BOER CONGRESS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1683, 1 June 1904, Page 54

BOER CONGRESS

CAPETOWN, May 21. At the Pretoria Conference ex-Gene-ral Schalk-Bu rgher complained that British constitutional liberty had not been granted in accordance with the Vereeniging compact. [Article 7 of the Vereeniging compact sets forth: Military administration m the Transvaal and Orange River Colony Avill at the earliest possible date be succeeded by civil government; and as soon as circumstances permit, representative institutions, loading up to self-gOA'eru-ment. will be introduced.] General Botha, at tlie Congress, advocated boycotting of State schools, and the sending of children to Boer schools only. [The clause of the Vereeniging settlement relating to the schools of the two conquered republics states: Tlie Dutch language will be taught in public schools in tho TransA r aal and Orange River Colony Avhere parents of the children desire it, and will bo allowed m Courts of Luav AA'lien necessary for the better and more effectual administration of justice.] A South African Imperial Union has been formed, with Dr Jameson as president, with the object of amalgamating all tlie Cape Progressives. CAPETOWN, May 26. General Botha and the members of the Pretoria Boer Congress had a friendly intervieAV Avith Sir Arthur LaAvley, Governor of the Transvaal, at Raadal. Sir Arthur Lawley, whose attitude Avas firm but conciliatory, remarked t-liat the Government Avas under no obligation to compensate for Avar losses, but had simply promised assistance. Already ten millions had been spent. He hoped the claims of protected burghers and British subjects Avould be settled in a Aveek. Tlie Government did not object to reasonable requests for arms as protection against Kaffirs. Where members of the Civil Service made mistakes, added Sir Arthur, it was best to frankly submit the facts to the Government, and not brood o T /er an isolated error and boil it up into a grievance. CAPETOWN, May 27. General Botha, in closing the Pretoria Congress, said the delegates were not completely satisfied with Sir Arthur Laivley’s explanation on all the points submitted, but much hope and encouragement were afforded, enabling the Boers in future to co-operate with the Government. LONDON, May 24. “ Tlie Times ” Pretoria correspondent says that General Botha’s tone was moderate, but lie apparently looked to the Congress to strengthen his hands m opposing the Government at every possible turn. Only in the matter of cattlo diseases did he admit that tho Government Avas Avorking on the right lines. His remarks with reference' to assistance of the poor and compensation for war losses show that his dominant idea is that Government exists to get something out of, and not that the Boers should put their own shoulders to tho wheel and relieve distress, LONDON, May 25. Although a general desire Avas expressed to co-operate with the Government and accomplished facts were tacitly accepted, the Pretoria Congress sent a message to ex-President Ivruger regretting his absence. General Botlia’s speech is interpreted in some quarters as showing an intention to hold aloof from any Government which fails to establish a balance between tho financial and agricultural parts of tlie Transvaal. Others declare that he seeks to establish tho political solidarity of the Boers on the pattern of the Afrikander Bond. Several newspapers admit that certain of tlie grievances are ivell founded, especially that of the delay in payment of compensation for Avar losses, but insist on the impossibility of reopening the school question. A long string of resolutions was adopted by the congress. They demanded, inter alia, recognition of the late Republic’s debts; equal language rights in schools; that Boers should be allowed to participate in tlie appointment of teachers; the reappointment of ex-officers, especially police, to replace the constabulary, whose ignorance of tho Taal language is a draAVback. ; . The congress protested against the collection of interest on advances under the Vereeniging terms before the expiry of two years. The colonies Avere thanked for granting amnesties, and reconsideration \ of Lieutenant Whitton’s caso Avas recommended. The congress resolved to make the organisation permanent. General De la Rey protested against teaching the children to hate the British. He urged the necessity of arming the Boers against tho Kaffirs. If the British oppressed the Boers the General added, the latter could not cooperate Avith them. ... , * Times” says that Britishers m the Transvaal must meet organisation with organisation, May 26 . Tho “Standard’s” Pretoria correspondent slates that Andries Oronje has publicly topented of his apostasy, prayed God’s forgiveness for the aAvful sin against his own nation of becoming a National 'Scout, and asked for readmittanco to the Church of the Boor nation as iioav consolidated*