THE BOER GENERALS.

Evening Star, Issue 11693, 26 September 1902, Page 6

THE BOER GENERALS.

A LAMENTABLE WAIL. WHAT KRUGER'S POLICY HAS ACCOMPLISHED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, September 25. The generals’ manifesto states that the Boers were obliged to accept the terms imposed. Further assistance had hitherto been refused. ■ They were thankful for the world's sympathy. The Republics had been ready to sacrifice everything to independence, and now -that the struggle was over the people wereutterly rained. Thirty thousand houses and Boer farms and a number of villages had been burned or destroyed by the British. Orchards were rained, implements broken, mills destroyed, and every living animal killed. “Our orphans and widows have been abandoned,” it continues. “We appeal to the world for the maimed and other needy, and for a satisfactory education for the children. The sword is now sheathed and differences silent. In the presence of such great misery, the small amount Britain is giving in accordance with the terms of surrender, even if tenfold, will be wholly insufficient ” There is a consensus of opinion among the newspapers that the manifesto reveals Leyds and Reitz’s influence, and that the generals were not impressed by the Colonial Office rebuff, which was of their own seeking. ‘ The Times ’ regards the generals’ manifesto as showing covert and insidious hostility to the Empire whereto allegiance had been solemnly pledged. A majority of the newspapers are very angry, and warn the generals that- the utilisation of pro-Boers’ committees in various countries for the purpose of organising a general fund to be distributed at the generals’ sole discretion wfl not be tolerated, Germany received the manifesto with coolness and caution. AN AMERICAN CONTRIBUTION. LONDON, September 25. Mr Henry Phipps, not Mr Arthur White, is the donor of ICO.OOOdoI to relieve the Boer widows and orphans. De la Eey, Botha, and Mr Arnold White (a friend of Mr Phipps) are trustees. Mr Phipps is a member of Carnegie’s Company. In Inn preliminary letter he said now that there was peace he hoped all contention would be buried, and nothing done unfriendly to Great Britain. General Botha replied, thanking him, and assuring him that the money would he expended in philanthropy alone, and he loyally accepted the terms of surrender that made peace in the fullest sense of the word. His only aim was relief, and to restore happiness and contentment. In response to the donor's invitation, ho suggested that either Sir W. Rose limes, Mr Solomon, or Mr Goold Adams should be one of the trustees.

The donor, through Mr White, sounded Mr Chamberlain. The latter replied that as the gift was for philanthropy he concurred with Mr White that a committee and independent audit would give the public confidence, and if Mr Phipps agreed, he would nominate an EngKsh member of the committee, adding that the fund would more strongly appeal to British sympathy if its arm was to assist', irrespective of race or politics, all widows and orphans; but if confined to Boers he will still assist to secure proper administration. AN UNFORTUNATE CLERGYMAN. CAPE TOWN, September 25. The Pev. Mr Botba, In a letter to ‘ Ohsland ’ repents, and asks Afrikander forgivenev? for his letter in September, 1901. wherein he recommended the acceptance of British role and considered cootmned resistance a crime He is still full of sympathy for them. The ‘Cape Times’ attributes this amazing recantation to Bond terrorism. [‘ Ousland ’ was the Bond organ prior to and during the first months of the war. Its suspension was rendered necessary owing to the malignant and treasonable nature of its utterances. It has recently resumed publication.] THE CANDID FRIEND’S OPINION. BERLIN, September 25. (Received September 26,’ at 9 a.m.) The ‘ Fremdenblatt ’ newspaper regards the generals’ appeal as addressed chiefly to Great Britain, who alone can render them adequate assistance. BOTHA’S INCONSISTENCY. LONDON, September 25. (Received September 26, at 9.8 sum.) The Times ’ considers the generals’ manifesto inconsistent with Botha’s letter to Mr Phipps. Tbe Government, perhaps, would consider whether the organisers would be allowed to return to South Africa.