The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-06-13
Bet England and
the TranSvaal.
THE SITUATION SERIOUS
Utter Failure of the Conference Bes
tween Representatives Of the Two
Governments- Secretary Chambers
lain's Reply In the Nature Of an Ulu.
matum TO be Made to the Uitlanders.
England VIII Not Recede From Her
Posfuon-Loudon Press Comments.

London, June S.-The advices received
here today from South Africa, emanat-
ing from British sources, show more
completely the utter failure OF the re-
cent conference between President
Kruger and the British high commits
sioner, Sir Alfred Miner.
The London afternoon papers all re-
fer to the dangerous situation Through
out. it is added, President Kruger
sought to use the franchise proposals
as a means Of obtaining a promise to
settle the differences under the con-
vention by arbitration, but the British
| commissioner determined to treat the
two subjects as independent, taking
the ground that internal reforms in the
T~ransvaal were necessary in amy case
in order to preserve the independence
Of the republic, and as regards arbitra-
ton, there were certain questions upon
which it could not be admitted, while
on other questions arbitration was
possibly admissible, provided a suitable
tribunal was suggested, not involving
the introduction of foreign power.
which the government would new al
low.
The morning papers are beginning to
| talk quite seriously of the possibility OF
war in South Africa. Mr.. Chamberlain,
| secretary of state for the colonies In
his speech in the house of commons
| Yesterday, announced that his reply 10
| the petition of the Uitlanders, which
| had been held back pending the result
| of the conference at Bloemfonteln
| would now be presented to the Trans
vaal
This reply is semi-officialy describ-
ed as explicit, blu cOnciliatOry,' but
it is believed to be in the nature of a
practical ultimatum The of
diplomacy are regarded as exhausted
with the failure of the conference.
Nothing is left, it is felt, but a recourse
! to force.
The Daily Mail says it learns that il
was President Kruger himself who
suggested the conference, and it claims
to have reliable authority for declaring
that Sir Alfred Miner, the British
high commissioner, has his back to the
wall and is supported to the utmost by
he cabinet.
Commenting editorially upon the sit
uation, The Daily Mail says: eff We
know our Kruger Alright, he will back
down; and, if not, why"
The Daily Chronicle d~eprecates Mr..
Chamberlain's warlike attitude, but
does not deny the gravity of the stu
alton n seriously counSelS the Beers
to grant reasonable reforms, las the
only means of preserving their indie
pendence against the plots of the stock
exchange and the violence of Down
ing street."
The Standard, which reminds the
Transvaal that it's independence is moi
absolute, but is contingent on a faith
full execution of the agreement stipu-
lating equal rights for all white inhabi-
tants, says: I'VE now demand that al
Englishmen resident in the Transvaal
shall be treated with justice, and Pres
ident Kruger may rest assured that the
whole country will support the gov
eminent in any measures required &c
make this demand effective"