Jasper County Democrat, Volume 3, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 October 1900 — FROM FOREIGN LANDS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FROM FOREIGN LANDS.

The proclamation of peace in South Africa is still to be promulgated. The war is apparently ended as far as regular campaigning is concerned, but small bands of' Boers continue to harass the British troops. Railroad communication is frequently interrupted by the destruction of tlie roadbed by Boer raiders, and telegraph wires are often cut. Of course, this is not war, but it is so near to it that Lord Roberts’ army still has plenty to do. Lord Roberts' departure for England is also delayed. A week ago it was expected that Lord Roberts would succeed Lord Wolseley as commander-in-chicf of the British army. During tiie week, however,' new complications seem to hare arisen. Sir Redvcrs Buller, who had been slated for the chief command in South Africa, is preparing to go to England. and the Ixmdon newspapers print, under reservation, the story that he is to be the new commander-in-chief. Lord Roberts, it being stated, having declined because the War Department refused to give him a free hand in instituting army reforms.

Pho affairs of the Ottoman empire arc rapidly going from had to worse, and it is evident that n crisis cannot long be deferred. During tlie week tlie Turkish legation at Madrid was closed, the ambassador discharging bis secretaries, attaches and servants and quitting his post because of unpaid salaries. The Turkish flag is coming down from many Euro[ican consulates. The most prominent nnd progressive Turks are fugitives in Europe, fearing the wrath of the Sultnn, O-man Pasha, a relative of the dead general of that name escaping during the last week. Turkey is making no progress in commence, industry, agriculture or mining. The land taxes are so heavy that the farmers ennnot pay them from the products of the soil. The mines of coal, copper, iron, lead, silver, salt and ulutu are unworked because ot restrictive laws. Europe’s day of settlement with the Rultan ennnot long be delayed, nnd when that day comes the Sultan will disappear ns a disturbing factor in old world politics.

China has taken the initiative in opening negotiations with tlie powers for a settlement of the complications arising from the Boxer revolt. Prince Ching nnd Li-Hung Chang have addressed to the Aireign envoys a circular note suggesting n Imais for the beginning of negotiations. Tbey express regret for the anti-foreign outrages and concede in ndvance China’s liability to pay Indemnity. They ask a cessation of hostifftlee and the withdrawal of the allied army. France has already rejected the proposals, and the powers will doubtless follow the example. Tn bls note M. Pinchon, the French nmhnosndor, insists that nil negotintidna will bo held in abeyance *s long as the heads of the leaders of the. anti-foreign revolt remain unfallen. This Is a direct return to the original dctnirnds of Germany and may delay negotiations. Tlie henlth of King Oscr.r of Sweden has given grent uneasiness to bis people during the-last week, nil hough the latest advicee are encouraging. At the sama time tho crown prince, Giiatnvna, will take the oath before the Ntorthlug nnd govern as regent It is feared thpt King Oscar will never be fully restored to health, and bis death is confidently egpccted wiftta a abort tlupe. In die present strained relations between Sweden nnd Norway tbo den th of King Obear and the accesstan of Prince Gustavu* would be almoat an taternatioari eatamltr.i jc-