BOER GENERALS.

New Zealand Mail, 27 August 1902, Page 23

BOER GENERALS.

LONDON, August 19. Large crowds of people stood in the pouring rain and cheered the Boer Generals on their departure. They authorised a statement that they were going to the Continent to greet ex-Pre-sidents Kruger and Steyn, and would return at an early date and transact business. The Generals acknowledged the many invitations and kind messages of welcome which they had received in London and declared that the only reason for their being absent from the naval review was that they felt it improper to appear in the Royal presence until they had replaced the garments they wore on hoard the Saxon by a more suitable costume. They were enthusiastic in praising the King’s kindness. General Botha, declared that he would keep his own counsel, as interviewers so often misconstrued his remarks.

LONDON, August 20. The “Daily Telegraph” says The Hague authorities contradict the statement that the Boer Generals will claim Mr Kruger’s money. They allege that Mr Kruger, when leaving: the Transvaal, lent the Government the whole of his bank balance—£4o,ooo, with interest—to meet the of the commandoes.

ROTTERDAM, August 19. Mr Wolmarans, Dr Leyds, and the municipal authorities welcomed the Boer Generals on their arrival here. All the vessels in harbour, including the British, were dressed with flags, and there was great public enthusiasm. A similar reception was accorded the Generals at The Hague, the crowds in the streets cheering them loudly. THE HAGUE, August 20. General Botha, responding to the reception, said the Boers while fighting were consoled to know that their children were being supported by Dutch generosity. The General added: “We are the deputies of one of the most ruined of peo. pies—ruined pnly because we. did our

duty and defended our liberty and independence.” The Generals after a few minutes’ visit to Mr Steyn, visited the Sohevenmgen Art and Industry. Christian De Wet, in the course of a speech, eulogised the promoters of the exhibition, who were contributing to the growth of the nation. “We in South Africa,” added Do Wet, “were on the road to the development of industry and art, but our legs were-cut from under us. We need help and support to rise again. For that reason we have come to . is understood that the Generals have privately urged the Boer societies in Belgium and Holland to avoid, allusions calculated to foster Anglophobia, which would imperil the success of their mission in England. Nevertheless, Anglnphobia is again recrudescent. Each General goes to a different country to collect funds.

THE HAGUE, August 21.' Generals Botha, De la Rey and De Wet had a three-hours’ interview with Mr Kruger at Utrecht, in Holland. The ex-President closely questioned them as to the attitude of the burghers under the new regime, and expressed himself disappointed at tiheir replies. A member of the local committee hoped the Boer Republics would soon be re-established. The Generals ignored the remark. The extremists in Holland ar e irritated at their attitude. The Generals hajjre abandoned their tour in Holland, ancl win return to England iimnediatelv.

General De Wet has completed his history of the war. Generals Botha and De la’ Rey are writing a preface to it. t BRUSSELS, August 22. General Botha received an ovation here, the crowds shouting, “ Loim Jive tlie Boers!”