New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-11

lBY CABLE TO TIE rRBUNE.1
,copyrighf: 1896: ~ The Tri,un, Associaton)
London. Jan. l0.--The peculiar terms OF Presi-
dent Kruger's roundabout reply to the Queen s
message have caused a renewal of the feeling Of
uneasincss over the Transvaal situation. The
German Emperor had telegraphed directly to
him. thereby implying that he the ruler OF
a sovereign State. The Queen sent her message
indirectly through Mr.. Chamberlain and Sir Her
cules Robinson. possibly with view 10 asserting
delcatoly the idea of suzerainty. The diplomatic
form was Of less consequence than the heartiness
Of the message President Kriiger's reply was
ambiguous in form and not cordial in tone He
repeats his intention of giving up Jameson and
the other prisoners. but emphasizes the fact that
II will be done in order that the British Govern
ment may have the privilege Of Furnishing them,
and defers final decision until johannesburg has
been disarmed and duieteo
The phrasng Of this litter has been the main
topi, Of conversation in London this evening. IT
is interpreted in some quarters as an intimation
that Kriiger will hold the prisoners as hostages
until the payment Of big indemnity. or possibly
uatil the revision OF the convention Of 1884, has
been arranged. II g also explained as evidence
that johannesburg Is still under arms. and that
Kriieer with an army behind him. Is bent upon
debating terms Of unconditional surrender II the
excited populacc. Yet the latest dispatches re-
port the town quiet.
Whatever II means il will he likely to create
an impression ir Germany that the crisis is not
over In the Transvaal. and tha; hitch has
arisen in the negotiation for the release Of the
prisoners and the payment Of an indemnity. AS
evidence from Lisbon shows that the Ger
man Emperor applied Portugal for leave 10
land marines a Delsgoa BaT. II is thought pos
sible that KRUGER may :tin be coquetting
through Dr. I-eyd for moral suppor; from Berlin
al least until the amount &C the indemnity
he determined. A. this mus he paid by the
Chartered Company. the Secretary of State for
the Colonies can hardiy be prepared to arrange
terms definitely
Meanwhile English mobilization goes A
fotilla of torpedo catchers will he manned at once.
This is significant. because the German navy has
a stronger service OF tOrpedo-bOats than the
English navy. but few torpedo catchers. Eng
lsh naval officers put the case in this way: "Our
fleet at the Cape can take care OF any fleet which
Germany can assemble in those waters. our pow
erful Channel fleet can blockade the Elbe; In ad-
diton We have n strong flying squadron ready
for service wherever needed. and We have ships
and trained men for equippng second flying
squadron at q moments notice" There be
no doubt that England is giving Europe and
America = fine Illustration Of her readiness to
enter into a naval war with brief preparation.
The ma, al reorganization scheme has produced
excellent results. Mr.. Chamberlain is with the
Queen at Osborne tonight and a Cabinet meet
Ing will be held tomorrow TO consider various
colonial and foreign complications.
Mr.. Normans interviews with members Of the
Committees on Foreign Relations on the subject
o. permanent court If arbitration are regarded
convincing proof that Lord Salisbury has II
in his power to effect speedy compromise Of the
Venezuelan question. The disclosure Of the
favorable attitude Ct those committees toward
arbitration permanent principle Is useful.
because IL IL an offset 10 President Clevelands
message. which, in the judgment of Englishmen.
rendered arbitration impossible by the arbitrary
appointment Of an ex-parte commission. Lord
Salisbury. by opening a way for the adjustment
of the boundary question and the settlement OF
the dispute with America, will have the moral
support of all pa ties in England. Because the
English people wan II, he is likely TO do it, and
1t will he as popular policy as the naval arnla-
ments against Germany. /. y. F.