The San Francisco call., 1896-03-29

the troubles in Egypt and elsewhere, the
English people are not likely to approve
the gigantic task of conquering the Trans
vaal, yet they must face that or the alter
native of a declaration of independence
from the Transvaal, the Orange Free State
and probably Cape Colony, which would
form the United States of South Africa.
The most serious news yet received from
Rhodesia is that which came to hand this
evening, saying that the native police
had joined the uprising. This puts an en-
tirely different face upon the affair, and
the suppression of the trouble, which at
frst'promised to be an easy matter, now
threatens to be a somewhat large under
taking. The main anxiety of the authori-
ties here was centered in the conduct Of
this force.
Though it is only $50 strong it will be a
powerful factor in spreading the revolt.
The natives who served as police were re-
cruited from the crack regiments of the
old Matabele Kingdom. They are well
trained, well armed and command a copi-
Gus supply of ammunition. Altogether
the outlook is in no wise as favorable as II
was yesterday for the speedy putting
down of the revolt. The Globe, comment
ing this afternoon on the subject, says that
the fever of revolt is likely to spread to the
tribes beyond Matabeleland, including the
Zulus in the Transvaal. who, it was sup
posed, would fight with the Beers in event
OF hostilities with the British.
Inquiries made at the War Office as to the
strength of the British troops within range
OF the revolt only resulted in making evi-
dent the official confusion on the subject
Two companies of the Black Watch Regi-
ment are stationed at Mafeking, on the
Transvaal border, and these are the only
troops who are known to be in Rhodesia.
The paper says that Sir Hercules Robin
son, Governor Of Cape Colony and High
Chief in South Africa, has strengthened
the troops IN Rhodesia recently. but there
are no official adviceS to that effect. The
truth seems to be that Governor Robinson
has not sent any troops into that country.
To-day advIces confirm the Importance
of the Dutch agitation for the independ-
ence of South Africa. a letter received
here from a member of the Cape Parlia
ment says the English and Dutch political
leaders concur in the belief that the posi-
ton never was so threatening in the Trans
vaal. The heads of the movement are first
amply providing for their own safety
against a British attack. Many newcom-
ers who are seen in Pretoria are known 70
be German soldiers. They look to be
ready 10 jostle the English off the side
walk. Every steamer calling at Cape
Town, Durham and Port Elizabeth brings
groups of so-called prospectors, who are
unable TO conceal the stamp of the dis
ciplined soldier who is still under military
command.
Besides the Germans, the Beers are re-
cruiting foreign legion. The letter con-
cludes with the statement that everybody
knows that there is war ahead and that
plenty of British and Dutch blood will be
shed ere the summers grapes ripen.
The Liberal papers profess to be satisfied
with the results of the conference of the
National Liberal Federation held this
week at Huddersfeld. In the foyer of the
National Liberal Club the members who
have returned to London do not conceal
their disappointment. Impartial opinion
can only describe the conference as the
most stolid and mechanical party gather
ing that was ever held in England. The
speeches utterly lacked personal inspira-
ton and were kept within the lines die
tated by the wire-pullers. Depression
dominated ali the delegates.