Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-07
TOO BUSY TO SEE HIM
General James B OBeirne Calls at the State
Department.
Represents the Transvaal Republic
Wants the United states to
Prevent HostiIities.

Gen. Jas. r. O'Beirne called at the State
department today to obtain recognition as
the representative OF the Transvaal repub-
lie. He was able to see Assistant Secre-
tary Adee, who referred him to Acting Sec
rotary Hill, but the latter was too busy at
the time to give the colonel a hearing and
an appointment was made for a later hour.
The colonel was surprised at the statment
coming from the State Department that he
could not be recognized in the capacity of
diplomatic representative of a foreign
country on account OF being an American
citizen. He is by no means content to ac-
cept this decision. and will make a deter
mined effort to secure recognition. He said
last night that he would ask that the
friendly offices of the United States govern
ment be used to avert hostilties between
the Transvaal and the British empire. He
was not clear as yet as to the procedure
to be followed. The Transvaal government
he said, probably already has cabled him
full instructions, but they had not reached
him. Gen. O'Beirne expressed the opinion
that war would be averted.
Inclined to Arbitrate.
The condition of affairs in the republic"
he said ARE very acute and most critical.
But there is willingness on the part of
the Transvaal authorities to arbitrate the
issue, and that may yet be effected. But
If the worst comes to worst, it must be
borne in mind that the Beers are good
fighters. They are very religious, and such
people. 1t has been demonstrated. make the
best fighting material. While inclined to
arbtrate the controversy, the Beers are
making preparations steadily and rapidly
for every emergency. and they will be
found In readiness If need be-"
Gen. OBeirne was not prepared to dis
cuss his diplomatic status and will examine
authorities before he argues the point. He
acknowledges that established usage is
opposed to an American citizen being the
official representative of a foreign power
but says that this is a progressive age and
a progressive government and that usage
may not wholly govern in such cases.
Seeking DR.. Miering.
Mr.. Vanderhook of Baltimore came over
here last night as a personal friend of
President Kruger and General Joubert to
confer with General O'Beirne Ineffectual
efforts were made to find Rev. Dr. Miering,
the Transvaal delegate to the Pan-Presby-
terrain Alliance conference here, in order to
persuade him to remain over so that when
he goes he may be the bearer of dispatches
to the Pretoria government reporting on
the trend Of public feeling here, the atti-
tude of this government, and secret data
for the Information of the Transvaal for
eign office. Mr.. MeiriLg, however, has
left Washington, and 1t Is understood ar
ranged to sail on the Cunard Liner today.
Will Watch Operations.
1t is probable that the United States gov
eminent will be represented in South Africa
in the event of war between Great Britain
and the Transvaal republic in the person of
an officer of the army. The State Depart
ment has already made applicable to the
British government for permission to detail
an officer to accompany the British forces
in the field and the request will undoubtedly
be granted. Capt. S. L. H. Slocum Of the
sth Cavalry, at present military attache
at the United States embassy at Vienna
has applied for the detail and he will most
probably receive 1t in case the British au-
thorities act favOrably upon the applica-
ton. In case he is sent it will be his duty
to observe and report upon the condition
and operations Of the contending forces
Details of this character are always made
in cases Of war.