The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-10-04
The Transvaal.

CAPE Town, Sept. 2S.-Today peace
seems only shadowy possibility and
everyone is listening for the first shot
The widest .umors are ahoat. 1t is eta
ted on fair authority that Laings Neck
Pass, the only entrance to the Trans
vaal, is to be occupied by British troops
today. Such action would almost sure
ly precipitate hostilities. A panic ex-
lists in Rhodes, which is practically
undefended. Only small force holds
the frontier posts.
If the Beers throw two thousand men
into the country it will practically be
at their mercy. Pretoria advices show
the Beers going on frontiers. An Oit-
lander at Pretoria named Robinson
has been arrested for high treason.
Bail has been refused.
LONDON, Sept. 2S.-The last stage of
the TIausvaal crisis is at hand. To-
morrow the cabinet will meet for final
action. A Pretoria despatch says:
"Kruger's reply to Chamberlain's last
despatch handed to ConyDgham Greene
to-day. The cabinet tomorrow will
discuss the Beers reply and unless
there is a back-d down, England's ulti.
matum will be formulated. A back
down is regarded as remote posi-
bility."
CAPE Town, Sept. 20. - British
troops occupied the entrance of the hill
west of Glencoe and Natal Detach-
ments have been sent to guard the
bridges over Buffalo river, which is a
part of the boundary between Natal
aud the Transvaal. On all sides of the
English is military activity. Garrisons
have been sent TO various towns
throughout the colony where they are
strongly disaffected by Dutch popula-
tions.
PRETORIA, Sept, proclamation
was issued today advising the course
when martial law will be proclaimed.
1t says Outlanders may leave or re-
main if they agree to keep peace. The
sale of liquors is stopped. Ali gold
must be deposited with the govern
mept for safe keeping. A system of
passports will be inaugurated. Rob.
ertson, an Englishman who was ar
rested for treason, has been remanded
on this charge.
LONDON, Sept, 29.-The Cabinet
met at one today, an immense crowd
filing Downing street. The enthusi-
astic scenes of last week were repeated
with greater intensity. The meeting
is considering the Transvaal's reply re-
ceived late last night in which Kruger
adheres strictly to theterms of the Lon
don convention and asks nothing fur.
Their. Suzerainty is not mentioned.
JOHANNESBURG, Sept. pa large
Boer force left Krugersdorf last night
for the Natal border.
CAPE Town, Sept. 29.-The British
authorities have learned of a plan
formulated at the Transvaal to proclaim
in the South African republic all the
territory south of Zambesi as soon as
hostilities begin. A new general govern
ment is to be established with Kruger
or Steyn as president. Miners agents
are engaged in running down the con-
spiracy. Wholesale arrests will follow
LONDON, Sept. 29.-It is believed
the following demands on the Trans
vaal will be decided in today's cabinet
Indemnity for the cost of sending out
troops to South Africa; dismantling the
Boer forts; suppression of the legation
in Europe; independence OF the judi
ciary; equality of the English and
Dutch languages in Volksraad; com
plete admission of British Suzerainty
The feeling tonight is that nothing
short of miracle can prevent war.