The sun., 1899-09-17
B0ERS REJECT THE TERMS.
WIDESPREAD BELIEF IN LONDON
THAT WAR rs INEVITIBLE

Conservative Opinion Doubts England's In
tention to Use Force Yet-Danger of an
Unauthorized Clash on the Frontier-The
War Spirit in England Increased by tho
Departure of Troops for south Africa.
Special Cable De,pateh 10 THE Sun
LONDON. Sept. 10-While the hope OF avoid
ing hostilities between Great Britain and the
Beers has undoubtedly diminished. there is not
adequate justification for the widespread be-
liet in London tonight that war Is now In
svitabe. All accounts agree that the Boer
reply to the British demands 10 tahta-
mount to a refusal. Nevertheless they reckon
without the restraining influence Of British
conscience. who believe that Ensland's answer
will be a declaration OF war or tho firing OF
British gun without further preliminariss The
Beers may expect this; In fact. the real danger
is that they will assume a British intention to
Immediately attack them aud will seek to FORE
stall the British at some frontier point.
The war spirit Ia strong in England and
especially In London. but its strength is ex-
aggerated. both in the press and other public
utterances, 1t is beginning to be realized by
conservative opinion that the remaining issues
with the Boer republic will not Justify England
before the world. or before her own
conscience. In striking down free white peo-
pie. 1t may be the intention OF the Salisbury
Government. sooner or later. by one means or
another. to add the Transvaai Republic to the
British dominions. but 1t will not be attempted
without better excuse than tho Boer refusal
to grant the outstanding demands. Such an
excuse. unfortunately. may be forthcoming at
any moment. There are plenty OF agents OF
Cecil Rhodes. with other fire eaters. on tho
Transvaal frontier ready to provide it even IL
the Beers themselves do not.
The artificial nature Of much OF the war eS
citement both here and at the Cape is becom-
ing more papaple daily. The pence party has
no fair representation in the London press.
The Manchester Guardian is its only powerful
exponent The influence OF the Chartered
Company on the English press was never so
strongly demonstrated as to-day.
The Boer rerly has not yet reached the
British Government but even II 1t bears out
the current forecasts. no action will be taken
until the Cabinet council early next week The
response then Is not unlikely to be curt
notification OF the British intention to revise
the Bloomfontein convention. 1t Is doubtful II
the Beers longer restrain themselves under
such provocation. They may even interpret
such action as a declaration OF war
Many Englishman are puzzled by Sir Alfred
Miners openly beicose attitude. His last
Government to proceed to extreme measures
imm ediately. This Is an open espousal OF the
war party's cause. and deeply disappoints
many OF Sir Alfred's friends, who have hereto
fore had unlimited confidence in his prudence.
conservatism and federation.
The public excitement in London was fed
to-day by the enthusiastic farewells to depart
ing troops. and the long series OF war oflce
announcene ents OF fresh preparations for war.
The patriotic thrills aroused by reading these
stern orders were turned to bathos by this &C.
companying circular. signed by the Secretary
OF War: Tt has been noticed that a predomi-
nant fashion exists for young officers to shave
the upper lip. This Is much to be regretted"
The order proceeds to reauest the superior offi-
GERS to take such steps as may be necessary to
ensure that the Queen s regulations are obeyed.
Up to midnight President Krnger's reply
to Secretary Chamberlains despatch had
not been received at the Colonial Of
nee. although advices from Pretoria
state that It was handed to Mr.. Conyg-
ham Greene. the British diplomatic agent. at
II o'clock yesterday morning. The reply 10
expected at any moment and the full staff OF
the Colonial ONCE will remain on duty all
night When the reply is received II will be
teIegraphed at once to Secretary Cham berlain.
who Is at Birmingham. 1t Is not expected
that the reply will be made public before
Monday.
The latest news from South Africa conirms
the statements made by the Cape Town CORE
spondent OF the Pail Mall Gazette In regard to
the willingness OF the Transvaal Government
to grant the seven years franchise. provided 1t
is not regarded as precedent. and the appoint
ment OF a Joint com mmission Of inquiry.