The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1900-03-17
FRANCE PREPARES FOR WAR
TROOPS FOR IMMEDIATE USE.
Governor of Each French Colony
Telewraphed TO-En&land ON the
Alert-Refuses Uncle SANS Help
Affairs In South Afrlca-President
Steyn Escaped.

New York, March l5.--A dispatch from
London says:
A private telegram from an unimpeach-
able source in Paris says that the minister
for the colonies has sent a cipner caole to
the governor of every trencA colony, ask
ing, almost in the words OF MIR. Chamber
lam to the British governors, how many
soldiers were available for immediate SER
vice. Efr T8
NJ. de Crais asked for detailed state
ment from each governor of the number
Of reservists and colonial forces, lists Of
officers, noncommiss.oned officers and men.
The ministers cables were long and III
cipher, and were sent all over the world
to the colonies in Africa, to Madagascar,
to Tonquln, Guadaloupe, Martinique,
French Guiana and every French colony
on earth.
1t is also said that cables of similar
tenor were sent to French consuls asking
for lists of French soldiers in fol eign coun-
tries who would return to France in the
event of their services being needed.
This highly important news is not
known to any of the London papers and
probably not to any of those in France.
1t will cause sensation here when it be-
comes known. For England is watching
with eyes of wonder the preparations that
her neighbor is making for war.
Coming, as it does, right after the an
nouncement that the autumn maneuvers
will be a demonstration by the 2OO,OOO
troops on the English channel, it will
cause the British war office and admiralty
to bestir themselves in anticipation OF
hostilities, for it really does begin to look
as if France meant war.
France and Russia are working hand in
hand, and Salisburys diplomacy may be
called upon for supreme efforts if he de-
sires to avoid the greatest war the world
has ever seen.
Declaration of England.
London, March l6.-The house Of COM
mons yesterday, replying to Mr.. Redmond,
who asked whether the government of the
United States had offered its good Offices
to her majesty's government with the
view to bringing about peace in South
Africa, the government leader, Mr.
Balfour, said her majestys government
would not accept the Intervention of any
power in the settlement of South African
affairs.
In Cape Colony.
Bethulie Bridge Camp, March l6.-
General Clements brigade has effect
ed junction with General Gatacre's
troops at Burghersdorf. "A patrol left to-
day for Aliwalnorth to join hands with
General Brabant.
Frances Attitude.
Paris, March l6.-Minister of Foreign
Affairs Delcasse, in the senate yesterday,
replying to a question regarding the in
tentions of France respecting events in
South Africa, said the presidents of the
two republics had solicited the interven-
ton of powers, but, he added, in the pres
ence of kilograms exchanged between the
British government and the two repub-
ics it appears that the Intervention OF
powers had become almost impossible.
The minister then denied that France
had refused to join Russia in making
friendly suggestion in the direction OF
peace.
President steyn Escaped.
London, March l6.-President Steyn
fed to Kroonstadt without replying to
Lord Roberts demand for his surrender,
and the commander -in-chief remarked at
terwards, during the conversation course
while breakfasting at the farm of Presi-
dent Steyn's brother, that the ex-president
had become nonentity. The British
troops, with the exception of those neces-
sary to police the town, remain outside.
Bloemfontein is now regarded as sort
of halfway house and base of operations
for the advance on Pretoria. The mill.
tary authorities here expect a period oi
comparative quiet while Lord Roberts is
establishing railroad connection with Nor
vaals pont and Bethulie, giving the men
and horses the necessary rest to prepare
them for the severe struggles which are
believed to be still inevitable.
Through Zululand.
1t seems likely that news OF f1ghtine
may come from the Natal. General War.
ren's division, which had reached Dur.
ban, has been ordered to join General
Butler, indicating that the outflanking
movement through the neck of Zululand
is about to commence.
1t is reported at Bloemfontein that Gen
eral Joubert is at Brandford, but other
reports locate him at Biggersberg.
Compliments the British.
Pretoria, Tuesday, March l3.-Before re-
turning to the front General Joubert said
to press representative:
"The courage of the British soldiers is
beyond question. They rushed the kopje'
and entrenchments in a fearless manner
but were not a match for the Mausers
which simply moved them down"
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