The Topeka state journal., 1899-09-29
VGIBVGV ID
Determination of Peace or War
in South Africa
Hangs on Action of British Cab
met Today.
TransVaal's Latest Reply is I'm
satisfactory.
WAR PREPARATIONS
Are Being Carried on With In
creased VigOr.
Absent Burghers Hurrying
Home From All Directions.

London, Sept. 29.-The meeting of the
British cabinet on whose deliberations
practically hangs war or peace in South
Africa began at 1 O'Clock this after
noon. President Kruger's reply to the
last note of the imperial government
has now been received and will be the
pivot of todays discussion.
A dispatch from Cape Town cabled
to the Associated Press is given the
leading place in the afternoon papers.
While it is too brief to give an adequate
idea of the Transvaa1s attitude, the
impression it produced was rather fav-
orable than otherwise.
The crowds began to gather in the
vicinity of the foreign office as early as
IL o'clock. The home secretary, Sir
Matthew White Ridley, was the first
to arrive at 1:15 o'clock Mr.. A. j.
BalfOur, first lord of the treasury, came
down from Scotland and Lord Salisbury
came from Hatfield They reached
Downing street shortly after noon.
Mr.. Joseph Chamberlain, the secre-
tary of state for the colonies, drove to
the colonial Office at 1915 p. m. AS he
passed through the crowd assembled in
White Hall he was greeted with cheers
which were renewed when he alighted-
A large force of police was stationed
about Downing street, and perfect order
was maintained.
In the meanwhile dispatches from the
Cape continue the story of military ac-
tiVity in the TranSyaal, Natal and
Cape Colony. The Beers are concen-
trating in the country contiguous to
Natal where the first outbreak of hos
tilities is likely to occur Large con-
tingents of burgherS are cOnVerging from
various parts on this prOba BILE battle
field. The excitement continues at
fever heat. The commandant general
has issued a notice calling the COM
manders to assemble at a specified spot
on the Natal border The commanders
from KrugerSdOrf, whose burgherS
checkmated the Jameson raiders, will
embark on trains for the frontier to-
night. There is great activity at the
war office at Pretoria. The artillery
reserves have been called out, the ar
rangementS to defend the frontier are
now complete and the work of equip
ment is proceeding rapidly The
burghers are cOngregating in the towns,
ready to join their commands which,
however, have strict orders not to ap-
prOach too near the frontier and to
avoid collision with the British forces
BOER FORCES GATHERING.
The Boer forces are gathering at their
bases of action, a short distance from
the border, such as at Harrfsmith,
Volksrust, Vryhid and Bremersdorp.
Telegraphic communication between
Cape Town and Pretoria has become
delayed during the past two days.
A telegram received today says two
batteries of field artillery and 500 burg
hers have started for Volksrust and
that another 500 men go there today.
The streets at Pretoria present a scene
of great military animation. Armed
burghers and artillerymen are riding
about, the field comets being engaged
in warning the burghers to be in readi-
ness at a moments notice.
A quantity of ammunition for Maxim
guns is reported to have arrived at
Harrismith and the burghers at Bre-
mersdorp received rifles and ammuni-
tion yesterday. The men are practicing
with the Maxim gun.
A number of young Beers who have
been studying at Cape Town have
started for home. The VOlksraad in
secret session has passed a high trea-
son bill, providing for the confiscation
of the property of Burghers who refuse
service. A proposal was submitted to
make the confiscation retroactive, so
as to include certain milliOnaires, but it
was rejected.
A dispatch from Johannesburg re-
ports a meeting of the wholesale and
retail merchants there to consider the
steps to be taken for the protection of
the town. The chairman said he had
been informed that the government did
not intend to expel the British subjects
in the event of war.
A resolution was passed in favor Of
forming a guard, composed of mer-
chants, property owners. and others
and empowering a committee to procure
funds TO carry on the municipal gov
ernment.-
THIRD TRANSPORT CHARTERED.
New Orleans. Sept. 29.-Major Scroben
of the British army has chartered the
steamship Mount Royal, making the
third transport; closed another contract
for mules and placed the first order for
grain and forage for the army supplies
to be sent to the Transvaal. South At
rica.
THIS MEANS WAR
London, Sept. 29.-The cabinet ad-
journed at 3:15 p. m. The ministers
were heartily cheered by the waiting
crowds.
1t is said from Boer sources that Mr.
Chamberlain's proposals submitted to
the cabinet include an indemnity for
the cost of sending out troops, the dis
armament of the TransvaaI forts, the
suppression of DR.. Leyds legation, ju-
dicative and legislative independence
for the judges, the equality of the Eng
lish and Dutch languages and full and
complete admission of the supremacy
of British interests throughout South
Africa.
WAR REGULATIONS.
Pretoria, Sept. 29.-The government
has issued a notice of the measures to
be observed in the event of war. The
mines may continue working, reason
quor trade is prohibited and special po-
lice will maintain order. The Rand
gold produced during the war is to be
deposited with the government who
win mint therefrom sufficient to pay it's
working expenses. The rest will be re-
turned after the war. Strict passport
regulations have also been provided.
A BICYCLE CORPS.
Cane Town Sent 29-The arrivals at