Omaha daily bee., 1897-05-03

ENGLA ND'S SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNS
The statement OF the Austrian am
bnssador at Berlin, in regard to the
attitude of the continental powers TO-
ward South Africa. indicates that Eng
lands designs in that quarter are being
closely watched. According to the Aus
trian ambassador it is the intention of
the continental powers to maintain the
present status in South Africa whether
England. the Transvaal republic or
Portugal shall attempt to change it. He
states that there is danger of hostilities
there and that rcmonstrancc is to be
presented to the British government by
the continental powers with n view TO
maintaining peace in South Africa ana
preventing any change from present po-
litical conditions.
The uttcrances of members of the
British government and the action of
the government in sending n fleet to
South African waters make perfectly
plain the intention of the British gov
eminent to adopt a policy of aggressive
bullying in regard to the TranSvaal re-
public Excuse is found for such n
policy in England's claim, as insisted
upon by Mr.. Chamberlain. secretary for
the colonies. to being the paramount
power in South Africa, as also the fact
that Great Britain has certain author
ity, established by treaty, over the
external affairs of the TranSvaal re-
public which that republic is most anX-
ious to throw off. The British govern
merit declares that the integrity of its
paramount power must be maintained
and its treaty rights respected, but there
is a very strong suspicion, for which
British methods give warrant, that its
purpose goes beyond what it is declared
to be and looks to increasing its terri
tory at the expense of the Transvaal
republic.
1t seems certain that if anything of
this kind is undertaken the Beers will
find active friends in the continental
powers and knowledge of this fact may
operate to deter the British government
from provoking the Beers to hostlities.
AS to President Kruger and his gov
ernment, they have been acting with
wise forethought and prudence. They
have said very little, but have done Il
great deal-that is to say, that within
tho last six months the whole nation
has practically been put under arms.
1t is said that the Boer government
can put well-equipped army of $4,000
men into the field for the defense of
the republic and there are no better
or Drawer fighters anywhere. In order
to successfully invade the Transvaal
England would have to send there an
army Of 100000.
1t would be no easy task to wipe out
tho Boer republic, even if it should re-
ceive no outside assistance, but un-
doubtedly should England make the
move she is suspected of contemplating
the other great powers of Europe would
array themselves on the side of the
little republic. one London correspond
ent says that already what pracucully
amounts to defensive alliance against
England exists and should she lay
hands upon the Boer republic that al
lance would be changed into an often
siye one, of such strength and such de-
termination that England could not
withstand it for six months. The prom
Use Is that South Africa will be the
stage of most interesting events in the
near future, out of which may grow
most important changes in the relations
or the European powers.