matters in dispute with reference to the claima of outlanders, regretting that co-operation in such an inquiry would be inconsistent with the independence of the republic.

Progressive burghers are urging the Volksraad to make further franchise concessions to the outlanders.

Reports from Buluwayo, the chief commercial centre of Rhodesia, state that men are being enlisted there, and a large camp has been formed outside the town. The explanation offered is that the force enlisted is intended to provide against a native rising. The Queen's Speech at the prorogation of Parliament declared that the refusal of the Transvaal Legislature to grant equality to the outlanders had caused unrest, and was a constant danger to the peace and prosperity of South Africa. > The Times states that the Transvaal Government has decided to give maturer consideration to the proposal for a commission of inquiry before sending a reply to Mr Chamberlain. The reply will probably be forwarded in a week's time.