The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-09-20
The Transyaal.

LONDON, Sept. 16.--A special die
pa'ch from Pretoria Gays the Transvaal
adheres in its reply to the seven years
franchise law, but is willing to consider,
and, ii necessary, to adopt any sugges
tons Great Britain may make with re-
gard to the working OF the law. In re-
gard TO the other points of Mr.. Cham
berlaln's despatch, the Transvaal boldly
stands by the London convention. 1t
is said that the reply is couched in po-
lite terms.
In an interview today State Secreta-
ny Reitz expressed doubt as to whether
any alterations would be made in the
existing franchise law; but said he be-
licved it should and could be found
possible to establish an arbitration
court. AS TO suzerainty, the least said
the soonest mended, remarked the
State secretary. The London newspa-
pers this morning comment freely on
the situation, which they etill consider
most acute.
CAPE Town, Sep, 16.-Further tele-
grams confirm The forecast of the re-
ply of the Trsnsvaal to Great Britain,
which does not accept the demands OF
the British government as q whole.
Great excitement prevails at Pretoria
over the consequences which may en-
sue. Royal Munster regiment has ar
| rived.
CAPE Town, Sept. 16'-The Dutch
in all parts of South Africa are arming,
and they say they are preparing for a
general war for independence. In
their last reply to the Transvaal, the
Orange Free State agrees to stand by
the Beers in any event.
LONDON, Sept. 16.-The London edi.
ton of the Standard and Digger News
says that Kruger's reply is expressed
in uncompromh iny terms. The paper
says that Kruger's seven sons and fifty
grandsons will serve in the Boer army
which is now prepared for all contin-
gences.
LONDON, Sept. IS. - The acute
Transvaal situation continues to usurp
all attention. The tone of the press is
warlike. Even anti-Jingo pagers see
smsll chance for peace vi settlement.
The summary of Krugei's reply pub.
lished this morning, regarded official
confirms the forecast, that it would be
unsatisfactory to Great Britain. 1t is
"negative" and mot conclusive" to 6
degree. In effect, Kruger rejects
highlands proposals and ask ian easier
one" The attitude of the govern
ment on Kruger's reply will be de cidet
by full cabinet meeting in day OF
two. 1t is almost certain that no new
proposals will be offered.
England's next note will be an uti
M h,,t hn 10
quite ready for war. Two things are
laying matters. One fact is that En-
glish reinforcements cannot arrive il
Natal for several weeks yet. Another
is the British dislike to strike the frs
blow which it feels that Kruger for
moral effect is inviting. Despite the
seriousness of the situation stocks are
holding well ard indicate that specula
tors do not expect war.
LONDON, Sept. S.-Petermaritzburg
Natal. A despatch says the Beers
Stats artillery has arrived on the Dor
der, with the result of general panic
of the English residents who expect
raid.
LONDON, Sept. 18.-The Times sec
ond edition prints Johannesburg de
spatch that an early coup of the Boer,
is contemplated. Quantities of com
pressed forage are being sent to the
Natal border. Beers are buying al
horses available.
LONDON, Sept. 10 Mr.. Chamber
lain, who arrived from Birmingham
yesterday, was busy the greatest part o.
last night at the colonial Office. A ses
sion of the cabinet is not yet ordered
but close communication is maintained
between Mr.. Chamberlain and Lore
Salisbury at his country seat.
A despatch from Cape Town says i
is persistently rumored that the Trans
vaal government yesterday sent sec
ond and more conclliatory despatch t,
the British government. Nothing abou
this can be learned at the colonia
office.
LONDON, Sept. 10 Pail Mall Ga
zette'S cable for Cape Town says til,
Beers are expected to take the iniative
Attack is hourly anticipated.
CAFE Town, Sept. l9--It is know
that Boer agents are active Throughout
the Colony. IL is reported they hav
distributed arms to premier Scheiner'
constituency. Many reports from
| countr y districts of uneasine's nom
the natives. Uprisings are feared
7 re farmers are asking permission T.
organize militia for local defense.