Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-27
IN A STATE OF WAR
British Ambassadors Announcement as to
South Africa
Effect of the NOtice-Right to Sell
Supplies-No Word From
Macram,

The British ambassador Lord Paunce-
fote, has informed the Secretary of State
that, in view of a doubt which appeared to
exist whether her majesty's government
recognize that the hostilites now in course
of progress in South Africa constitute a
state of war between Great Britain and the
two South African republics, he has been di-
rected by the Marquis Of Salisbury to inform
the Secretary of State. as an act of cour-
tesy, that the South African republic and
the Orange Free State, having declared
war against her majesty, the queen, and
having invaded the British colonies of the
Cape and Natal, a state of war has actual
ly existed since the 18th of October be-
tween England and the South African re-
public and the Orange Free State.
Effect of the Notice,
This notice appears to be couched in
terms similar to those addressed by the
British government to the governments of
continental Europe. 1t will probably not
materially affect the United States except
to enable the government to deal vigorous
ly with any persons who attempt to recruit
in the United States for either of the par
ties to the war, Boer or British SO far as
the sale of supplies to either of the parties
is concerned, citizens of the United States
are at perfect liberty to make such sale of
anything less than warshps. Of course,
the goods sold. If contraband, would be
subject to seizure, but this liability would
only operate as against the Beers at this
stage. for they have no navy wherewith to
make seizures of supplies shipped to the
British in South Africa or elsewhere OF
course, that condition might be changed
in the event that the South African renub-
lies should undertake to issue letters of
marque to adventurous sailors of other ma
tons.
No Word FrPm Consul Macrum.
Nothing has been heard from Mr.. Ma
crum recently respecting the measure of
success attending hisf efforts to care for
the British interests III the two Dutch re-
publics which wefe' c6hfded to him. Com
munication. though dificult and slow, is
still possible between Pretoria and the out
side world. and the fact that Mr. Macrurn
has not responded ctei his last Instructions
is taken as an Indication that he has not
attained definite arestHEs, one way or the
other, from his representations to President
Kruger. an.
Treatment ofithe British.
The British authorities have also submit-
ted representations to the treatment Of
British prisoners held by the Beers. The
representations bTingsaout the well-estab-
lshed procedure in time of war. particu
larly the Crimean and the Franco-Prussisn
war, when prisoners on each side were ac-
corded not only bodily protection by their
captors, but also were allowed to receive
letters subject to surveillance, and money
from their friends.
Acts of personal cruelty are not charged
but it is made plain that the Beers do not
extend the facilities which are universaiIv
recognized among civilized nations. AS the
United States consul at Pretoria. Mr.. Ma
crum, mad been charged with the protec-
ton of British interests among the Roers
the refusal of the Boer authorities to al
low letters or funds to- be Transmitted was
first made known to him.
The British representations followed and
about the same time the State Department
gave explicit directions to Mr.. Macrum to
see that every consideration of protection
usage be given to the prisoners indirectly
under his care.