THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4646, 26 April 1902, Page 5

THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

PROSPECTS OF PEACE. STATEMENTS BY BRITISH MINISTERS. DISCUSSION IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT. LONDON, April 24. Tho “Pall Mail Gazette,” professing to reflect information possessed by tho Netherlands Government, says tho Boers are willing that rebels should not bo amnestied if Britain does not exact penalties from the Boers in the event of the rebels continuing guerilla warfare. Tho Boers admit that they have forfeited their independence, and though willing to sign a treaty incorporating tho Republics in tho Empire, they will not insist upon immediate withdrawal of the banishment proclamation if the King at tho Coronation agrees to cancellation of the proclamation. Mr AVyndham, Chief Secretary for Ireland, speaking at Brighton, dwelt cm tho apparent prospect of peace, adding tho proviso:—“lf we arid our brothers in every dependency of the Crown were to assent thereto, it must ho such peace as would effectually accomplish the objects of the war, and elicit our unanimous worldwide support.” Mr W. H. Long, Minister for Agriculture, speaking at Melton Mowbray, was equally emphatic regarding the Government’s firmness in South Africa in requiring frank acceptance of vital conditions, and promising the vanquished considerate and liberal treatment. OTTAWA, April 24. In the Dominion House of Commons, Mr Charlton, member for Norfolk, Ontario, moved a resolution recommending magnanimity, mercy, and universal amnesty in connection with the war. He hoped such a course would assist Britain to withstand the vengeful demands of the Cape loyalists. M. Bourassa, member for Lobelia, Quebec, seconded the motion. Sir Wilfrid Laurier declared that the resolution was most inopportune, and was calculated to awaken in the Boers false hopes and to prolong the war. He was satisfied to leave the terms of settlement in the hands of > he bravo soldiers who were negotiating on both sides. At Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s instance, Mr Charlton withdrew his motion.

(Received April 26, 0.36 a.m.) LONDON, April 25. The Imperial Government has invited the Natal Government’s views in regard to the recent peace negotiations. IMPRISONMENT OF AN AFRIKANDER JOURNALIST. DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. (Received April 26, 0.36 a.m.) LONDON, April 25. In the. House of Commons, Mr John Morley Moved the adjournment with a view to protesting against tho detention of Mr Albert Cartwright, editor of the “ South African News,” who in April last was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment for libelling Lord Kitchener. Mr Brodrick (Secretary for War) stated that the sentence expired on Tuesday. Communication was now proceeding regarding the acceptance of an undertaking on the part of Mr Cartwright before he comes to England. Mr Cartwright was, said Mr Brodrick, guilty of one of the greatest crimes from _ a journalistic standpoint. Lord Kitchener, under martial law. was entitled to provisionally assign him a place of residence. It was his duty to take every precaution, especially now, in order to prevent anything' tending to a prolongation of the war. The debate on the motion was the most impassioned of the session. Sir William Haroourt, Mr Asquith, Mr Winston Churchill and Mr Bryce assailed the Government. Mr Balfour emphasised that the Empire’s trust was reposed in Lord Kitchener. On a division being taken, the Government secured a majority of seventyseven. Tho minority, numbering 182, included Mr Winston Churchill, Mr Gibson Bowles and seven other Unionists. [The offence for which Mr Cartwright Was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment was_ that he published in the “ South African News ” an extract from a contribution published in the London “Times” concerning certain alleged irregularities by tho soldiery of which the ’Commander-in-Chief was stated to be cognisant.] LOSSES OF THE ENEMY. LONDON, April 24. Statistics published at Pretoria show that this year 457 Boers have been killed, 186 wounded, 4202 captured, and 1038 have surrendered. VOYAGE OF THE NORFOLK. SYDNEY, April 25. The troopship Norfolk, with the Southern Battalion of the Tenth Regiment, has arrived here from New Zealand. The vessel had a good passage. Men and horses are all in first-class condition.

Beyond a little sea-sickness at the start, the health of the Norfolk’s troops has been excellent. The chief incident of tho voyage was the loss of the ship’s cook, Henry Darby. When the Norfolk was a day out he jumped, or fell overboard. Boats were lowered, but the missing man was not found. (Received April 26, 1.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 25. The Norfolk is coaling and taking in twelve thousand carcases of mutton. She is expected to sail tomorrow. The managing director of the Federal Company entertained the officers at dinner tonight, and subsequently at a theatre. Darby, the cook, committed suicide. Bidding good-bye .to his comrades he suddenly jumped overboard. His wife and family reside at Paddington, and came to meet the steamer. CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. It is anticipated that there - will be a surplus of over £loo' in connection with the send-off of the South Island Battalion of the Tenth Regiment, and it has been decided to recommend the subscribers to permit it to remain in the names of trustees for expenditure in connection with any of the contingents.

The local agents, Messrs W. kj. Bannatyne and Co., were advised yesterday that the Norfolk, with the South Island Battalion of the Tenth Regiment and the Ctrohation Contingent on board, would leave Sydney for Durban via Albany to-day.' She has on hoard 40 officers, 649 men and 561 horses. The Department of Agriculture has' been advised by Veterinary-Surgeon Neale that tho Norfolk bad a smooth passage to Sydney, and all aboard were well.