The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-20
BRITISH CABINET CALLED.
MEETING ON FRIDAY TO CoNsIDER
THE BoERY DEFIANCE.

Runners That the Transvaai Ia Weakening
and that Kruger Has Unohacially Sought
the Good Onioos OF European Powers
Any Demand for DismantiinR of
Transvaal Forts Would Mean War.
Say the Boers-Movements of Troops.
ssseisI ss,h Ds,patsAa to rHr sun.
LONDON. Sept. 19.-Sum monses for Cabinet
meeting were issued this afternoon. They
we're not teleRraphed to the absent Ministers.
which Indicates that they are not regarded az
being urgent. 1t 10 believed that tho Cabinet
will meet on Friday.
A despatch to Dalziel's news agency from
Pretoria reports the receipt OF rumors launched
the other day 10 London to the effect that
Great Britain contem plates proposing new
convention. demanding that the Transvaals
forts DO dismantlsd. and the burghers partially
disarmed. The rumors caused much exotic
msnt and indignation.
Secretary OF State Retz. in an interview. said
that he had received Q similar report for the
Transvaal's agent in London. Though 1t came
from an Official source he doubted its accuracy.
At any rate he hoped 1t was not true II 1t was
true war would be inevitable.
Several members Of the Government and the
Volksraad also expressed themselves as GER
tain that the presentation Of such convention
for the Transvaal's signature would result in
It's rejection. and that war would follow.
1t b Aated here that President Kruger.
through DR.. Leyds. Minister OF the Transvaal
at Berlin. has unofflcially approached three
European powers. asking for their good Of
Aces in the dispute with Great Britain. II 10
also stated that the Netherlands 10 privately
trying to arrange o peaceful solution OF the
difficulties.
A despatch to the Central News from Pieter-
harrisburg. Natal. says that Trustworthy ad-
vices from Pretoria indicate that the Gov
ernments OF the Transvaal and the Orange
Free State are In favor OF . peaceful
settlement by the acceptance OF the
British proposals.. The Volksraad OF thd
Transvaal refuses. however. to sanction a
settlement on this basis. 1t 10 considered pos
sible that President KRUGER. knowing that he
can depend on popular support. may resort to
q coup d'etat. proroguing the Volksraad and
continuing the negotiations himself.
Tho Right Hon. Sir Henry Campbell Ban
herman. formerly Secretary OF State for War.
has. In response TO an inquiry. written letter
In which he says that, Notwithstanding the
fact that the negotiations have become
complicated and the question confused. the
essential merits OF the Transvaal difficulty are
unchanged. He adds that solution OF the
trouble 10 not beyond tho competence OF
A despatch to the Central News from Cape
Town says the second draft OF troops will leave
that place for Kimberley tonight. making
1900 troops now on their way there.
1t 10 reported that tho Beers are establishing
lager at Kom atipoort. which 10 within nifty
miles Of Delagoa Bay.
MELBOURNE. Sept. 19.-The Hon. W. Nc
Culloeh. Minister Of Defence. has openad q list
for the enrolment Of volunteers for service In
South Africa.
CAPE Town. Sept. 19.-There are persistent
rumors that the Transvaal Govern % ent has
handed to Mr.. ConynEham Greene. the British
| Agent. second despatch OF q moro corcia-
tory nature. The impression 10 gaining ground
that the Transvaal Is weakening owing to
pressure exercised BY the Orange Free State
LONDON, Sept 20.-Tho Daily Neos says 1t
has the highest authority for stating that
arrangements have been completed for send
ing full army corps to South Africa.
Tho Chronicles Cape Town correspondent
says 1t 10 believed there that Mr. Cha n bsrlain's
policy 10 to induce the Beers to make false
move. which would enable the British to make
q prompt attack without summoning the House
OF Commons.
The correspondent adds that . petition to
Queen Victoria has been started. which will be
| signed by the women OF Cape Colony. praying
| that the Grown reign by maintaining peace,
| and declaring that the prospect OF war 10
viewed with unspeakable horror.
A despatch to the Daily Nail from Johannes
| burg says that the seene at Sundays horse
| market there was unprecedented. Every anil
NAL offered for sale was bought by the Govern
msnt. 1t adds that the town 10 somewhat
| oalmer since the general acceptance OF tho view
| that war 10 unavoidable. The banks are forti-
| Tying their premises.
The Teleoraph's Pretoria correspondent says
that tho Transvaal and Orange Free State
| officials are urging the British residents to
| leave as they fear that the young Afrikanders
| may get out OF hand.