The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-02-08
BY MAKING LARGE CONCESSIONS
He Invites President Kruger TO Con-
fer With Him in England.
the Foreign Relations of the Trans
vaal- aud Tenders ''FrieEdly Coun-
s@f'-Chamberlatn Says the Uit-
lander Agitation Was ssPlain and
Above Board


retary OF state for the colonies. Joseph
Chamberlain. or February l. 20 the govern
or OF Cape Colony, S.r Hercules Robinson,
was gazetsei THIS evening. IL reviews the
history of the events in the Transvaal
since lssi. and points out that the mining
interests, the mainstay Of the country. are
mainly in the hands Of the U.tiaRders, who
are fe5arred by legislation from the rights
OF citizenship and states that the whole
direction of affairs and the right Of taxa
ton remains monopoly in the hands OF
decreasing minority of the population. en-
gagged In agriculture. while the majority.
who raised the revenues from E1a.ooV 10
s2ea.sa are denied any voice In the gov
ernment OF the Transvaal and are unable
to obtain redress for the formidable iisad-
vantages hampering and injuring them in
cessantly.
Mr.. Chamberlain emphasizes the plain
and above-board character OF the Uitlander
agitation. and recalls that the U.tland-
ers petitions were rejected by the volks-
raad amid seornful laughter, one member
OF that body challenging the Uitlanders
10 take up arms ami fight
The massing OF the Bechuanaland police
at Mefeking did not cause any anxiety,
as IL is understood TO be merely a rem
devious prior to aishandIng. When II was
suggested on the 2sth Of December that the
Chartered Companys police might inter-
vene al johannesburg IL appeared .ncredi-
BILE. but Mr.. Chamberlain wired warning
10 Gov. Robinson. instructing him 10 warn
Cecil Rhodes, the premier OF Cape Colony
of the consequences. Unfortunately. Dr.
Jameson had already entered the Trans
vaaL The document then reviews the sub
sequent events until Gov. Robinson re-
turned 10 Cape Town. mentioning that
President Kruger refused Gov. Robinson
definite assurances that reforms would be
granted to the I1itlanders. owing TO the
afH H.
sp!raey to overthrow the constitution.
which Mr. Chamberlain did not regard
as an adequate reason
He then proceeds TO state the position OF
Great Britain and her claims toward the
Transvaai, saying: Since the convention
of 1854 Great Britain has recognized the
Transvaal as independent internally. nut
its external relations are subject 10 the
control Of Great Britain. There is no rea-
son to anticipate that a foreign state VIII
dsspute our rights but II is necessary 10
state clearly that the government INTENDS
To maintain them in their integrity. IN
ternaIlv Great Britain Is justified, IN The
Interests of South Africa as whole and
for the stability OF the Transvaai. 70 ten
der friendly counsels regarding the new
comers. mainly British subjects
The dispatch then deals at length with
the grievances of the Rand, and expresses
Mr. Chamberlalns belief that the diificulty
be met by granting the franchise after nVe
vears' residence and the removal of the
ohteetionable features OF the oath of alle-
glance. which would still deprive the per-
SON taking II OF his status as British sub
iect. Chamberlain then suggests the con-
sideration of other grievances. taxation,
education and monopoiies. and especially
the exclusion of the Uitlanders from the
police. and proposes that the Rand pe ac-
corded modified local autonomy. including
control OF its own taxation, subject 10 the
pavment to the government or an anhuai
sliding tribute based on the fluctuations
OF the mining industry. such Legislation 70
be subject 10 the veto OF the president ana
executive Mr. Chamberlain further sug-
gests that the Rand also be given supe-
rior law court. and that the Randers be
not entitled to a voice i'm the yoiksraad.
executiye or in the presidents election,
thus relieving the hurghers OF their haunt
ing fear that the newcomers would utilize
the franchise to upset their form OF gov
ernment.
The dispatch concludes: These sugges-
,ions are not offered in derogation OF the
presidents authority. but as sincere and
friendly contribution Of her majesty's
government 20 a settlement OF question
which continues 10 threaten the auietude
of the republic and the welfare and prog
ress Of South Africa.
As the settlement Involves 80 many Hs-
tails which are easier settled BY per-
sonaI conference. Mr. Chamberlain sug-
gests 10 President Kruger that II il Is con-
venfent and agreeable TO him be should
come 10 England.
a Pretoria dispatch 20 the Times says;
a newspaper inspired by the government
denies that the Transvaal desires 10 So
cure a European protector. and admits
that Great Britain IS the paramount DOW
or in South Africa and most anxious 90
secure the Dutch republic against the en-
rroaehments Of other powers. The article
then asks why Great Britain does not
guarantee the Independence OF the Trans
wal against all comerz. seeing that the
british and the Transvaal interests are
identical why should she Transvaai.'
this uawspaper asks. be at the mercy OF
rnarauders when ~ might have in Great
britain A big brother for protection? Why
should the TransvaaI maintain standing
army when at q word from England its in-
ssnendence could be upheld Under such
an arrangernent there would be no need
for the TranSvaai 20 acquire its own sea-
mort A mutual agreement guaranteeing
permanent access to Deiagos hay would
suffice
Tbs. Times has an editorial discussing the
foregnjng 6fspatch In which IL say. TN
principle n suggests Iittle or nothing with
which England need hesitate 90 comply -
Tsta Times says: While TIRE trials n Pre-
tor{a are. tsan4ing and un1ii after the trial
of TDr Jameson and his officers no public
siateusent can be made on the Traasvsai
incidents.