The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1899-10-04

telegraphs, burghers, munitions of war
and provisions are being hurried off to
Volksrust, the projected base of the Boer
operations against Natal. Crowds gather
at the stations to witness the departure
of the military trains. Gen. Jobert goes
to Volksrust tomorrow. The Boer war
office is working night and day and COM
Wandering is actively proceeding. The
raad, in order to secure the support of
many outlanders, has decided that out
landers who help the Beers will receive
the franchise. Several Of the Transvaal
government departments close tomorrow
including the high court. Immediately
after martial law is proclaimed, outside
postal communication will be stopped.
The secret session which the raad is
holding this evening will probably adj
journ until Wednesday, for the result of
the British cabinet meeting.
Protecting the Border.
The Transvaal is concentrating artil-
lery along the Natal border, and it's re-
serve artillery dispatched t0 Standerston
and Wakkerstroom and also to Rustem-
berg, which will probably form the base
of attack ON Bechuanaland. in the direc-
ton of Mafeking, wnere a British coun-
terforce is assembling, and Notifications
are being raised.
The occupants of trains from the
Transvaal arriving at Ladysmith con-
firm the movement Of the burghers in
the direction of the frontier. They also
declare that the Beers insulted them
when passing the stations and that one
Boer assaulted passenger without
provocatlon.
About 1900 Boer artillerymen, includ-
ing the reserves, are encamped at Volks-
rust, where the field cornet has now is
sued 925 rifles and $4,000 cartridges.
Bloemfontein Deserted.
From Bloemfontein come advices which
saw the town is beginning to present a
deserted appearance. Numbers Of the
inhabitants, chiefly women, have left.
The government has issued a circular to
the railroad employees, who are mostly
British subjects, notifying them that, in
case Of war, they will all be dismissed
and paid in full. According to agree
ment, those volunteering to bear arms
will be allowed to do so, and those resign
ing will be allowed to remain in the coun-
try without being commandments; but
they will be expected to serve the state
Loyalty.
On the British side the forces are
steadily moving nearer to the frontier.
HuSsar scouts have advanced to Damn
branse beyond Glencoe, in the direction
Of Laing's Mex. on the main railroad.
Artillery for Newcastle.
The batteries of artillery which left
Glencoe ostensibly for Dundee, a few
miles distant, have suddenly been or
dered to Newcastle, which is in advance
of the British base. The farmers of this
northernmost part of Natal, which enters
the Transvaal like a wedge, are leaving
their farms and coming down the coun-
try.
In Rhodesia which is exposed to a
Boer attack, the British colonists are
actively preparing for defense.
The Boer reply had not reached the
colonial office at noon, much to the as
tonishment Of the officials who remained
on duty all night long, expecting it's ar
rival at any moment.
At Southampton there was a scene of
considerable excitement, two transports
leaving that port today. Further contin-
gents of troops of various arms. on q
third transport, left the Mersey this aft
ernoOn.
-Four liners were chartered at Liverpool
this morning to call at Naples, where
each vessel will embark 5000 mules.
Washington, d. c., Sept 3O.-Thc
state department has instructed the
United States consular officers in the
Transvaal to furnish protection to all
neutral American citizens in the event
of war between Great Britain and the
South African republic.