THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 86, 20 April 1901, Page 4

THE BOER WAR.

A BLUE BOOK PUBLISHED. A DESPATCH TO FEBRUARY 6. By Telegraph—Press Associatio London, April 18. A Blue Book dealing with South African affairs has been published. In a despatch dated February 6th, Sir Alfred Milner said he foresaw that the subjugation of the country will be more difficult, harassing, and expensive than anticipated. It was useless to deny that the preceding half-year had been one of retrogression. Seven months ago the Cape was perfectly quiet, and the southern half of Orange Colony was rapidly settling down, while a considerable portion of the Transvaal, notably the south-west, appeared to be definitely reconciled to the British. To-day the scene had completely altered, and fighting was carried on by the Boers, mostly to secure supplies, and the country was being denuded. Miscreants had wantonly destroyed the outlying mines. He hoped that it was the foreigners on the Rand, and not the burghers, who had offended. They would be deprived of opportunities of gold-stealing and illicit liquor dealing. The brilliant dash by Lord Roberts on Johannesburg saved the foundation of the Transvaal wealth. The necessity of concentrating forces on the lines of communication to Pretoria was emphasised, Komatipoort was left quiescent. Paris of the country were exposed to burghers who broke their oaths of neutrality on the pretext that they' were not preserved from temptation, and joined the excursionists ; hence there was a necessity for the formation of protection camps. The guerilla wave had spread southwards, affecting Cape Colony, where there was much pro-Boer agitation, and a carnival of mendacity. A majority of the Dutch did not desire invasion, and ought to be screened. Local defence was tho only possiblo screen, owing to the immensity of the area. . The response of loyalists to the call had been magnificent, and inspired Dutch respect at seeing other whites equalling the best in courage of personal services. Although the loyalists were sick to death of the war, although many had been ruined, they weto almost unanimous in preferring to carry on the war indefinitely, rather than run the risk of compromise and leaving the remotest chance of recurrence of the scourge. They were thus prepared to fight and suffer on for one flag and one political system from Capetown to the Zambesi, a system which would ensure tho highest justice and freedom to all.

Lord Roberts is abstaining from any commendation of General Buffer, beyond mentioning that his operations were much commented on. He praises General Forcstier-Walker, and thanks the consulting surgeons, including Sir Thomas Fitzgerald, for rendering services of incalculable value. He expresses admiration . of the devotion, skiff, courage, and endurance of the colonial nursing services, and mentions the meritorious services of forty New South Wales officers and men. The Maplemore, with the New South Wales troops, has arrived at Port Elizabeth. The Boors destroyed their Long Tom on General Kitchener’s advance from Lydnberg. General Douglas occupied Bullstroom, killing six Boers. Reuter advices from Heilbron state that Andrew Wessels, peace envoy from the Kroonstad Peace Committee, reported to have been shot by De Wet, is still alive. Colonel Plumer has occupied Bathpan. General Elliot’s division in the Orange River Colony captured many cattle during their march. Two hundred Boers were killed, and a thousand taken prisoners or surrendered. The Boors are looting farms in Cradock and Zuirberg districts.- Many Boer sympathisers have been ruined. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, last night. The Premier is advised that Colonel Cradock, commander of tho second New Zealand Contingent in South Africa, sailed for England from South Africa on the 17th inst.