The record-union., 1899-10-14


are endeavoring to get Baden Powell
between two fires.
The gravity of the Boer advance can
be better estimated when it is realized
that they will thereby cut railway and
Geographic communication to the
north, isolating several British posi-
tlons which must be speedily relieved.
Despite the optimistic reports of the
ABILITY of Mafeking to repel attack, the
greatest anxiety prevails here regard
ing the situation there, as it is known
that the redoubtable Commandant
CronJe, who captured the Jameson
raiders, has the strongest force yet put
into the field, with the exception of
Commandant General Joubert's force.
Cfonje's troops number between 5000
and 10000.
Inc position in Natal has not mater
lally altered. The reported inroad of
o'UUO Beers by way of Tintwa Pass is
probably identical with the inroad of
the force reported yesterday as hav-
ing crossed Van Reenans Pass.
The Tintwa column, according to the
the last advices, had reached within
twenty miles of Ladysmith. On that
showing there ought to be speedy news
OF hghting. Ladysmith is at present
the Aldershot of Natal.
dispatch from Cape Town says
that no doubt is felt as to the LOYALTY
of Lerothidi and other native chiefs.
and the Basutos are still well in hand
but the resident Commissioner has de-
clded TO patrol the border in order to
prevent raids
Inc latest direct dispatch from Mafe-
KING says that although the Beers are
now moving restlessly in the vicinity of
thelr laager, there is no sign yet of
an attempt to cross the border.
AMERICAN CONSUL TO LOOK
AFTER BRITISH INTERESTS
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13.-The state
department was to-day notified of the
withdrawal from Pretoria of Convng-
nam Greene, the British diplomatic
assent TO the South African Republic,
and the existence of a state of war
between Great Britain and that repub-
nc. Mr.. Macrum, the American Con-
SUI at Pretoria, has accordingly been
instructed to undertake the care of the
British interests in that section dur-
ing the war.
Inc notification came to the State
department in the shape of a note from
Mr. Tower, in charge of he r .fisb
Embassy here. The details ~ ,a
transfer of British interests s
war mad been previously ~ eli a.
that all that was necessary was rhe
uIspatch of a brief cablegram TO Mr..
Macrum at Pretoria.
Th1s officer is the superior in rank to
the other Consular representatives of
the United States, not only a the
Transvaal, but in the Oranage Free
State, and he has been Instructed to
give those officials the necessary direc-
tions. The only other Consular Off
Ger besides Mr.. Macrum in the South
| African Republic, is Mr.. Gordon. who
succeeded Mr.. ManiOn as Consular
Agent at Johannesburg, Mr.. Manion
! having resigned a few months ago.
In the Orange Free State the Unit
ed States is represented by Alfred FL
liotr, Consular Agent at Bloemfontein.
He is an Englishman and therefore it
is questionable whether he will re-
main at his post in his capacity as
American Agent or retire. In the lat
ter case Mr.. Macrum will probably Sc
lect some suitable American to take up
the duties Of Consular Agent.
There is no present intention at the
state Department to issue a proclama-
ton of neutrality. 1t is customary to
omit these proclamations until some
emergency arises calling for their is-
sue and such an emergency is not ex
pected TO occur in South Africa.