THE BOER GENERALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12070, 13 September 1902, Page 5

THE BOER GENERALS.

THEIR AUDACIOUS PRO-

POSALS.

VIEWS OF THE BRITISH

PRESS.

OPINION AT THE CAPE.

Br Telegraph.—Press Association.—

London*, September 11. The Parliamentary paper containing an account of the recent conference between the Boer generals and the Secretary of State for the Colonies shows that Mr. Chamberlain agreed ' to retransfer three farms which the Government bad acquired. Botha complained of the constitution of the commissions entrusted with the distribution of the threemillion grant, and asked for further assistance. Mr. Chamberlain could not recognise flic justice of the complaint, but was willing to investigate specific charges. He reminded the general that Britain's magnanimity and generosity towards the conquered had never been equalled, and advised them, not to press for more. He declined to recognise burgher rights granted during the war. and appealed to them to forget and forgive and co-operate in working for the prosperity' and liberty of South Africa- How soon complete autonomy would be granted would depend entirely on the rapidity with which animosities died out. The newspapers characterise the generals' proposals as audacious and astonishing, and consider them to have been inspired by the Transvaal Legation. They applaud Mr. Chamberlain's courtesy, tactfulncss, and firmness. The. Daily News says the Vcreeniging terms were merely a rough, draft. A free Constitution is required. Capetown*. September 11. Cape residents are amazed at the Boer generals' wildly extravagant demands. (Received September 13, 0.41 a.m.) London*. September 12. American opinion is amazed at the Boer generals' disregard of the peace settlement, and applauds Mr. Cham- , berlain's admirably calm reply. French and German papers reluctantly admit that Mr. Chamberlain was compelled to refuse many of the proposals, and consider his great generosity the better policy. The generals were quietly welcomed at Amsterdam. De la Rey stated that he required help to reconstruct the farms, not homage, or fetes. De Wet said the Boers intended to remain faithful and submissive subjects now, and in the future intended to defend their rights by word and pen. If England was generous the Boers would prove the most faithful subjects of the whole Empire. They wanted money for schools, which would ' safeguard their nationality. Botha said he feared the British Government would not give compensation for burnt farms, though thousands would otherwise be ruined.