THE TRANSVAAL.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 483, 5 September 1899, Page 3

THE TRANSVAAL.

BRITISH PRE P A EATIONS.

BOER WOMEN ARMING,

[united press association].

(by electric tblkgravu.—copybiuii )

Capetown, .September 2. Afrikanders consider tho presence of Mr Fischer, of the OrangoFree State Executive, at secret sessions of tho Volksraad, a hopeful indication. The text of British despatches shows that tho counter scheme put forward by President Kruger was to be considered on the express condition of the abandonment of suzerainty by Britain, and also on the conaitiou ot Britain agreeing to arbitration. ~ Mr Chamberlain refused to discuss further the suzerainty question, declaring that apart from the franchise there were difficulties which were unsuitable for arbitration, and capable of adjustment by conference. . When this decision was read in the Volksraad it was met with hissts and groans. The great exodus continues from Johannesburg and the other chief towns of the Transvaal. An enthusiastic meeting at Capetown has condemned Mr Schreiner's attitude, and supported .Sir A. Milner. The meeting thanked Australia and Canada for their sympathy, and scouted the idea of Cape Colony taking up a neutral attitude in the event of war. Further supplies of ammunition have arrived at Lorenzo Marques for the Transvaal. Eighteen field guns and equipments are also expected. "A Boer agitator has been sentenced to six months' imprisonment for creating dissatisfaction amongst natives in Rhodesia. . Boer women's rifle clubs are being formed in several districts in the Transvaal. LtJNDOU, September 2. The First Royal Draaoons have been ordered to be in readiness to start for Capetown. At Aldershot 25,000 men are ready for mobilisation. Pretoria, September 3. The Transvaal's reply to Mr Chamberloin has been handed to Mr Green, British Agent in Pretoria. It is understood that the Transvaal consents to holding a conference at Capetown, and expresses willingness to explain the working of the franchise and receivo friendly suggestions. Mr Pakeman, editor of the Transvaal Leader, has been arrested on a charge of high treasou. A warrant has also been issued against Mr Moneypenny, editor of the Johannesburg Star. Mr Asquith, speaking at Leven, said he bailed the prospect of a definite and permanent settlement, harmonising the just claims of the Uitlanders and Transvaal autonomy. The Boers, however reluctantly, must realise the impossibility of perpetuating an injustice. A solution was attainable by firm and prudent diplomacy. President Kruger may go to Copesburg, in Cape Colony, near" the Orange Free State border, to confer with representatives of Great Britain, instead of Capetown.

(Received September 4, 11.15 a.m.). Pketoria, September 3. The Transvaal Government is requisitioning the railway rolling stock. Three bodies of Boer forces are within 60 miles of Mafeking, in British Bechuanalaud.

Capetown, September 3. Seven hundred volunteers have been enrolled in Natal.