New-York tribune., 1899-12-31

CAPTURE OF THE BUNDESRATH NAMES
THE DELAGOA BAY SITUA-
TION ACUTE.
Copyright; 1899: BY The New-York Tribune.l


Tendon Dec 81. ! a. MAS the relations or
The German and British governments are
friendly, It is not likely that serious complica-
fions will follow the seizure Of the liner Bundles
rath in Delagoa Bay by the Magicenne The
prize court at Durham needs. however, TO be In
close touch with the Admiralty and Foreign
Office in these troublous times. The Bundles
iath is a passenger steamer Of the German
East African Line and the Berlin Foreign Of
flee cannot refuse the request Of the directors
at Hamburg for an immediate inquiry Of the
Foreign Office here respecting the seizure. Ham
burg dispatches state that there was no con-
traband Of board but this is denied by
the officials at Durham. There were three Ger
man officers and twenty men on the ship. who
were suspected of an intention Of serving In the
Boer army If their presence on the ship be
ground for seizure, important questions of in
terrational law arise German liner in the
ordinary trade route on the East African coast
would seem 10 be as secure against seizure as
the Trent under the British flag, especially
when she was heading for a neutral port II
she were fibusterng vessel like the Vir-
ginius there would be a British If not Ameri-
can precedent against her seizure for in 1874
British cruiser entered Santiago Harbor and
threatened TO fire upon the town II any harm
was done 10 the Queens subjects who had sailed
the Virginius
A SHAM NEUTRALITY.
This fresh incident, added to the dangerous
precedent which may be established by the prize
court treatment Of foodstufs as contraband OF
war. increases the diplomatic embarrassment
caused by the Portuguese control OF Delagoa
Bay. The authorities there If they were to en-
force neutral obligations as faithfully as was
done by the Swiss Government during the
Franco-German War. would refuse TO allow any
foreign volunteers or recruits or munitions OF
war TO pass into the Transvaal from Lourenco
Marques. 1t is notorious that they neglect to
keep faith as honest neutrals ought to do Con-
traoand Of war has been freely smuggled through
Portuguese territory into Pretoria and I,ourenco
marques is port OF entry through which foreign
Hrulery officers and volunteers gain access to
the Boer camps. 1t is probably impracticable
Tor the customs officials there to prevent even
IL they were so disposed. the conversion OF this
port into base Of supplies and recruits for the
Dutch cause. A few more international episodes
may have the effect Of forcing the British Gov
erhment to take action at Lisbon which will
bring about a cession OF territory and its parti-
tion with Germany. whatever may be the inter
national complications. The whole subject is
enneshed with difficulties, but the indefinite
continuance OF sham neutrality detrimental TO
Ihe British interests is improbable
The most stirring war news comes through
Boer sources from Mafeking where the garrison
IS reported 10 have attacked a fort in force with
Naxims ard an armored train. and to have
fought under the intrenchments with great
spirit The attack is described as a failure since
the fort not captured. and heavy British
losses reported. with slight casualties on the
Dutch side. Baden -Powells version Of the af-
iair has not yet been received. but Lady Sarah
Wilson'S personal impressions OF the Beers have
been cabled in fun detail The literature of the
war contains a good many Of these Marlborough
gems
accounts OF a fresh sortie from Ladysmith
nave been received from three or four sources.
out are apparently based upon statements by a
naive runner who had been brought into Chieve-
'ey camp The attack is described a gallant
and successful one upon strong Boer position,
winch was carried at the point OF the bayonet
1he' runner reports that a big Boer gun was
captured. The Central News correspondent tries
10 mo confirmation for this in the fact that the
ehe'nys guns around Ladysmith were strangely
silent on Friday. The runner damages his own
'ale oy insisting that General Whites ferces
nave remained In possession Of the hill
KIMBERLEY's NEW YEAR GREETING.
The War ofhce at midnight issued loyal
message OF New Years greeting TO the Queen
from the Mayor and people Of Kimberley and
her touching response. This exchange Of greet
.nss Is one OF the most Inspiring incidents Of
the war
From Cape Town comes a general official supo !
mary that the military situation Is unchanged
THE SOUTHERN ROUTE FOR CALIFORNIA. |