15 FEBRUARY 1896, Page 3

Mr. Kruger is very much annoyed at the publicity given

to Mr. Chamberlain's great despatch; and in a very stiff reply dated February 12th, declares that the position has been rendered "very difficult," and that his Government will suffer no interference, however well intentioned, in internal sdT"irs. " The efforts thus far employed by the Government to obtain the ultimate establishment of a good understanding between the Republic and England in a moderate and peaceful manner will, in its opinion, be involved in great difficulty, to the great danger of peace and order, not only of the Republic, but of the whole of South Africa, by again exciting and disturbing the minds of the inhabitants." That is a rude rebuff ; but the Times' correspondent at Johannesburg states that although published in the Gazette, it is "intended for home consumption," and that Mr. Kruger will still come. It is the old story. Democracies cannot negotiate, for fear the man in the street, who never knows anything accurately, should yell.