The Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 21 September 1899, Page 2

The Transvaal.

NEARING WAR. The reply of the Transvaal Government to Mr Chambarlain's despatch states that the order to grant the franchise to ootlanders after five year* residence was made on the condition that Great Britain should renounce her claims to suzerainty. It is stated that in making the offar the Government risked incurring ihe disapproval of both Raads and the burghers. The " Daily Telegraph " states that .Mr Hofmeyr, leader of the Afrikander Boiyl in Cape Colony, telegraphed to Mr Steyn, President of ins Orange Free State, urging him to use his influence to prevent war. President Steyn repliei, " Too ! late," The " Times " considers that lh j Transvaal Government's reply to Mr Chamberlain's despatch is a flat refusal of the British demands, and that the British Government must now take step 3 to secure a final settlement of the difficulty. The Governments of the United States, Germany, Austria and Italy consider that the British demands jus' and reasonable, and that the Transvaal Government, in the attitude it has taken up, is entirely wrong. It is reported that Germany has warned her subjects in the Transvaal that if they fight for the Republic their nationality will not protect them. Troops in British Bechuanaland

have been move to Mafeking. A thousand men are being enrolled at Kimberley for the protection of the town. A force of Transvaal artillery with fourteen guns has arrived near Liing's Nek. A number of British telegraphists have been ordered to proceed to Natal.