The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1896-03-30
TRANSVAAL TROUBLE.

| situation is Very Delicate One For
Great Britain.
| London. March 2o.--Josoph Chamberlain,
| secretary OF state for tho colonies re-
Gently demanded OF President Kruger OF
tho Transvaal, that he Immediately accept
or reject tho invitation OF MIR. Chamber
lain 10 visit London TO settle the questions
between Great Britain and the South
African republic. President Kruger has
| telegraphed that the decision does net
| rest with him, but with the Nolksraad
tho parliament of the republic, and the
lattcr will only assent 10 his going to
London ON condition that tho Anglo Boer
convention of 1884 be 80 amended that
fun independence of the Transvaal will
be recognized and guaranteed by Great
Britain and the other powers.
Mr. Chamberlain declined TO tell the
house OF commons how negotiations stand
at present, but within ministerial circles
the gravity OF the position In known. A
high official says Mr.. Chamberlain had
from the outset distrusted President
Kruger, and had not failed 10 draw ae-
curate conclusions from his delayed ac-
ceptancc of the invitation to visit Eng
land Mr. Chamberai still hopes how
ever, TO Obtain perfect settlement OF the
qutst'on at issue without President kruger
coming here, ana without nccedins to q
revision OF Tho convention.
rho minister seems to be more aanRulne
thuh the facts warrant probably desiring
not 10 alarm the country untu tho last
Resources or diplomacy are exhausted Tne
Nolksfand does not meet until April 4,
President Kruger win then have dnlltd
over Mr.. chamberlhlli's Invitation which
wos sent early in February for three
months, during which time he has formed
an alliance with the Orange Free state,
prepared the AfrilSnnder hlsurrectlon In
Cape Colony and reorganlzcd the forces OF
the Transvaal. especially the artillery.
That the issue of negotiations would
be war has been contemplated hy the
British government ior some time This
fact was pointed out when tho war Of
flee, acting under Instructions from tho
government, prepared to send an army
corps OF 100 men to South Africa. or
this force II was intended that large
contingent should be drawn from the IN
dian cavalry artillery and Infantry. There
is reason 10 state that this project hn-
not been altered, but time has been on
the side OF the Beers, The tact and
energy Of President Kruger have made
successful an Invasion Of the Transvaal
by 1850 British troops almoEt impossible
~ is not he TrausVnai alone the British
fcrccs viii have to face. but the united
Dutch people Of the whole Of South
Africa.
That strictly nonsonqa tlonal paper. tho
Manchester Guardian, publishes authorize
two letters from Cape Colony, IN which II
would mean "a civil war. British against
Drtch: taclug each other from Pretoria to
Cane Town The conquest OF the Dutch
would require as many troops as were
gent TO tte Crimea
Viewing the whole situation, Including
the trouble IN Egypt and elsewhere. tho
English people are mot likely 10 approve
the gigantic task Of cOnulcring the Tram
Yaal, yet they must face TINT or the al
icrnattye Of declaration Of Independence
from tho 1'ransvaal Orange Free State
and probably Cane Colony which would
There ~ a fl.mor afloat that Kruger has
done more than the United Dutch States.
u Is even limited he has had something to
do with the rising or the old enemies Of
the Beers. tho Matehrlcs, whom DR.. jam
eaon successfully controlled until he CONF
Little credit Is thus far given to this idea.
and despite the prevent very nrnacing
outlook ~ s. generally Thought IN London
tho rising Of the natives IN Mt-.b loin nj
Is expected 20 be only a momenla v dr.
nculiy. All the Naieheles, Including
v ere supposed 10 have been iislrmed after
the defeat Of their king Lohengiila, by the
British South Africa company. but n X
now suSpfcted they hid thcr weapons
instead q turning them over 70 the com
ALTHOUGH the county Is donuded % rcgu-
lar troons and the forces OF the char
tered company are disorFanizcd owir 10
the recent raid into the Transvaal. which
resulted In most OF tho comrs9nY's Of
fieers being placed on trial IN London
good volunteer force. armed with Lee
Milford rifles. and force % 1000 volunteer
cavalry are near tho region where the
rising occurred. Buluwnyo. tho principal
town OF NatohelelaAd. ~ protected hy
Maxim guns and few Of heavier oaiihre