The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-28
Hostilities Be Opened by the
Declaration OF War.
TRHNSVAAL TO REPLY TO-DAY
ORANGE FREE STATES DECISION
DISCUSSED YESTERDAY.
British Cabinet to Hold Another
Meeting IN Friday, When ImpOr-
tant Developments Are Expected.

LONDON. Sept. 9.-Nouces OF the adj
journed Cabinet council were forwarded yes
terday afternoon and the chief government
whip will be on hand to give immediate eff
feet to any decision arrived at regarding the
reassembling of Parliament.
from Bloemfontein last even
ing leaves little doubt that the Orange Free
State Volksraad is unanimous in supporting
the Transvaal.
The Cape Town correspondent of the
Daily News says: The pass OF Laing's
Mex will be occupied tomorrow (Thursday)
with sufficient strength for present needs,
under the belief that the Beers will attack
Natal Immediately. hoping to forestan the
landing of the Indian contingent.
The Cape Town correspondent of the Daily
Mail says: '"rhe Beers. I believe, will con-
strue the occupation of Laing's Mex as an
act of hostility. British members of the
Cape House of Assembly freely ~criticise
England's unpreparedness and predict a
serious reverse. followed by grave risings
of coionists in the adjoining republics,
namely, at Albert, Aliwalnorth, Burghers-
dorp, Colesberg, Hanover and other places
to the northward which have been we'll
armed by the republic. This is no fairy tale.
but an honest opinion of members of Par
lament here. There has been an enormous
run upon reviewers. The price of Mausers
has advanced from CT to e22. Supplies OF
all kinds are quickly bought up. President
Steyn, it is reported, Is about to send his
family to the Cape"
MAY REPLY TO-DAY.
A few days now should witness a definite
DEVELOPMENT in the crisis In the Transvaal.
volksraad was sitting in secret session
last evening "wednesday and the burghers
doubtless had the result OF the delibera-
tions of the Orange Free State Volksraad
to guide them in making a decision as to
the reply to Mr.. Chamberlain's latest dis
patch. which will probably be handed to the
British diplomatic agent at Pretoria, Co.
nyngham Green, to-day, and be discussed
by the British Cabinet tomorrow. The sec
rotary Of state for war, the Marquis of
Lansdowne, was busy until a late hour last
evening at the War Office.
A telegram from Naples shows that the
British government is buying mules there
as well as in the United States. 1t is I'M
derstood that ten thousand will be pur-
chased altogether, but as it will take at
least a month to get them to Africa and a
similar time to get an army corps to the
front. it is evident that big operations will
be impossible until towards the end of
October.
1t is understood that the next British note
will virtually demand the absolute fulfill
ment of the conventions Of 1881 and 1884,
which nave been violated in numerous
points, but will accept a five-year limit of
the franchise.
According to the Pretoria correspondent of
the Daily Chronicle, it is believed in the
highest quarters there that a settlement is
even yet possible if Great Britain will pro-
pose moderate terms and at the same time
make it clearly understood that these will
be regarded as inal Other dispatches from
South Africa, however, anticipate that
President Kruger will continue obdurate and
represent the situation as of the gravest
character.
WAR WITHIN A WEEK.
Dispatches from Pretoria and Johannes
burg speak of the probability of hostilities
within a week. One correspondent says:
British subjects will be given a certain
period within which TO quit the country. III
they desire to remain they must make APP
plication to that effect. and the application
will be considered on its merits"
Another correspondent says: -Four thou
sand rifles and a quantity of ammunition
have just arrived at Johannesburg and are
being distributed by the field comets. The
burghers OF Pretoria. 1900 in number. are
equipped and awaiting the order to adj
vance,
The Daily Telegraph publishes the follow
ing from it's correspondent in Cape Town:
Il regret to note a universal opinion that
war is very near. Everywhere the Beers are
active and bellicose. They are arming,
equipping and storing supplies for a pro-
tracted struggle.
The Transvaal government has failed in
an attempt to purchase 10000 sacks of wheat
here, but Boer agents are securing South
Africa to buy provisions. Proof accumu-
lates OF the existence Of a great Dutch con-
spiracy against British supremacy in South
Africa. The Free State is believed TO be
involved and there is no doubt that the
Orange government Is intent on war. Many
Beers in the northern districts of Cape Col
ony are joining our probable enemy. The
Dutch republics together will be able to
muster nearly 5000. nearly all mounted. ]
learn that the Free State has decided ito
put 1900 into the field.
a run is commencing on the banks in the
Transvaal and the Orange Free State.
At Liverpool IL is asserted that the White
Star steamer Britannia and other steamers
have been engaged as transports to carry
troops 20 South Africa.
The Daily Mail publishes the following
from pietermaritzburg "A number of RAND
companies lave decided to pass dividend.
until the crisis is over, in view OF the pos.
sibility of having to replace machinery dam.
aged by war"
An American, j. C. Hall. has been ap
pointed editor OF the Johannesburg Star. II