The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-22
MoNTAGU WHITE ARRIVES.
The Trnnsrnni's Special Envoy Now
at the shoreham.

! Montagu White. the special envoy of the
! Transvaal Republic to this country, ar
rived in Washington from New York last
! night and established himself at the
! Shoreham. His train did not reach the
city until IL o'clock and Mr. White was
so fatigued by his journey that he re
tired Immediately on arriving at his hotel.
He was accompanied by J. r. Van Sickle
of New York, an agent of the BOer Gov
ernment in this country. Before going to
his room Mr.. White told a reporter for
The Times that he would not discuss the
situation and declined to make any state
ment whatever regarding his mission in
this city
II has been said that the special repre-
sentative OF the Boer Government is the
bearer OF a request from President Kruger
to President Mckinley to act as mediator
in opening negotiations with Great Brit
ain. He is also said to be the bearer OF a
number of documents containing argu-
ments in favor of the Boer cause. which
he expects TO present TO the President and
Secretary Hay. He will call on the latter
as soon as possible this morning and pre-
sent his credentials. II is probable that
Mr.. Hay will take him TO the Executive
Mansion. where he viii be introduced TO
President Mckinley.
Mr.. White has repeatedly refused TO
discuss his mission. and his manner has
led those who have seen him to believe
that the papers and documents he is said
to hare with him are Of the utmost i'm
portance 10 the South African Republic
II
vaal in this country have been expecting
him for some time and that they have
made every prccaution to expedite his
mission. For several days !. T. Mcdowell
has been in this city arranging for quar-
ters for Mr.. White. Mr.. Mcdowell has
also refused 10 discuss any matters re-
lating 10 the Transvaal always referring
enquirers to Mr.. White. II is expected
that the latter will make a statement as
soon as ne has placed his credentials in
the hands OF the officials OF the State De-
parrment.
For obvious reasons. Il is not believed
that Mr.. White viii be received as the ac-
credited agent Of an independent nation.
Such a reception Of the envoy would
amount 10 the recognition OF the independ-
ence OF the South AFRICAN RepGblic and
lead to many complications. Il is thought
that this is the reason why President
Kruger. with his usual shrewdness. has
sent Mr. White TO this country. The
American Government is acting as the rep
resentatiye OF England in the Transvaal
al present and cares for the interests Of the
English business men who are in thar coun-
try. In accepting this responsibility, the
United States displayed itself to Europe as
England's close friend. Thus. the Govern
ment of Transvgal has selected America
as the field where recognition would be
most productive OF results.
Secretary Hay and the other officials Of
the State Department maintain strict 81
lence with regard 10 the probable attitude |
10 be taken by this Government Mr
Whites coming and ;ne question OF his |
recognition BY the State Department has |
been thoroughly Canvassed, but no decision |
has been made public.
II is said that Mr.. White will argue that |
the Transvaal Government is entirely inde- !
pendent of England and has been so for |
some time past. that they have perfect |
light to make and declare war and to have |
in all foreign countries.