The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-10-11

eminent and Volksraad Tor the regulation Of
that franchise and representation Is indisput
able. yet this Government has found occasion to
discuss in a friendly fashion the franchise and
representation OF the people with her Malesty's
Government. without. however. recognizing
ang right thereto on the part OF her Maiesty's
Government.
This Government has also. by the formu-
lation OF the now existing Franchise law and
the resolution in regard to representation. con-
stantly held these friendly discussions before
its eyes. On the part OF her Majesty's Govern
ment. however. the friendly nature OF these
discussions has assumed more and
more threatening tone. and the minds
OF tho people OF this Republic
and the whole OF South Africa have been ex-
cited and a condition OF extreme tension has
been created. while her Majesty's Government
could no longer agree to the legislation re-
speeding the franchise and the resolution
respecting representation In this Republic and,
finally. by your note OF Sept. IS. 1890 broke
Off all friendly correspondence on the subject
and intmated that It must now proceed to for
mulate its own proposals for final settle
ment
This Government can only see in the above
intmation from her Majesty's Government a
new violation OF the Convention OF London OF
1894 which does not reserve to her Majesty's
Government tho right to unilateral settle
ment Of a question which is an exclusively do
mestic one for this Government and has already
been regulated by It,
"On account OF the strained situation and
the consequent serious loss in and interruption
OF trade in general. which the correspondence
respecting the franchise and representation in
this Repu bio carried in its train. her Majssty's
Government has recently pressed for an early
settlement and finally pressed for an an
swer within forty-eight hours, subsequently
somewhat modified. to your note OF Sept H.
replied to by the note OF this Government OF
Sept 10. and your note OF Sept. %. and there
after further friendly negotiations broke off,
and this Government received an intimation
that a proposal for a final settlement would
shortly be made. But. although this promise
was once more repeated. no proposal has now
reached this Government.
Even while friendly correspondence was
still going on an increase Of troops on large
scale was introduced by her Majestys Govern
ment and they were stationed In the nelg hbor-
hood OF the borders Of this Republic Having
regard to occurrences In the history O this Re-
public which 1t 10 unnecessary hera TO call to
mind. this Government felt obliged TO regard
this m ilitary force In the neiRhborhood OF its
borders as threat against the INDEPENDENCE
OF the South African Republic. since 1t is aware
OF no circumstance to Justify the presence OF
such military force in South Africa and in
the neigh borhood OF it's borders.
I'm response to an inquiry in respect thore-
to. addressed to the British High Commission
err this Government received. to it's great as
constituent, a yelled insinuation that from the
side OF the Republic an attack might be made
on her Majesty's colonies. and at the Same
time mysterious reference to possibilities. by
which 1t was strengthened in the suspicion
that the independence OF this Republic was be-
ing threatened.
AS q defensive measure It. therefore. was
obliged TO send a portion OF the burghers OF
this Republic in order to offer requisite resist
ance to similsr possibilities"
The despatch lays stress on the fact that the
military preparation eand action Of Great Brit
tain have caused an intolerable condition OF
affairs throughout South Africa. Therefore. 1t
says the Transvaal Government is compelled
earnestly to press her Majesty's Government
to give assurances on the following points:
"First-That all points OF mutual difference
be regulated by friendly recourse to arbitra-
ton. or by whatever amicable way may be