Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-08-29
MARsHA1IrowN. IOWA TUESDAY. AUGUST 80 1899

nounced from Cape Town that Kruger
has thrown down the gauntlet. since he
has declared that he would make no
more concessions. and intended adher-
ing to his latest offer.
This, however, while conceding snf-
ficient franchise, stipulates the abroga-
tion of British suzerainty and the adop-
ton of arbitration.
Chamberlain, Knowing this, publicly
refused it Saturday, and hence there is
an absolute deadlock.
II this cable, which up to the present
time Is unconfirmed, proves true, and 1t
probably is true, only war or climb
down can solve the situation.
The Cape British are eager for war,
though the Cape ministry has an
nounced that in that event the colony
will be neutral. while the Orange Free
State has definitely declared it will side
with the Transvaal.
Still the idea OF war here creates no
enthusiasm whatever, even among its
advocates. But there is no doubt If de-
clared it will be waged with thorough
ness and relentlessness which will prob
ably insure a speedy termination and
surprise south Africa.
A week or so more will probably set
tie whether it will be peace or war.
If Chamberlain wants war he will
have it.
Beers Have Reached Limit.
Cape Town, Aug. 2s-According to re-
ports from johannesburg the burghers
are everywhere exchanging Martins
for Mausers.
A heavy load of ammunition. includ-
ing 300 Mausers, arrived at Johannes
burg on Friday from Utrecht, the Meth,
erlands.
The Cape house of assembly is again
debating the question of the transit of
arms intended for the Orange Free
State and presumably the Transvaal.
Evidently state of extreme tension
exists, as every speech made yesterday
was received with almost absolute sill
ence in the chamber.
William p. Schreiner. the premier,
personally appealed to his followers to
refrain from answering the criticism of
the opposition lest they should drop
words of ill-feeling.
The entire opposition rose to support
the motion for adjournment made by
the Rt.-Hon. Sir John Gordon Sprigg.
the former premier. Sir John, who re-
peated the arguments he had used In
the previous debate, asked the premier
what action the Cape cabinet proposed
taking in the matter.
He said that the recent speech Of the
British secretary of state for the colo
nies, Joseph Chamberlain, at Birming
ham, England, had forced all to the
nnn In ipY, fbot A P,.;o ~
brink of war unless the Transvaal met
thesBritish demands.
In his opinion the cape government
ought to follow the example of Portugal
at Delagoa Bay and refuse to permit
the transit of arms as long as the crisis
lasted.
After Sir John Gordon sprigg had fin
ished a pause occurred, the house wait
ing for the Premiers reply. Finally Mr.
Schreiner rose and declared that under
the customs convention the Orange
Free State was justified in importing
arms through Cape Colony, and he did
not intend to tear up that convection
knowing as he did that there would be
no war. I'm event of war;" he said, az
would not lack the true imperial spirit
Mr. Schreiner then read letter from
President Steyn, of the Orange Free
State, denying any intention on the part
of that government to take up arms in
any aggressive or offensive manner
against the British government or the
Cape Colony.
The letter created profound impress
sion. as clearly showing the purpose of
the importation of firearms. Several
members dwelt upon this phase, and
Mr.. Schreiner promised, in the case of
future consignments, to consult the
governor of Cape Colony, Sir Alfred
Miner, which he admitted he had not
previously done. He also asserted that
the Cape Colony would maintain neu-
trality in the event of war.