The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-09
sTEYN AND MILNER.
Correspondence Between Them Over
the TransvaaI Troubles.

BLOEMFONTElN, Orange Free state,
Oct S.-The correspondence between Presi-
dent Steyn and Sir Alfred Miner. British
high commissioner in South Africa and Gov
ernor of Cape Colony. has been published
In a communication date Sept. 2 President
Steyn pointed out that the tone of the Brit
ish dispatches was altered and that the
imperial government had departed from the
original basis of negotiations with the
Transvaal. On his advice the Transvaal had
agreed to the holding of an inquiry and the
Free State was greatly disappointed TO learn
that it's efforts in favor of peaceful solu-
ton had not availed. The Free State, Mr..
Steyn said, was still prepared 10 tender
its services to procure a solution of the
difficulties on fair and reasonable lines. 1t
felt hampered, however, by want Cf knowl-
edge of the definite object and the extent
Of the desires or demands of The imperial
government, compliance with which the gov
ernment considers itself entitled to insist
upon, and the grounds upon which insist
ence based, and further by the fact
that, notwithstanding repeated assurances
that the imperial government does not wish
to interfere with the internal affairs OF tie
Transvaal, or TO disturb its independence.
it has pursued a policy justifying ccrtraTy
conclusions.
The Free State, says Mr.. Steyn, cannot
conceive it possible that difference regard
ing the franchise or representation can jus
tlfy the extensive and ever-increasing mill
tary preparations being made upon the bor-
ders, not only of the Transvaal, but also
upon those of the Free State, and is. there
fore, reluctantly compelled TO conclude that
they must be intended to secure objects
knowledge of which might induce the Free
State to make representations to secure their
attainment. In conclusion, President Steyn
says he trusts the imperial government may
see its way clear, pending further negotia-
tions. to stop further movements for the in
crease Of troops, and that he would be glad
to be favored with the views of the imperial
government regarding the precise nature
and scope Of the concessions or measures
which it suggests as necessary or sufficient
to secure satisfaction and permanent solu-
tion of the existing differences.
On Oct. l President Steyn informed Sir
Alfred Milner that he deemed it advisable,
in order to allay the intense excitement of
the burghers arising from the continued in
crease and movements of the troops, TO
summon the burghers, and he repeats his
offer of aid in securing a friendly settle
ment. Replying on the same date Sir Alfred
the burghers and refers to the mobilization
Of the Transvaal forces on the Natal border
as indicating an intention to Immediately
invade the Queens domain. President
Steyn, on the same day, expresses his con-
viciion that the action of the Transvaal IL
| the only natural result Of the continued in
| crease of the British forces, and their
/ movement in the direction of the Transvaal
| border. Sir Alfred Miner replied on Oct 9
| that all the movements of the troops were
| necessitated by the natural alarm felt by
| the inhabitants of the 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, re-
/ plying on Oct. 5, says he does not consider
| that there. are even fair grounds for the
| movements of the British troops and he
believes the increasing military preparations
| retarded the efforts of himself and all those
| who were sincerely working to maintain
| peace and effect a fair settlement. He
| wished to place on record his earnest con-
| viction that on those in authority, who in
| troduced the military element. and who had
since continued policy of menace and in
| tervention, will rest the responsibilities
should all efforts fail to secure peace and
| an honorable 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 acting rs 1T has done, and he is the more
| confirmed in this view by the fact that,
while he is still without reply to his COM
munication of Sept q, the reasonable re-
| quest contained therein to stay the increase
and movement 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 prep
| arations and the dispatch of troops was
| proceeding more persistently than ever