Registered Traa Mark Floral Designs IN Table Linen A few of the designs which are especially ttractive, with the prices of a popular size, re given below. $5.50 6.50 6.50 9.00 Ribbon border 16.00 Napkins for all these and other size cloths of the same designs, most of which are the exclusive patterns of "THE LINEN STORE James McCutcheon & Co. 14 West 23d Street, New York The Outlook COLLE HARVARD COLL LIBRARY 001 19 1899 Vol. 63 GE, MASS. The South African War: The Negotiations Published Weekly October 21, 1899 The Outlook has already given a history of the events which, beginning with the exodus of the Boers from Cape Colony in 1835 and the founding of the Transvaal Republic, have preceded and prefaced the present war in South Africa. To these articles we refer the reader who wishes to understand the course of events which has culminated in the negotiations finally broken off by the ultimatum of the Transvaal Republic. Without further comment on the mutual suspicion and the ineradicable incongruity between the stolid and apathetic Boers and the ambitious and aggressive British which pervaded and embittered this diplomatic intercourse, we here briefly summarize it, that the reader may comprehend its culmination : May. Twenty-one thousand Uitlanders present to the British Government a petition praying for redress of grievances indorsed by Sir Alfred Milner, Governor of Cape Colony and High Commissioner for South Africa. For statement of these grievances see pages 447-448. May 31. Sir Alfred Milner and President Kruger have a conference in which Sir Alfred demands that five years shall be sufficient to secure the franchise, with a naturalization oath similar to that in the Orange Free State. President Kruger consents to halve the present residence of fourteen years, but insists on Great Britain's abandonment of her claim to suzerainty. July. The Volksraad grants retrospective franchise after seven years' residence, despite British protest that it will not be satisfactory. The British Government proposes a joint conference. August. President Kruger, as an alternative, proposes to accept five years' residence, provided Great Britain abandons her claim to suzerainty and pledges herself never again to interfere in Transvaal affairs. Great Britain refuses to make such pledge, but reproposes conference on all points at issue. September. President Kruger withdraws proposal for five years' residence for franchise, but consents to a conference, on the condition that the Transvaal shall be recognized No. 8 in the conference as a sovereign State, involving an abandonment of the suzerainty of Great Britain and its right to interfere. Great Britain refuses to accept these conditions, and promises to formulate afresh its demands. Three weeks pass by. During that time the British Government is evidently making preparations for possible war. Meanwhile Mr. Chamberlain officially gives the assurance of the Government that there was "no desire to interfere in any way with the independence of the South African Republic," and offers "to give a complete guarantee against any attack upon that independence either from within any part of the British dominions or from the territory of a foreign State." October 10. The Transvaal Republic sends its ultimatum to London, demanding (1) that all points of mutual difference shall be regulated by diplomacy or arbitration; (2) that all British troops on the borders of the Transvaal Republic shall be instantly withdrawn; (3) that all reinforcements of troops that have arrived in South Africa since June 1 shall be removed, and (4) that troops now on the seas shall not be landed in any part of South Africa. Finally, if these four demands are not acceded to before five o'clock of the next day, the Transvaal Government will regard the failure as a formal declaration of war." 66 Effect of the Ultimatum By those who felt that Great Britain would fight, whether or no, this peremptory ultimatum was regarded as an obvious military precaution. It must be admitted that there was something in the British attitude to confirm Boer suspicion. Not only was there no receding from the London Government's insistence on its demands; there had even been enlargement of those demands for instance, the proposed introduction of the English language into the Volksraad. Again, both by word of official newspapers and by the deed of War and Admiralty Office preparations, Great Britain was expressing in no uncertain language her intention to enforce her demands by arms. In addition, the Boers charged Mr. Chamberlain with irritating them beyond the bounds of 423 It endurance, thus having "a shifty plan of removing responsibility from himself." It is an old saying that the aggressor in a war is not the first who uses force, but the first who renders the use of force necessary. Finally, the majority of the Boers are densely ignorant. Many of them are still convinced that they can conquer any British force sent against them. They feel self-confident, first, because of their constant successes obtained in the war of 1880-81, and, secondly, because it would not be possible for Great Britain to abandon her manifold interests in other parts of the world to concentrate a sufficient force in South Africa. The Boers are also justified in the feeling that they are sure to have signal successes at first. The temptation to win these successes against a hereditary foe is apparently irresistible. Nevertheless, it seems incredible that President Kruger should have been willing deliberately to forfeit the steadily increasing Boer claim to public sympathy. He had a good chance to gain peace and independence with honor. He has thrown that chance away. Even he must realize that his ill-judged ultimatum will probably mean the destruction of the Boer Republics as self-governing entities. Following the ultimatum, an official manifesto has now been issued by the Transvaal Government to British subjects in all South Africa, urging them to resist Great Britain and accusing the London Government of the single desire to swallow the two republics for the sake of the gold-mining industry. This, of course, is an attempt to excite a race-uprising throughout South Africa. securing the continuance of the Free State's independence. Solemn obligations, he said, had not protected the Transvaal against the annexation conspiracy, and when its independence ceases the Free State's existence as an independent State is also meaningless. "The experience of the past shows that no reliance can be placed upon the solemn promises and obligations of Great Britain when an