War Impends in South Africa
War impends in South Africa between England and the Boers. England counts the Transvaal Republic as a vassal government, herself the suzerain power; while Paul Kruger, president of the Transvaal Republic, holds it to be independent. The Uitlanders, largely composed of British, to the number of 21,000, have petitioned Great Britain to assist them in obtaining what they demand as rights from the Dutch Republic. They claim that while they pay the most of the taxes in certain districts they have no voice in their expenditure; that their water supply is poisonous, compelling them to drink mineral waters, specially taxed by the republic; that dynamite, a necessity in mining, is monopolized beyond the reach of the poor man; that citizenship in the republic is attainable only after fourteen years on the condition of forswearing all allegiance to England, the suzerain government, and even at that time uncertain; and that many other grievances exist. It is believed by some that unless England takes a firm stand, she will lose prestige and power in all South Africa, but if she does speak and act decidedly, President Kruger will yield. Others are of the opinion that the Boers will fight rather than yield. And so all South Africa is in a ferment over the uncertain outcome.