The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-09-18

LoNDoN,sept. information from
all sources points to the extreme grav-
lily OF the Transvaal situation. Pretoria
advices, emanating from Boer sources,
say the Transvaals reply Is uncompro-
missing and that preparation for a
stanch resistance Is proceeding eontin-
uously.
A Pretoria special, dated September
is, says the situation is now regarded
as ali but hopeless, unless Great Brit
ain retreats from her position. The dis
patch adds: "The governments Of the
two republics consider the Transvaal
should refuse to coneede anything fur
ther, and It Is believed the Beers will
have the support OF oil the Afrikanders
throughout South Africa"
Il Is now definitely stated that the
Orange Free State has agreed to unite
with the Transvaal in resisting the
British claims. OF nIl the numerous
channels through which South African
news reaches London not one gives the
faintest hope that the Boer reply will
be favorable, the majority taking the
view that war is extremely probable.
The Boer representatives here and
on the continent reiterate that the
British government is allowing itself to
be influenced by those wanting British
dominion over the whole of South Afri-
ca. aEi that conviction Of the truth Of
this Is so hrmly rooted in the minds OF
the burghers that it is impossible to
hope that they will accept the con-
stanuy profered friendly advice re-
garding the settlement Of the matter on
Great Brltain's present terms.
The first battalion OF the Northum-
beriand fuslleers. nine hundred strong,
and attachments Of the army service
corps and ordnance corps. sailed on
the. steamer Gaul at gp. m. to-day from
Southampton, en- route to Natal amid
great enthusiasm.
Captain Sir Edward Chichester, who
commanded the British cruiser Immor-
talite at Manila, is among the officers
accompanying General White. He Is
going to Cape Tewn to command the
second-clas cruiser Doris, flagship OF
Admiral Harris. Captain Chichester
said to a reporter: "This is my first
march. 1t is difficult to say which
way events will turn. My work 10
among the hewers of wood and drawers
Of water. am to hustle between Cape
Town and Delagoa bay, the prospective
seat Of war, In the Doris with provls-
ions'apd equipment for the men.
II look back with vast pleasure at
my old American comrades. now of
on different scene Of action. am
sorry cannot see the reception to
Admiral Dewey or Join in welcoming
such typical navy man. Admiral
Dewey is of to peace, while fear I am
on into the thick Of war. The scenes
have changed. that is all. GOodby."
The crowd cheered Justify as the train
pulled out and pressed round the cars
ia order to get a handShake with Gem
eral White. Correspondents of leading
London papers start for South Africa
to-day including AIessrs. Melton Prior,
Stevens. and other well-known news
paper men.
At the Manchester peace meeting last
night Leonard Henry Courtney. Liberal,
formerly deputy speaker OF the house of
commons, read letter received from
Herbert Spencer. protesting against
the idea that the national honor would
be enhanced by attacking weak ma
tion, lamentIng that age and Ill health
prevent him from aiding the peace
movement, declaring 1t is undeniable
that the Jameson raid was an attempt
to usurp the Transvaal. and asserting
that what the outlanders' bullets failed
to do then they now hope to do by
votes.
ut is sad to see our government. .
continues the letter. backing those
whose uvowed policy is expansion.
which, less politely expressed means
aggression. and for which there is a
stin less polite word which is readily
guessed"
Speculation regarding the events that
would Immediately precede and follow
hostilities with the Transvaal continues
to occupy public attention.
Estimates OF the strength Of the
Boers widely dlyerge John Morley re-
ferred to them as able to put an army
OF 10000 men in the field. while the war
oRiclals seem to think that $1,000 is all
they could muster. AS a matter Of fact.
their strength entirely depends upon
the assistance they receive from the
Orange Free State and the natives,
which is impossible to gauge. The
present atmosphere of war has enor-
mously stimulated army recruiting.
Crowds Of young men surround the Of
fiees and daily large patches take the
oueen's shilling.
WANT WAR.