used about the contents of the
London convention of 1884, and to have got it mixed with the treaty of
1881. The brave old President of the Transvaal has, however, determined
to refresh his memory.

In his speech before the Volksraad he stated grimly that the Boers would
oppose to the last any attempt on the part of England to enforce her
fancied rights, and having declared himself emphatically for war, he
concluded with one of his quaint, pious remarks. He said the Boers
wished to preserve peaceful and friendly relations with the whole world,
because wherever love dwelt the blessing of God was sure to follow.

President Krueger's defiance was regarded by the British Government as
mere speech-making. The Government refused to believe that the old man
wished his words to be taken seriously, and so passed the whole affair
over as unworthy of notice.

Mr. Chamberlain has been instructed to enforce Great Britain's sovereign
rights in the Transvaal, and notwithstanding the fact that several of
the London newspapers are calling attention to the treaty of 1884, he is
determined to insist on these rights.

It was rumored some time ago that as soon as the Greek troubles were out
of the way, Germany, France, and Russia would take up the Transvaal
question.

This may perhaps be the reason why the Boer President so bravely defies
the British Government, and if Mr. Chamberlain tries to force the
Transvaal to submit, he may find that he has to reckon with these three
powerful countries as well as the handful of Dutchmen in the South
African Republic.

* * * * *

A terrible tragedy has occurred in Pennsylvania at a place called
Hazleton, about twenty-five miles from Wilkesbarre.

Some miners were shot and killed by order of the sheriff of the county.

These miners were out on strike, their strike, however, not being in any
way connected with the great coal strike of which we have told you in
previous numbers.

These men were dissatisfied because an extra two-hours' work was forced
upon them every day without extra pay.

Some mules which had formerly been stationed in another colliery were
changed over to the one at which these men were employed, and the care
of these animals occupied the drivers an extra hour morning and night,
which the miners resented. They therefore struck work.

Two of the drivers did not wish to join in the strike, and the
superintendent, seeing this, did his best to p