The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-09
rhe Free statss asss llliea teyn. cal:


not conceive it possible that a diff
ference regarding the franchise or rep
resentation can justify the extensive
and ever increasing military prepara-
tions being made upon the borders not
only Of the Transvaal, but also upon
those of the Free State. andZis there
fore reluctantly compelled tofeonclude
that they must be intended 40 secure
objects, knowledge OF whRA might
induce the Free State to make repre-
sentations to secure their attainment.
On Oct. l President Steyn Informed
Sir Alfred Miner that he deemed it
advisable in order to allay the in
tense excitement of the burghers aris-
ing from the continued increase and
movement of troops to summon the
burehers; and he repeates his offer of
aid in securing friendly settlement.
Replylng on. the same date, Sir Al
fred Miner expresses regret at the
calling out of the burghers and refers
to the mobilization of the Transvaal
forces on the Natal border as indicat-
ing the intention Of Immediately invad-
ing the queens dominion.
President Steyn. OH the same date,
expressed his conviction that the action
of the Transvaal is only the natural re-
suit of the continued increase of the
British forces and the movement in the
direction OF the Transvaal borders. Sir
Alfred Miner replied on Oct. that all
the movements of the troops We're ne
cessitated by the natural alarm felt by
the inhabitants of he exposed district
and declared that these movements
were not comparable in magnitude with
the recent massing of armed Transvaal
forces on the borders of Natal.
President Steyn, replying on Oct. 8,
says he does not consider that there
are even fair grounds for the move
TN...Ss Ss-I, u l., 1,f.
lieyes that the increasing military
preparations retarded the efforts Of
himself and all those who We're sin
cerely working to maintain peace and
effect a fair settlement. He wished to
place on record his earnest conviction
that on those in authority who intro
duced the military element and who
had since continued a policy of menace
and intervention will rest the RESPONSE
bility should all efforts fail to secure
peace and an Nonorable settlement. He
further says he cannot but recognize
the fact that in view of the action of
the British authorities the Transvaal
government cannot be blamed for act
ing as it has done and he is more con-
firmed in this view by the fact that
while he is still without a reply to his
communication of Sept. u, the reason
able requests contained therein to stay
the increase and movements of troops,
which probably would have prevented
the calling out of the burghers in the
republics, has not only been ignored
but the activity in military prepara-
tions and the dispatch of troops was
proceeding more persis'tently than ever
He concludes thus:
Il feel deeply impressed with the dan
ger of delay and urge the need of i'm
mediate action. If further attempts
are to be made to secure peaceful so
luton, once again l tender my best
service toward the attainment of that
object but 1 fear these will probably
be useless if they are not accompanied
with or preceded by the assurance re-
guested in mine of Sept. 81