EXTRAORDINARY LETTERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2387, 30 November 1899, Page 31

EXTRAORDINARY LETTERS.

(From Oue Otvn Correspondent.) LONDON, October 21. Tfiat the Boers fully anticipate rescue by a ooalition of European Powers in the war is absolutely certain. A Boer who (in the words of The Times) "bears a well-known Dutch name," and used to live in a Dutch district of Cape Colony, but who now resides in London, has addressed to The Times two most extraordinary letters, signed "P. 5.," repudiating the chaifge that the Boers are ignorant of England's strength. He says : —

"We are not so ignorant as the British statesmen and newspaper writers, nor are we such fools as you British are. We know our jiolicy, and we do not change it. We have no opposition party to fear, nor to truckle to. Your boasted Conservative majority lias been the obedient tool of the Radical minority, and the* Radical minority has been the blind tool of our far-seeing and intelligent President. We have desired delay, and we have had it. and we are now practically masters of Africa from the Zambesi to the Cape. All the Afrikanders in Cape Colony have been working for years for this end, for they and we know the facts." This is pret.ty well for a beginning. But he has much more to say.

Among other agreeable little remarks, he observes pleasantly: — "We know that you dare not take any precautions in advance to prevent the onslaught of the great Powers, as the Opposition, the great peace party, 'will rake the question of expense, and this Will win over your lazy, dirty, drunken working classes, who will never again permit themselves to be taxed to support your Empire, or even to preserve your existence as a nation. We know from all the military authorities of the European and American Continents that you exist as an independent Power merely on sufferance, and that at any moment the great Emperor William can arrango with France or Russia to wipe you off the face of the earth. You must yield in all things to the United States also, or your eupply of corn will be so reduced by the Americans that your working classes would tie compelled to pay high pricca for their food, and rather than do that they would tiave civil war, and invite any foreign Power to assist them by invasion, for there is no patriotism in the working classes of England, iWales, or Ireland. "We know that your country has been more prosperous than any other country during the last 50 years (you have had no oivil wars liko the Americans and Frenclvto tone up your nerves and strengthen your manliness), and consequently your able-bodied men will not enlist in your so-called voluntary army. Therefore you have to hire the dregs of your population to do your fighting, and' they are deficient in physique, in moral and mental ability, and in all the qualities that make good fighting men." ' And here is another little gem: — "We know that the entire British race is rapidly decaying, your birth-rate is rapidly falling, your children are born weak, diseased, and deformW. and that the major part of your population consists of females, criples, epileptics, consumptives, cancerous people, invalids, and lunatics of all kinds whom you carefully nourish and preserve." But the climax is in the conclusion. After many more grotesque observations which I need not quote, " P. S." deals first with England's naval and military, strength, and lastly ,with the Boer position. As to the former he cays :— " We know that your navy is big, but we know that it is not powerful, and that it is honeycombed with disloyalty — as witness the theft of the signal books, the assaults on officers, the desertions, the wilful injury of tho boilere and machinery, which all tho

vigilance of the officers 'is powerless to prevent.

"We know that the Conservative Government is a mere sham, and that it largely reduced the strength of the British artillery in 1888-89. And we know that it does not dare to call out the militia for training, nor to mobilise the fleet, nor to give sufficient grants to the line and volunteers for ammunition to enable them to become good marksmen and efficient soldiers. We know that the British soldiers and sailors are immensely inferior as marksmen, not only to Germans, French, and Americans, but also to Japanese, Afridis, Chilians, Peruvians, Belgians, and Russians.

"We know that no British Government dares to propose any form of cornpulfiory military or naval training, for the British people «would rather be invaded, conquered, and governed by Germans, Russians, or ' Frenchmen than be compelled to serve their own Government."

He concludes: — "We Boer 6 know that we will not be governed by a 6et of British curs, but that we will drive you out of Africa altogether, and the only manly nations, which have compulsory military service— -the armed manhood of Europe — will very quickly divide all your other possessions between them.

