Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-09-22


Alfred Miner and President Kruger at
Bloemfontein, when President Kruger
made proposals which, although re-
were unanimously considered through
out the Orange Free State to be ex-
ceedingly fair.
Proceeding to review the negotia-
tions, President Steyn said the Trans
vaal had been decoyed by the British
diplomatic agent at Pretoria, Conyng-
ham Greene, and he practically ac-
cused the imperial government of a
breach of faith. He said he was dis
inclined to advise the Transvaal gov
ernment to accept the latest British
demands.
The present critical state of affairs
could not be matter of indifference
to the Orange Free State, which was
bound by treaty, to afford assistance
to the Transvaal, and he had therefore
convened the volksraad to decide what
attitude should be taken.
There is nothing" declared the pres
tdent, that warrants war or an attack
upon the Transvaal. Such differences
as exist can be solved by arbitration.
War would be an insult to religion and
lcivilization."
In conclusion President Steyn said he
would take this opportunity of laying
certain draft laws before the volksraad
for consideration, praying God to give
the members strength to pass resolu-
tions not only conductive to peace and
prosperity, but also in the interest Of
their beloved state. Immediately after
the speech President Steyn asked the
volksraad to go into secret session,
which was agreed to unanimously.
Hnrcourt Is Criticised.
Cape Town, Sept. 22.-Sir John Cor
don Springg, leader of the opposition in
the Cape house of assembly, and form
err premier and treasurer of Cape Col
ony, in the course of an interview says:
Il have no doubt that portion of the
population of the colony would be ac-
lively anti-British in the event of a
war with the Transvaal. I do not an
ticipate rising. but some of the young
impulsive Afrikanders would probably
show their sympathies by joining the
Boer forces. In my Judgment the pro-
|ceedings at yesterdays meeting of Afi-
kander members of the cape parlia-
ment We're most injudicious. No men
ton was made of any sympathy with
those who would suffer while fighting
on the British side"
1t is impossible that those who are
doing their best to uphold British au-
thority should conceive anything in the
nature of retirement from the position
adopted by the imperial government.
Any such weakness would be fatal to
the future maintenance of British au-
thority in South Africa
Referring to the speech of Sir William
Vernon Harcourt last evening in New
Tredegar, England, Sir John said he
considered it ill advised and injudi-
cious, especially at the present juno
ture." In his opinion, Harcourt's asser-
tion that Great Britain could not claim
general sovereignty in the Transvaal
when she had only partial suzerainty
would do more than anything else to
encourage dissatisfaction.
II would remind the British public"
said Sir John, that Sir William Vernon
Harcourt was a member of the govern
ment really responsible for all the po-
litical troubles in South Africa since
1851"
Afrikanders for Peace.
Cape Town, Sept. 20 delayed in
ransmission).-At a meeting of the
Afrikander members of parliament yes
terday, Mr.. Neethling presiding, the fol-
lowing telegram was dispatched to
President Kruger:
We, Afrikander members of parlia-
ment, thoroughly sympathize with our
Afrikander relatives in their troubles.
While appreciating the concessions all
ready made in the interests of peace, we
beg to urge the expediency of doing the
utmost short of sacrificing independ-
ence, to avert the horrors of war. While
agreeing that the joint inquiry proposed
by Mr.. Chamberlain can not be asked as
matter of right, we believe such a
commission will provide way out of
the difficulties which are fast approach
ing crisis. with results which might
prove fatal not only to the civil and free
state brethren, but also to the Afrikan-
der party of Cape Colony.
In the presence of immediate danger
and the momentous issues awaiting the
decision of your honor, the executive
and the volksraad, even the risk of be-
ing misunderstood is of minor impor-
tance. We beg your honor to lay these
our common interests and risks, pri-
vately before the executive and volks-
raad.'
This message. which was signed by
ffty-three members of parliament, re-
ceived the following reply from Presi-
dent Kruger:
Il wish you and other sympathizers
will notice, as you have doubtless al
ready seen>by the reply of the imperial
government, that we have. according to
your desire, considered the matter and
accepted the invitation to the joint COM
mission. Why the acceptance was de-
layed is shown by the dispatches pub
lished. wish to thank you and other
friends once more from my heart for the
manner in which you have aided our eff
forts for pacific and satisfactory So
luton. Finally. express the hope that
your work and ours will not be fruit
less"
The meeting also adopted resolution
to the effect that it had heard with sat
isfaction that the executive of the
Transvaal had accepted the invitation
of the joint inquiry and trusted the ac-
ceptance would render an outbreak of
hostilities practically impossible.
Max Regis Escapes.
Algiers. Sept 22.-Max Regis former
mayor of Alsiers and 6. notorious Jew