THE TRANSVAAL.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 491, 23 September 1899, Page 2

THE TRANSVAAL.

SIR W. HARCOURT'S OPINION

ATTITUDE OF ORANGE FREE STATE. [united press association.] (by klecteic telegraph—corYßioiu). Capetown, September 21. The Dublin Fusiliers are being hurried to Ladysmith, and the Manchester Battalion to Pietermaritzburg. Ic is reported that, President Kruger has appcalled to the Queen to prevent bloodshed. Sir Alfred Milner has addressed inquiries to Mr Steyn, respecting the attitude the Orange Free State intends to assume with regard to the Transvaal crisis.

London, September 21. Sir William Harcourt, speaking at New Tredegar, said the Boers' offer of a five years' franchise ought to be accepted. The conditions were reasonable and conformable to the Convention of 1884:, though it was impossible to recognise the Trausvaal as an independent State.

It is alleged that President Kruger, through Dr. Leyds, ex Secretary of State for the Transvaal, now in Europe, has approached three of the European Powers, asking their good offices in mediating between Great Britaiu and the Transvaal.

The Daily Telegraph states that warnings have been received in Johannesburg and elsewhere that the Boera intend to poison the watercoures with cyanide.

Durban, September 21. A corps of 500 Imperial Light Horse is being formed in Natal. Sampson and Davies, who were concerned in the Jameson Raid, have agreed to supply horses and equipment receiving majors' commissions. Pretoria, September 21.

Only 120, including 105 Afrikanders, applied for the franchise under the new Transvaal franchise law.

(Received September 22, 9.30 a.m.). Capetown, Septsmber 21

Sir A. Milner has reassured Mr Steyn respecting the presence of soldiers on the frontier, and has promised to respect the integrity of the Orange Free State. He expressed a hope that the latter would preserve neutrality in the event ot hostilities between Great Britain and the Transvaal, and prevent any military intervention of the citizens. Mr Steyn promised to do his utmost to allay excitement. If, however, the burghers regarded Britain's military movements as menacing uhe responsibility was not his. Fifty-three Afrikander members of the Cape Parliament urged Mr Kruger to do his utmost to avert war, short of sacrificing the independence of the Transvaal. Melbourne, September 21. It is stated that a considerable portion of the orders received here for forage for the Cape are likely to be placed iu New Zealand and Tasmania. Sydney, September 21. Though no definite step 3 can be taken, the military authorities are making preparations so that they will be in readiness to despatch troops to the Transvaal. (by telegraph.—press association). Wellington, Last Night. The Defence Department i 3 making enquiries as to the number of members of mounted corps in New Zealand willing to volunteer for active service in South Africa in the event of wa,c.