"Talk no more of the ignorance of the Eoers or Cape Dutch ; a few days more will prove your 'ignorance of the British position, and in a short space of time you and your Queen will be imploring the good offices of the great German Emperor to deliver you from your disasters, for your humiliations are not yet complete.

"'For 30 years tho Cape Dutch have been waiting their chance, and now their day has come ; they will throw off their mask andyour yoke at the same instant, and 300,000 Dutch heroes will trample you under foot.

"We can afford to tell you the truth now, and in this letter you have got it."

Is not this a remarkable document? Is it not a delightfully frank disclosure of Boer feelings and designs? Is it not a "squelcher " for those who may have really believed that the good, kind, gentle Boers were most anxious to come to terms with us, >but were deliberately driven into war by' the remorseless Chamberlain?

"P. S." begins his second letter 'thus: — "I was surprised to see that you had ventured to publish my letter of the 12th in your'issue of the 14th, but as you have done so, and stated in your leading article that the writer is grossly ignorant and prejudiced, I trust you will permit me to produce proofs of at least some of the statements contained in that letter. But that we Boers are not co ignorant nor such fools as you British are, I would adduce the fact that we Boers never refused to buy Delagoa Bay at the cost of a very few thousands of pound, as your British statesmen did — we had not the chance."

Now this last tiiot is a very " palpable hit." There is no doubt that we did make asses of ourselves over that business as we did when we granted autonomy to the Transvaal and deeerted Gordon in Khartoum. "P. S." reiterates and exacerbates his former statements ag to the naval and military weakness of Great Britain, and then lets off a few fresh sparks of amiable candour.. "We have," he says, " the support of the great majority of the Nonconformists, although they are just now too prudent to proclaim, it publicly ; but after the fir?t or second reverse that you will have, they will come forward with those noble humanitarians, Mr W. T. Stead, Harcourt, ' Nunquam ' of the Clarion, 'Morley, Clark, and Courtney, and sweep away the accursed Chamberlain and all his crew, including the Fcientific Salisbury, and that bicycle-riding bookworm Balfour."

"Accursed Chamberlain," "Scientific Salisbury," and* "Bicycle-riding bookworm Bait our " are good .' The alliteration is delightful. But^the writer now proceeds to sterner stuff, although he cannot dispense with the " artful aid " of his " apt alliteration." Hear him : '' Before you have finished shouting and we Boers have finished shooting I will say nothing of the future, but I may remind you that in our little skirmishes on former occasions, 20 Englishmen fell for every Boer, although we neither drilled nor prepared for action. Now we have had years of drill and organisation, and without undue boasting we may reasonably expect to maintain our raperiority. We, the Cape Dutch, the Free Staters, and the Transvaal Boers have the most perfect faith in our own cause (whether other nations think it just or unjust is a matter of total indifference to us) and in our noble President, whom we all venerate. Whilst you have no confidence in your cause, but beg with snuffling cant for the moral support and conscientious approval of other States and other race*. A few ohort weeks and you will be relegated to your propor position — considerably below Spain in the estimation of the world!"

"P. S." frankly admits: — "In common with the rest of the civilised world, I desire the destruction of the British Empire," and he observes that so long back as May, 1896, a writer " betrays our Dutch-Republican policy as fully as it is developed now. Fortunately, indeed, for us;" he adde, " some good influences were brought to bear upon the British Government so that our atrocious enemy, Mr Chamberlain, was not allowed to act upon the information given by that treacherous scoundrel at the Cape through the British jingo journal, the Morning Post." And this sort of thing is declared on the best authority to be typical of the Boer sweetreasonableness and good feeling of which we have heard so much from Radical epeakers and writers ! LYDDITE SHELLS. Artillery officers who used the howitzers at Omdurman. in their reports on the lyddite shell to the War Office, frtato that as an explosive it does not seem to answer so well as was expected in destroying buildings. According to the Naval and Military Record, it failed to demolish the Mahdi's tomb, though (several lyddites went through the cupola and exploded inside. But in the destruction of life the lyddite shell is terrific. It kills all around it. Horses and men within a large area simply drop down as though the angel of death had passed over the field when the shell burßte. Report says that 30 per cent, of the enemy found dead through artillery fire showed no signs of wounds. They had been killed by the air concussion of the explosive. The shell was not expected to be so deadly in its effect, though better results were anticipated in demolishing buildings and fortifications. In mountain warfare the lyddite shell would be invaluable. There would not have been such a sacrifice of life on the British hide at Darghai had the howitzers been need in the north-west frontier war.

