The substance of the Boer ultimatum can be set forth
shortly. It begins by referring the Government to the London Con- vention, and declares, in effect, that if that Convention is nat. violated, the Boers have a right to regulate matters affecting the Outlanders, such as the franchise, in accordance with their own wishes. It goes on to accuse the British Govern- ment of having broken off all friendly corresnoudense and of sending troops into South Africa, which latter act the Trans. vaal must regard as a threat to the independence of the Republic.. "Her Majesty's unlawful intervention" has thus caused an intolerable condition of things to arise, and there- fore the Republic requests assurance on four points :—(1) That all points of difference shall be amicably arranged. (2) That the troops shall be instantly withdrawn. (3) That all rein- forcements sent since June let, 1899, shall be sent back. (4) That the British troops now on the high seas shall not be landed. The Transvaal Government press for "an immediate and affirmative answer to these four questions " before or upon Wednesday, October 11th, "not later than 5 o'clock p.m." No answer will be regarded as a formal declaration of war oy the British Government, as will also any further advance by British troops.
