The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-27
President Kruger Accused OF ytOlat-
ing Conventions and Treating
Friendly Advances with Contempt.
ENGLISH TROOPS ARE READY
FLOWER OF THE ARMY REVIEWED
BY QUEEN VICTORIA.
Military Display on the Plains of Al
dershot That Satisfied Her Majesty
Her Soldiers May BE Relied On.

BIRMINGHAM. England, June o.
Joseph Chamberlain, secretary of state for
the colonies addressing the Unionists of
this city, this evening reviewed carefully
the Transvaal question. In the course of his
speech he said that, owing to the enormous
military preparations of the government of
the South African republic, Great Britain
had been compelled to increase the British
garrison at Cape Colony and Natal, entail
ing an additional expenditure of G500,00 an
nually. IF the reforms which Lord Ripon
proposed in 1894 had been accepted said
the minister, there would have been no raid
and no crisis at the present time. But the
raid tied the hands of the government and
prevented the application of pressure"
Mr.. Chamberlain said the government had
tried to establish friendly relations with
President Kruger. but all it's advances had
been received with contempt. He then pro-
ceeded to eulogiZe Sir Alfred Miner, Gov
ernor of Cape Colony, and British high COM
missioner for South Africa. The government
accepted full responsibility for the actions
of that official. AS for the counter pro-
posals of Mr.. Kruger. they did not consti-
tute even fair installment of reform.
After denoqncing in the strongest terms
the attitude and actions Of the Beers Mr..
Chamberlain, with great deiiberation and
emphasis, added: 1.-The Transvaals enor-
nous secret-service fund has procured it
friends and advocates III every country.
The way the British subject there is treated
is not only a menace to them all, but it in
terferes with our prestige among the ma
tives, who now regard the Beers, and not
the British, as the paramount power.
Besides the breaches of the London con-
vention the Transvaal Is fiagrantly violat-
ing the equality that convention was in
tended to secure. Its governemnt is a fest
ering sore, poisoning the whole atmosphere
of South Africa. The duties in Cape Colony
and Natal would be in the happiest condi-
ton. but so long as the disease of hatred and
suspicion prevails in the TransvaaI it is i'm
possible to stop the contagion.
-Four times since independence was graft
| ed we have been on the verge of war with
| the Transvaa 1t is erroneous to say the
British government wants war, but 1t is
| equally erroneous TO say that the govern
ment will draw back now that 1t has put its
hand to the plow. We hope the efforts that
are now being made will lead to an AMIGA
BILE arrangement, for Great Britain only de-
sires justice but there comes a time when
patience can hardly be distinguished from
weakness and when moral pressure becomes
farce that cannot be continued without
loss of self-respect. 1 trust that time may
never come in this instance, but il II does
Britons will insist on the means to find
result ess~ntial to the peace of South AZ
rica."
The speech was warmly applauded. In re-
ply 10 vote of thanks Mr.. Chamberlain
said he felt strengthened and encouraged
by their confidence and support. He had
spoken from the heart. because he believed
they had reached a critical turning point in
the history Of the empire. and that the
whole world was watching to see how they
would issue from the difficulty. 1T is my
belief said he, in closing. that the coun-
try will show itself not unworthy of its
glorious history and traditions