In his account of the battle of Omdurman Hie correspondent of the Daily News said*: —

" The howitzers from the opposite shore threw in two days 416 phells into Omdurman. Neufeld tells a terrible story of the effect of the lyddite shells. He says that 118 men wero assembled in an iron mosque beside the Mahdi's tomb. A lyddite fchell fell among them, leaving only 12 alive." The Times correspondent. Colonel Rhodes* wrote;.— "The

city teems with gruesome eoenes, the results 6f the "bombardment and of dervish excesses. At one place" lay the mangled remains of two ■ mounted men and 10 footmen, who had cvi- ' dcmtly been kill«d by the explosion- of a lyd- ( dite shell." "WILL RUSSIA INTERFERE? All the German critics of fche British policy agree in directing attention to the effect which a prolonged oampaign against the Boers might eventually exert upon the position of the British Empire as a whole. The Cologne Gazette, though it believes that the Boers must ultimately succumb, says that, nevertheless, " the dying struggle of that brave Germanic race will be followed throughout the world with undisguised sympathy. The sueoessive stages of the combat may involve tmrprises which may affect the position of England as one of the Great Powers of the world." The National Zeituog finds that the ! excitement in Europe regarding the issue of I this local struggle " shows that in the general j opinion these South African conflicts have a | much greater and more far-reaching significance than would appear from the importance of the object in dispute. The leading National | Liberal organ says: — "If England gets into military difficulties in South Africa, if the ■ war is protracted, or if it takes an unfavourable turn, Russia would not remain idle. The opportunity for Russian aggrandisement in Asia would be too tempting. England would then be face to face with a bitter alternative. Her disappearance from South Africa, which might then become a serious question, •« ould not only put an end to the Imperialist - schemes of Mr Chamberlain, but might prove a turning point of incalculable significance in the history of England. England is playing a daring game; the stake is nothing less than her future as a world Power." APROPOS OF THE WAR. Colonel James W. Murray, P.S.C., R.A., who was assistant quartermaster-general—of the Intelligence branoh at Simla, has been appointed to the commandyof the line of communication in Natal under Sir George White, V.C Colonel Murray in 1895-96 commanded all the lines of Communication in the Ashantee Expedition. He was D.A. and Q.M.G. of the military branch of our own headquarters from 1884 to 1887, and frbm 1890 to 188,9 ; and was D.A.A.G. for instruction at headquarters 'at Aldershot from 1894 to 1897, when hewas sent to India to become assistant adjutant -general. '" Before the end of December the Boer 3 will have had time to .crush their adversaries. France and, we may say, the whole of Europe hope they will." — The Libre Parole, of Paris. It is reported from Washington that Admiral Dewey was interviewed there on the attitude of America in the Boer war. In his reply, which was very outspoken, he said : " If England required the United States navy to give the balance of Europe a lesson to mind its own business, the sentiment of this country would give it to her. I should, like to be in command on such an occasion." A pretty correct forecast of the probable duration of the Transvaal war may be gathered from the fact that her Majesty's Government are contracting for a period of eight months for the supply of bread and other military requisites rendered necessary by so large a number of the Army Service Corps having left for the front. This favours the belief that the War department are of opinion that the British troops will be back in their old quarters by the Ist of May. There are enough Germans in the Kimberley Town Guard to form a Teutonic corps, thus showing that the subjects of Kaiser Wilhelm in the Cape Colany are not by any means opposed to her Majesty's Government. A welcome addition to the camp at Dundee arrived on 6th October, in the shape of the 23rd Indian Field Hospital Corps, about 120 strong. The corps consisted wholly of Indian natives of various castes, whose tender solicitude and care for the sick or injured soldiers is a household word amongst all soldiers who have eerved time in India. Several of the men in camp stated that they would rather be under the care of these native nurses than those of any other hospital corps in the world. They are so very attentive to their patients that they have gained a happy distinction throughout the British army. GENERAL ITEMS. •According to the runners who have arrived at Kimberley from Kuraman, British Bechuanaland, the resident magistrate there Los recently presided at a Council of Native Chiefs. He advised them not to participate in the war. The natives expressed satisfaction at the magistrate's explanation, and promised to remain quiescent. Germany has sent to follow the British forces in South Africa her military attache in London, Captain Baron Yon Luttwitz, j who married Miss Mamie Cary, of Cleveland, Ohio. | The British military authorities hope to have wireless telegraphy in operation in South Africa ■within three weeks, when it is honed the difficulties experienced from the cutting of the wires will be obviated, ! as it will only be necessary to establish communication with a point where the or1 dinary wires are intact.

