Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-09-13
STRENGTH OF THE BOERS.
ESt. Joseph HERALD


The Transvaal Is now the chief object
OF the. worlds attention. Affairs have 1
martial aspect !, and, unless there Is q
complete backdown on the part of the
Boer government or Great Britain. q
conflict will ensue. In the event OF war
there Is some curiosity as to how long
the Boer government will last. 1t is
generally conceded that England must
OF course prove victorious, because of
her tremendous resources. On the other
hand the strength of the Beers has been
underestimated rather than overesti-
mated.
Great Britatn's delay in forcing con-
flict is influenced doubtless by the fear
OF outside interference, rather than any
anxiety as to the result Of conflict in
the Transvaal. II war Is declared, the
advantage will be largely with the
Beers. Beside those In the Transvaal.
there are large numbers of Beers in the
Orange Free State, Natal and Cape Col
ony The outbreak OF hostilities will
give cause for race war between the
Beers and the English. In such an event
the former will rally to the call of
President Kruger, and will obstruct the
British troops on their march to the
Transvaal
1t will not do to place confidence in
the reports that the equipments and
artillery of the Boer government are
OF an antique pattern. for the prepon-
derance of evidence is against such a
statement. President Kruger is a
shrewd statesman and has amply pre-
pared for the emergency of war. even
though he is of a profoundly religious
nature. The claim Is made by those
who ought to know that ISruger's artil-
lery is superior to that Of the British In
South Africa, and that the small arms
at the disposal of the Boer army are of
the latest pattern and most efficient
mechanism.
The Beers are crack shots and know
how to handle a weapon as we'll as an
Arizona cowboy knows how to handle
broncho. The British troops who en-
gage in battle with them will find much
such a reception as their ancestors
found at Bunker Hill. That the conflict
will not be short and sharp is evidenced
by the fact that British residents are
now hurrying out of the Transvaal.
They are not sure whether war will be
declared, but they are taking no
chances. They evidently know the re-
sources of President Kruger, and do
not propose to risk themselves in a coll
lision.
There is one aspect to the impending
conflict that must be taken into consid-
GRAFTON. British property interests in
South Africa Will experience terrific des-
truction. There Will be an enormous
loss of British prestige and many dis
astrous defeats for the British forces to
endure. The resistance Will be finally
overcome by Great Britain literally
pouring troops into Africa, but 1t will
be at a fabulous expense. The loss OF
life, property and prestige will be al
most Overwhelming. The conflict will
be no easy one for Great Britain, even
with all her power and tremendous re-
sources to continue.
Then, too, 1t is probable that while
engaged in such conflict Great Britiar
may be called upon by Russia to ar
range for uefinite policy in China
France may make demands upon her II
/ Egypt. which would result in humilia-
| ton if not war. and one would be a.
! bad as the other. Possibly, president
1 Kruger is aware of such an emergency
and that is the reason he exhibits such
/ remarkable firmness. Great Britain ha'
a problem to solve. that calls for thu
wisest craftsmanship and most conserv
4 oft an