The Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 8 December 1900, Page 2

The Transvaal.

MR KRUGER. Many French newspapers assail the Emperor of Germany for indirectly rebuking France in his reply to Mr Kruger. They, however, agree that the Boer cause is lost. The Czar, equally with the Kaiser, has declined to grant an audience to Mr Kruger. The " Journal des Debats " declares that the Kaiser tollows the policy of common sense with sangfroid. The "Temps" says that Dr Leyds is responsible for bad advice in the past and that he has needlessly exposed Mr Kruger to a rebuff. An uninspired German newspaper states that Germany places the national interest above sentiment. In diplomatic circles it is considered that the Kaiser has inaugurated a new era in the relations of Germany with Great Britain. The Emperor's envoy at Luxemburg explicitly informed President Kruger that the Kaiser desired the abandonment of the ex- President's 'visit to Berlin. UNREST IN CAPE COLONY. The anti- British agitation in certain districts of Cape Colony has become more virulent. Cabinet met on Sunday, and again on Monday." Sunday's meeting was I the first held on that day by a Cape Ministry for twenty-five years. MISCELLANEOUS. A party of Boers, impelled by ' hunger, raided close to Standerton, in the Eastern Transvaal, capturing i forty cattle. ; • The British troops pursued and dispersed the commando, recovering the cattle and capturing ten waggons of loot. . FOUR DAYS' FIGHTING. Particulars that have come to hand of the engagement at Reitfontein show that Major-General Paget's force were fighting for four days with 250 Boers, who had five guns, two pompoms and a maxim, under General Ben Viljoen. On the third day Colonel Cradock's New Zealand Mounted Infantry, forming the British left flank, were heavily attacked. General Paget, in order, to frustrate , this movement on the part of the enemy, delivered a counter attack, which enabled the New Zealanders to rush the Boer position. LORD ROBERTS. Lord Roberts will visit St. Helena on his way to England. Miss Roberts is rapidly recovering from the attack of fever. RAIDERS IN NATAL. Two small commandoes are raiding near Ladysmith. The telegraph has been cut close to Grahamstown, and the military discovered 5000 stand ot arms on the estate of a pro-Boer in the Constantia district of Cape Colony. PACIFIC COUNSELS. Mr De Villiers, ex-Chief Justice of the Free State implores the Dutch Church to act as peacemaker and stop a hopeless, useless struggle. Mr N. Botha, late member in the Voldsrand for Kroonstad, has expressed the same views as Mr De Villers. He denounced Mr Steyn, and suggested the appointment of a party nominated Council to govern the new colonies. This would give time for racial wounds to heal. FIGHTING WITH DE WET. Major-General Knox's force was engaged all Sunday on the Smithfield road, north of Bethulie, on the border ot Cape and Orange River Colonies. The enemy was headed off from Orange River, and retired north-east-ward. Seven Boers were captured, and De Wet's rearguard was scattered. Major-General Knox almost touched his main body. Major-General Settle's troops occupied Jagersfontein after a skirmish, during which thirty Boers were captured. ANTI-BRITISH AGITATORS ARRESTED. Johannes Bejong, proprietor of the .Worcester " Advertiser." has been arrested for publishing seditious articles charging the British soldiery with foul atrocities. Several users of seditious language have also been arrested at Victoria West.