The Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 17 October 1899, Page 2

The Transvaal.

The first- portion of the British Army Corps now being equipped will begin its embarkation for South Africa on the 20th instant. All .troops available in Capetown are being hurried north to guard the Capetown-Kimberley-Bulawayo railline between De Aar and Mafeking. A strick censorship is maintained by the British authorities in Natal over military news and very little information is coming to hand from there. No important movement of the British troops in Natal has taken place since previous advices. . Rain is falling in torrents in Natal. Several thousand Boers are reported to be in the vicinity of the Tugela River, in the west of Natal, south of Ladysmith. Two thousand Boers have formed a camp at Maribogo, near Mafeking, and are occupying the railway line and cutting the telegraph wires. President Steyn has informed Sir Alfred Milner, British High Commissioner for South Africa, that the Orange Free State will adhere to the Transvaal. The Earl of Rosebery, who was Prime Minister in the last Liberal Ministry that held office in Great Britain, has written a letter on the situation in South Africa which has found publicity in the press. His Lordship says that in view of the Boer ultimatum the nation ought to close up its ranks and relegate controversy to a more convenient season. No Government, he adds, will again make the mistake of concluding peace, after such a reverse as befel the British troops at Majuba Hill in 1881. Germany is officially sympathetic with the British, but the German newspapers express a hope that Britain will suffer a discomfiture. This, they point out, would be Germany's opportunity. The French Press is bitterly hostile to Great Britain. American newspapers regard the issue of the ultimatum by the Boers as a mad' act, entailing refusal of an opportunity to secure peace with honour.