THE TRANSVAAL.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 488, 16 September 1899, Page 2

THE TRANSVAAL.

CHAMBERLAIN'S DESPATCH.

ULTIMATUM PROBABLE.

[united fress association]

(by electric telegh-vph— copyrioht). London, September 14. Mr Chamberlain's despatch absolutely repudiates the Transvaal's claim to the position of a sovereign State, and insists on a joint or unilateral inquiry as to the effect of the five years' franchise, which the Boors in their recent offer to concede showed would not impair the independence of the Republic. Mr Chamberlain is willing to confer with reference to the arbitration tribunal when the franchise is settled.

The Cape Parliament considers the despatch moderate, firm and dignified. The Times regards it as a prelude te an ultimatum.

Pretoria, September 14. The city is excited. The Raad listened to Mr Chamberlain's despatch in silence. President Kruger and President Steyn, of the Orange Free State, are consulting by telegraph.

The German Consul at Pretoria declared if the German fleet were larger, the political aspeot of South Africa would bo different. Irishmen on the Rand and in Pre« toria have formed corps, and have offered their services to the Transvaal.

Bloemfontein, September 14. Many Orange Free State people are opposed to President Steju's policy, and some are trekking in order to avoid military service. Capetown, September 14.

Capetown Afrikanders state that the Transvaal will accept the conditions laid down by Mr Chamberlain leaving suzerainty on the basis of the 1684 Convention.

(Received September 15, 9.30 a.m.). London, September 14.

The British Government, in a despatch declaring that their chief desire is reasonable promptness in ending the tension, has spontaneously extended the time for the Transvaal to reply to Mr Chamberlain's despatch of a few days ago. Durban, September 14.

Agar Ellis, who figured as informer in connection with the trial of the men concerned in the alleged recent attempt to raise an insurrection in the Transvaal, was rec»gnised at Lady Smith's, Natal. The crowd seized and tarred and feathered him.