STEYN'S CAPTURED LETTERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11739, 22 August 1901, Page 6

STEYN'S CAPTURED LETTERS

PRO-BOERISM AT A DISCOUNT. [FEOJI OTTK OWN CORRESPONDENT.] London, July 20. It is not surprising to learn from abroad that "Continental pro-Boerism has fallen on evil days. It is not only snubbed by Governments that formerly patronised it, but it has decidedly lost caste with the public." News to the same effect comes from Austria, Germany, France and America. It is only in England among the enlightened ultra-Radicals that pro-Boerism seems still to hold up its head and flourish. But its hopes have received a "nasty, jar' to-day by the publication of certain despatches which were seized when ex-Presi-dent Steyn recently had so narrow an escape from capture. Last night the War Office issued the following telegram from Lord Kitchener to the Secretary of State for War: — Elandsfonteix, July 17, 1901, 1.55 p.m. Following letters found in St'eyn's baggage:— From State Secretary Beitz, dated May 10, 1901. to Steyn. " Meeting held of Transvaal Government with Commandant Botha, Commandant Viljoen and General J. C. Smuts, considered condition of our country and following facts:— First.Numbers of our burghers are continually surrendering. This means more and more to unsuccessful termination, as Government and officials left without burghers entails heavy responsibility on Government. " Secondly. of ammunition so nearly exhausted that we shall bo unable to engage enemy in another big fight, we shall be brought to a stato of helpless flight unable to protect stock. In immediate future we shall be unable to feed ou> commandos. "Thirdly.On account of above, Government becoming weaker, losing support, becoming disorganised. " Fourthly.Not only our nation will be destroyed, but it will also bo considered that leaders have erred, and all hope of continuation of national sentiment will be lost. "Fifthly.Hitherto nation and Government awaited result European complications and mission of our deputation. Government feel most strongly then duty-obtain definite assurances. "Having considered abova points, Government has determined— "1. To obtain permission to send messenger to President Kruger point out terrible condition country. "2. If request refused we will ask for armistice to obtain opinion both nations of future policy to put an end to present state of affairs. We leave it to you to suggest other solutions, but you must carefully consider that this Government is convinced that the time has passed for us to let matters drift on as at present, and that the time has come to take the final step." Usual ending. (Signed) Reitz. President Steyn's reply (dated May 15) acknowledges receipt of letter; continues letter: —

" Great blow to me. Month ago discussed matter with your Government, agreed not to ask for armistice until things reached utmost extremity. Shall we obtain armistice? I think nothing has happened entitle us to armistice to obtain opinion of our nations. It is true Boksburg commando lost laager; General Viljoen was obliged to burn his and blow up his Long Tom; but in spite of this we have not come to last extremity. " Free State has been four months without cannon; I also know of men laying dchvn their arms, officers becoming cowardly. Our ammunition has long been scarce enough, still (some) left to continue. You.ask what prospect of successful termination. I ask what chance was there for two small Republics when they declared war against mighty power of England? You will answer, 'We have trusted in God's help and foreign intervention. What reasons have we for refusing to place further reliance on God?' I have seen last European papers; I firmly believe complications s will take place in Europe within the next few months, which will gain our good fortune. Knowing leaders of our deputation, I cannot believe thay would sit here without hope of intervention, knowing how we struggle and strive, for I know they love their fatherland sufficiently to frankly ask the British to end the war if in their opinion intervention is hopeless. The fact that these men remain in Europe convinces me that our case is not hopeless. "When armistice comes I shall ask opinion of my nation. If they refuse to give in their determination will bo mine also. I do not approve of sending messenger to Europe, it shows our hand. lam deeply hurt you have taken this determination without asking my advice and have acted so hurriedly. If you have not despatched messenger do not do so until I can call my advisers. I have sent for General De Wet, he will be here next week. I will then send you opinion. "In your letter you say you are afraid yo-ir officers will be loft alone on commando. "Here officers may surrender, but burghere will remain steadfast. I must point out that the Orange Free State has not only spent blood and monoy, but will have lost its freedom by trying to help the sister Republic, and all reliance of one Afrikander on another will be destroyed for ever. It is ridiculous to think that when flooded with scum of Europe, Afrikander spirit will remain. If we wish to remain a" nation, now is the time to struggle. Hope you received Natal newspaper, stating Milner going nominally on leave ; truth being he not allowed a. free hand. In later English paper I have seen Kitchener and he cannot pull together. " I enclose cutting Natal Witness—'Public mind in England getting very uneasy about South Africa. There are possibilities which we are not at liberty to mention, and would, if we were, we could not (sic.).' "All these things convince me we shall be destroying all hope for cur nation if we now surrender. Brothers, stand fast— courage to your disheartened burghers. I have received verbal information that Commandant Hausbrock had engagement with English, drovo them back three times. As soon as I can call a council, I will send a reply; do not take any further steps till you have heard from me." Usual ending follows. (Signed) Stetn. Eight hundred sovereigns were taken, besides numbers of notes and £32 found in his waistcoat. ,