The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1899-10-18

HHE TRANSVAAL'S


The Beers Demand that British
Troops Be Withdrawn and Re.
fusal is Declaration of War.
The ultimatum of the Transvasl
government to Great Britain was sent
to London on the 10th inst, and con-
tains the following
Her malesty's unlawful interven-
tion in the internal affairs of this re-
public in conflict with the London con-
vention OF 1884, by the extraordinary
strengthening OF her troops of this
republic has caused an intolerable con-
dition OF things to arise, to which this
government feels itself obliged, in the
interest not only OF this republic, but
also Of all South Africa, to make an
end as soon as possible and this gov
ernment feels itself called upon and
obliged to press earnestly, ani with
emphasis for an Immediate termina-
tion OF this state Of things and to re-
quest her majesty's government to
give assurances upon the following
four demands {:
First-That oil points OF mutual
difference be regulated by friendly re-
course to arbitration or by whatever
amicable way may be agreed upon by
this government and her majesty's
government.
Second-That all troops on the bor-
ders of this republic shall be instantly
withdrawn.
Third-That all reinforcements of
troops which have lived in South
Africa since June 1, 1899, shall be re-
moved from South Africa within o
reasonable time as agreed upon with
this government and with the mutual
assurance and guarantee on the part of
this government that no attack upon
or hostilities against any portion of
the possessions of the British govern
ment shall be made by this republic
during tho further negotiations, with
in o period OF time to be subsequently,
agreed upon between the governments:
and this government will, on COM
pliance Herewith, be prepared 10 with
draw the armed burghers OF this re.
public from the borders.
Fourth-That her majcsty's troops
which are now on tho high seas shall
not be landed in any part OF South
Africa"
10 these demands is appended the
definition OF the time limit for reply:
This government presses for an i'm
mediate and affirmative answer to these
her majesty's government to return
an answer before or upon Wednes-
day, October l1th, 1899, not later than
5 o'clock p. m.
cit desires further to add that in
the unexpected event of an unswer not
satisfactory being received by it With
In the interval, it will with great re-
gret be compelled to regard the &C zion
Of her majestys government as
,n1 Il al II
hold itself responsible for tho cOnse-
quences thereof, and that in the event
OF any further movement OF troops oc-
curing within the above mentioned
time in q nearer direction to our Dor.
dcrs, this government will be com
PEELED to regard that also a formal de-
claration OF war;"
The points at issue in South Africa
and what has brought about condi-
tiOn OF war are contained in the follow
ing summary
rainty over the Transvaal under the
terms Of the convention of 1881. The
Beers dispute the claim, invoking the
convention Of 1884, in which the term
suZerainty" does not appear.
Second. Great Britain demands in.
creased facilities for naturalization OF
Outlanders. At present Outlandcrs
. desirOus OF naturalization must take
an oath renouncing allegiance to their
former government, and then, after II
years residence, provided they have
the affirmative vote Of three-fOurths OF
the burghers in their district, they be-
come citizens OF the South African
Republic. The Beers at one point of
the negotiations offered TO reduce the
probationary term to five years, but
the latest advices are that they now
stick out for seven years.
Third. Great Britain demands for
the Outlanders share in the election
OF tho president and increased repre-
sentation for the gold fields The
Beers say they are willing to concede
these point, but under conditions
which the British claim are likely to
make the concessions illusory. Ths
Britlo. Harnment wants to haSak
this matter Thoroughly fgnrant1H'f'