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 persuade all the men to go