administration is at the helm prepared to tread treaties under foot." Then follows a historical sketch of the alleged wrong. The proclamation continues: The original conventions have been twisted and turned by Great Britain as a means of exercising tyranny in the Transvaal, for which no return injustice has been done in the past. No gratitude has been shown for the indulgence 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 independence, 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 acknowledging the honor of thousands of Englishmen who abhor deeds of robbery and violence, the Free State execrates the wrongful deeds of British statesmen. Premier Schreiner's Proclamation Close on the heels of President Steyn's proclamation, one was issued by Prime Minister Schreiner, of Cape Colony. He declared that, owing to the state of war existing between the Imperial Government and the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, it is expedient to warn British and others of their duties and obligations to the Queen. The proclamation exhorts all to observe loyalty to the Queen and the Government, and to abstain from treasonable and seditious acts, and all words and acts tending to excite disaffection. It warns her Majesty's subjects not to enlist or engage in the military service of either of the two republics, and not to carry on trade with or to supply goods to either republic, or to the citizens of either. Following these proclamations Great Britain and the Transvaal made the usual provisions for representation. Great Britain's selection of the United States to act for British interests in the Transvaal, and the Transvaal's left London on Saturday of last week. The chief commander in Cape Colony is Sir Frederick Forestier-Walker, and in Natal, Sir George Stewart White. When the time allowed by the ultimatum for a British reply had expired, and only a reply. had been received that the ultimatum could not be considered, the British posts near the Transvaal and Orange frontiers were hastily abandoned and British garrisons withdrawn. Of course, at present, the British are at a decided disadvantage, both in numbers and supplies. The Boers have a corresponding advantage. Their Commander-in-Chief is General Joubert, who has been called the ablest leader of mounted infantry produced by modern war. in consequence of the report that some burghers had misbehaved themselves on their journey, General Joubert issued a public letter declaring that any plundering raids will be severely punished. He adds that "when we are unwillingly compelled to cross the boundary line of our country, let it not be thought that we are a band of robbers; with that in view, remain as far as possible from private dwellings and from places where no enemy is stationed. When food or for age for the cattle is needed, let certain officers acquire such goods from the owner, and let a receipt be given with promise of recompense by the Government." While General Joubert commands the Boers advancing into Natal, those advancing into Bechuanaland are commanded by General Cronje, who made his reputation in the war of independence, and also in his prompt checking of the Jameson raid. Boer Advances Across the Border Rhodes, aided by three thousand troops, is guarding his diamond-mines. Canada's Contingent At a meeting of the Canadian Cabinet last week a decision was reached to send one thousand soldiers to South Africa as Canada's contribution to the British forces now fighting the Boers. The official statement is as follows: The Government has decided to send a larger number than any of the other colonies has sent, and larger than the British Govern ment has suggested. The only question in the in the matter was as to whether or not Parliaway of the Government acting more speedily ment would have to be called together to meet the expenditure. This point was got over by the form of enlistment, the War Office having stated that units of men of 125 each should be sent, and that they would be attached to an imperial corps. The Canadian Government would have preferred to send a whole regiment, with Canadian officers in command. Good marksmen will have the preference. The Government will equip the contingent and pay the cost of transportation to a point on the South African coast. Enrollment will begin at once. Though Canada sends double the number of troops asked for by the British Government, double the number decided upon by the Canadian Cabinet might have gone but for the opposition of one member, Mr. Tarte, Minister of Public Works, who threatened to resign if such a contingent were sent. He declared that the participation of Canada in one of England's foreign entanglements was a phase of imperialism which French Canadians would not tolerate. Finally Mr. Tarte was induced to relax his opposition upon a compromise as to the number and payment of the men. The Canadian Cabinet had proposed to equip, transport, and maintain two thousand men throughout the entire South African campaign. To placate Mr. Tarte it was agreed to reduce the number and to allow the British Government to pay the men, who will be attached to the British forces. Quebec Frenchmen are much divided on the question, but it is said that the English throughout Canada are a unit. The events of the war so far show rapid movements on the part of the mounted Boers to prevent British concentration. The Transvaal forces advancing across their southern border into Natal have now occupied Charleston and Newcastle. Fighting is reported near Dannhauser, Glencoe, and Dundee. The Transvaal forces are now being joined by the Orange Boers, who marched from Harrismith through the Draakensberg by way of the Van Reenen Pass to Ladysmith in Natal. It is interesting to note that these two towns were once in the same country. They are named for Sir Harry Smith and his wife. In 1848 Sir Harry was Governor of Cape Colony. The Boer forces advancing across the western border have destroyed two armored trains and captured the ammunition, together with a number of prisoners. The British railway from Cape Town to Bulawayo runs for more than five hundred miles parallel with and only from five to twenty miles from the Dutch border. In many places the roadbed and bridges have been already destroyed. The Boers have laid siege to Mafeking, where Colonel Baden-Powell is encamped with an insufficient force. It is now reported that the Boers have also laid siege to Kimberley, where Mr. Cecil of War, concerning Colonel Picquart's Colonel Picquart Last week a letter was published from General de Gallifet, French Minister |