The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-09-06
THE B0ERS REPLY
IS OMIN0US OF WAR.
Withdraw Former Conces.
slons and Agree to Con-
ference.

Ava OAS0s
Pretoria, Sept. 4.-The reply of the
Transvaal republic to the demands Of
Great Britain increases the term of
years residence necessary in order to
obtain the franchise.
Iu the course of an interview today,
State Secretary Reitz said the Trans
vaal government vas waiting until Sat.
urday's dispatch reached the imperial
authorities before making it1 conteute
public. Without, however, entering
into details, he could say that iu his
judgment the proposal of the govern
ment offered Mr. Chamberlain an
opportunity of coming to settlement
regarding the franchise and other
outstanding questions. He could also
say that the Transvaal would take part
in the suggested conference aud was
now awaiting the imperial govern
mens's reply in order to arrange the
details IS to place of meeting.
London, Sept. 4 "A dispatch from
johannesburg to Reuters Agency de,
6oitely announces that the reply OF
the Transvaal republic to the British
communication withdraws the franchise
proposals and agrees in principle TO
confer ence at Capetowu.
The afternoon papers take the view
that if the foregoing dispatch is cor
rect, President Kruger's reply is
omiuous, as it vas palpably made to
gain time. Sir Alfred Miners sug-
ges,ion Of a further conference at
Capetown was instigated With the sole
purpose of considering details and for
the enforcement Of the concessions
offered by the Beers If these conces-
sioos are Withdrawn there can be no
object from British point of view for
the parleyiug longer. The only infer
euce to be drawn is that the Beers
have taken Mr.. Joseph Chamberlain,
the secretary of state for the colonies.
at bis word in the broader sense than
he intended. AID that they now want to
begin negotiations over again on an
entirely new basis.
The shrewdnsss Of this reported
move is not likely to save it from being
Interpreted by the British government
as thinly yelled defiance and unless
it is accompanied BY vague agreement
&c further confer. it would generally be
taken as sufficient cause for immediate
hosti!ities.
Regarding the exact terms of the
reply 10 question. reports continue
mystifyiug 10 contradictions. but all
agree that the excitement 10 Johannes
burg is unabated, aud that the exodus
from that city is continuing and that
distress there is Increasing. Cable
grams from Beer aod British South
Africa detail war preparations on ali
sides.
The johannesburg correspondent OF
The Standard says: 81 learn from 40
off ,iai who has beea earnestly striving
for peace that the matter is now hope
less The Beers will probably declare
war at 48 hours notice and will try to
raid Natal before the British troops
arrive. I believe tbe Orange Free
State will join the Trans7aal. but that
the Beers 10 Natal and the Cape Colony
will remain quiet at the outset. unless
irritated oy the dismissal OF the Cape
Colony cabinet.
'The Beers have the fullest conf
dence 10 their magazine rife and their
skill in craftsmanship. State Attorney
Smutus is the chief inciter of the war
party. Thirty thousand men iu the
Transvaal aud twenty thousand 10 the
Orange Free State will take the field"
The Times prints letter from the
bishop of Pretoria, appealing for funds
TO relieve the terrible distress caused
by the protrac;ed tension and the fears
Of war.
A dispatch to the Daily Mail from
Delagoa Bay says the refugees from
Barbarton declare that they were
wareed to leave, as the Beers intended
to Gordon the district.
The secretary of state fer the colo.
pies. Joseph Chamberlain. arrived 10
London this afternoon apd at oace
proceeded to the foreign o6ice. it is
understood that be will remain here
until the end of the crisis.
The war Office refuses to confirm the
rumor that proclaim atiou will be issued
calling out the reserves.
Treasurer E. D. Free, of Barnweil
county, who has recently appointed
- 49, a,oooo1 kio fa<bar