The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1899-10-13
TRANSvAAL WAR BEGUN
Beers Cross Natal Border and
Occupy Laingsnek.
FIRST SHOT FIRED BY BoER PATROL


British at MafeIxing Also Take the
Offensive-Mr. COnyngham Greene
Leaves Pretoria, Intrusting British
Interests to United States.
London, Oct. 13.-The first act of war
was the sWarming of the Beers across
the border of Natal and the occupation
Of Laingsnek. An advance in the direc-
ton of Newcastle is also reported this
morning, but is not fully confirmed. The
British field force in Natal under Cen
erals White and Symons remains on the
defensive. The main body of troops in
Cape Colony is also stationary, but a
strong force has moved from Mafeking
in Bechuanaland toward the Transvaal
border, taking guns and ambulance equip
ment. This force consists chiefly of rough
riders and crack marksmen from Bula-
wayo, and is stiffened with the Northum-
berland fusileers or the Fighting Fifth"
regarded by Kitchener as, on the whole,
his best regiment The cavalry is COM
manded by Colonel Baden-Powell, broth
err of the late Sir George Powell, well
known as yachtsman, and the infantry
by Colonel Plumer. These two officers
the Matabele rebellion.
This advance excites surprise and anx-
iety in the military circles in London
and is not understood, because not in line
with the general defensive tactics which
had been expected during the earlier
stage of the British campaign. The
ground covered is also the track of the
i'll fated Jameson raid. General Cronje's
force is massed in that quarter. Whatev-
er may be the movements of the next few
days, it is not believed at the war office
that either the Transvaal commands oc-
cupying Laingsnek or the Free State
forces entering Natal through Van Rec
mems pass will make any serious advance
against the British lines. The utmost
which is considered possible is strenu-
Gus and successful attempt to cut the
lines of communication between Pieter-
maritzburg and Ladysmith or Escourt.
There Is no idea at the war office that
either Durham or Pietermaritzburg is in
danger from the Boer raiders.
The First Shot Already Fired.
The first shot of war, it is now admit
ted, has been fired. Before Kruger's ul-
timatum was issued 1t came from Boer
patrol, who fred on the mail train from
Natal. The seizure of mail train in the
Free State at Harrismith is also re-
ported.
The two governments have been speed
ing their diplomatic representatives with
the usual signs of activity. Montague
White, the Transvaal agent, has closed
his office here and rushed into the en-
brace of DR.. Leyds at Brussels, leaving
the Dutch minister to administer his eff
fects. Conyngham Greene has also said
farewell to Kruger and started for Cape
Colony. Arrangements by which the
American consul has undertaken Mr..
Greene's duties in the Transvaal are
highly appreciated in England.
While the war has opened quietly and
there are no exciting episodes, there is
intense interest in the meager details
which are allowed to pass the censorship
in South Africa.
The cabinet today will arrange the de-
tails of the meeting of parliament. Mr..
Chamberlain remains deep in work at the
colonial office, but his friends quote him
as saying that his work is done for the
present except in parliament.
A dispatch from Johannesburg says
war has been formally declared by the
Transvaal government.
President Steyn of the Orange Free
State has issued proclamation to the
Free State burghers, in which he says:
"Our sister republic is about to be at
tackled by an INSCRIPTIONS enemy who
has long looked for a pretext to ami
hilate the Africanders. Our people are
bound to the Transvaal by ties as well
as by formal treaty"
President Steyn declares solemnly and
In hn nf hA A iOb+ Ahok h<
is compelled to resist the powerful enemy
owing to the injustice done his kith and
kin. Solemn obligations he declares.
have not protected the Transvaal against
the annexation conspiracy, and when it's
independence ceases the Free States
existence as an independent state is
meaningless.
"The experience of the past" the proc
anatiea says, "Shews that no reliance
can be placed upon the solemn promises
and obligations of Great Britain when
an administration is at the helm that is
prepared to tread under foot treaties"
England's Alleged Perfidy.
Then follows historical sketch of the
alleged wrong. 1.-The original conven-
TONS" the proclamation continues.
have been twisted and turned by Great
Britain as a means of exercising tyranny
In the Transvaal for which no return in
Justice has been done in the past. No
gratitude has been shown for the indul-
gence granted British residents, who,
according to law, have forfeited their
lives and property.
Compliance with the British demand
would be equivalent to the loss of indie
pendence. which has been gained by the
blood and tears of many years. The
British troops are concentrating on the
borders of the Transvaal in order to
compel by terrorism compliance with the
claims and crafty plans of those whose
motive is love of gold.
Realizing which, while acknowledg-
Ing the honor of thousands of English.
men who abhor deeds of robbery and
violence, the Free State execrates the
wrongful deeds of British statesmen"
The proclamation expresses the conf
dence of the president that the Almighty
will help and aid the Beers and counsels
the burghers to do nothing unworthy Of
Christians and of burghers Of the Free
State. 1t concludes;
"Burghers of the Free State, stand nm
as one man against the oppressor and
the violator Of right"
The proclamation is signed "Steyn''
and is dated Oct. IL.
Beers Destroy Armored Train.
Gopa Toxur Oot H;eno4ol. &c..