The evening times., 1899-12-29
Delag0a BAY.

As might have been expected the "Ber-
lin Lokal AnZieger" story concerning the
alleged secret treaty between Great Brit
ain. Germany, and Portugal. has been de-
MED by the official press, and is denounced
In some quarters as a composite of guess
work and pure fabrication. At the same
time it is worthy of notice that parts of
the "Lokal Anzeiger's" statement are gen.
orally accepted as probably. if not certain
iy. true In general way it may be per-
haps assumed with confidence that no four
nal in the Kaiser's capital would have ven-
tured to print mass Of haseless assertions
OF the exciting character of The treaty SEN
salon, or, believing them to be acurate.
would have risked publication without first
obtaining the tacit consent OF someone au-
thorized to act for the Foreign Office.
1t is, then, not improbable that the high
parties 10 whatever agreement actually
may exist have been willing 10 let the
story appear as an easy means of develop
ing the extent of outside objections to the
cession of Delagoa Bay to England, which,
after all. is the kernel of the matter. The
sensation has promptly produced one re-
suit, in the form of a declaration from
President Kruger. that if the British shut
of his base of supplies at Lourenco Mar
ques he will Tetaliate by starving the pris-
oners of war in his hands. He may or may
not be in earnest in making such a
threat In any case, delay in the cession of
the port and harbor, which is regarded as
certain to come in time, is more likely TO
arise from the failure OF the Swiss arbi-
traitors to decide the Anglo American
claim against Portugal ON account OF the
theft Of the Delagoa Pretoria railway some
years ago by Portuguese officials. It may
be one two. or even three months before
a decision will be given ont, and in the
interim the diplomatic situation is un-
favorable 10 drastic action which might
prove an irresistible temptation to Russia
to seize Herat. But, if the ease should go
against Portugal she would have to sell
something 10 secure The means for settle
ment. and. in that case, it is presumed
that Portuguese East Africa would go
most of it to Germany. and Delagoa Bay
and strip to connect with the Transvaal
to England-the two powers jointly finding
the money 10 pay the British and Ameri-
can claimants.
While this important movement remains
in allegiance, the only course open to Great
Britain. in attempting TO prevent the Beers
from receiving arms, ammunition, and
supplies b. way of Delagoa Bay, will be 10
capture and hold every cargo which can
be shown to have Boer territory for its
destination. Technically this may violate
neutral rights in some cases; but, if the
capturing power shows disposition 10 in
demnify innocent losers. it is not likely F!
that any international trouble will result |
Merchants and shippers of all nations are |
bound 10 take notice that goods consigned |
to Lourenco Marques are in fact intended |
for the belligerent states of South Africa. |
If they choose to take the chances of cap !
ture. they cannot complain if their ships |
or cargoes are taken by British cruisers |
and sent to the Cape for adjudication by |
a prize court. At best, this method of |
keeping Kruger's back door shut will be |
a dangerous and costly one for the British |
and as the only alternative
appears to be acquisition of power to
blockade Delagoa Bay. 1t would seem rea-
sonable 10 expect that Lord Salisbury
will try to discover some way of ac-
the latter without waiting for
the Swiss arbitrators. 1t is very delicate.
and to England a most serious matter.