The Natal Mercury received the following telegram from Salisbury :—" The Irishmen of Mashonaland wish to denounce the so-called Irishmen of Johannesburg, who volunteered to fight for Kruger and his despotic Government — hoping our country's regiments will come in contact with them, and v/ill show them no quarter. God-speed our British Army."

Swaziland refugees report that Swaziland is entirely, deserted by the English. The Boers and the police have also withdrawn, and the prisons have been opened. It is further reported that the Kaffirs are collecting at the King's kraal.

( The Premier of Cape Colony, Mr W. P. Schreiner, is the son of a German missionary. He was born in the Cape Colony, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. Curious aa it may seem, Mr Schreiner was Attorney-general in the Rhodes Ministry, and went out of 6ffice with Mr Rhodes after the Jameson crash.

Rooi-nek, literally red-neck, is a term of opprobrium applied by the Boer to the Englishman. They say that in the last war the English were always running away, and that their sunburnt necks were more seen than their faces !

The test of organising power (says The Times) will arise only after disembarkation, and it is in anticipation of the difficulties which must necessarily present themselves that a considerable number of Army Service Corps companies and many special service officers are bewig sent out. The preliminary mobilisation will be carried out rapidly ; but, if the subsequent difficulties are not adequately realGed, there will be a bitter disappointment at tho apparent delay in taking the field, which, in the circumstances, is inevitable. A gentleman in Oamaru has received a letter from his brother, who has been settled in the north of the Transvaal for over IT

years. Th» writer states that in th« first place passes T?ere gnrated to ; - himself, wife, and family to remain, provided they remained neutral, and as they were so far north it was considered that they would not be interfered with. At the last moment, when war was declared, they were ordered to leave. All their clothes, furniture, land, and buildings were declared confiscated, and deeds of properties retained. They were bundled away like a lot of cattle in trucks, little children dying on the road, and ultimately landed in Natal at Pietermaritzburg. The letter goes on to cay everybody knows that the British must win, and that after peace is proclaimed the Transvaal will have the grandest future that any country has ever seen. The writer concludes: "'ln the meantime, God knows what will beoome of us." — Oamaru Mail. A Wellington m telegram states that Private Philip N. Hunt, who met with an accident on the Waiwera, and is now in the hospital at Capetown, is well known in Wellington, having been at one time in the Public Works department there. He is a son of Dr Hunt, of Christchuroh. MAJOR-GENERAL" SIR W. GATACRE. TO THE EDITOR, j Sib, — Major Kennedy in his notes a few ! days ago gave a short aocount of General Bui- j ler"s divisional commanders. The mention of j Major-general Gataero brought to my mind the time he gained his commission. During the last year of the Crimean war (1855) special efforts were made by the War department to obtain recruits, atad commissions were offered to. suitable young gentlemen who could raise a given number of men — ensign 50, lieutenant j 100, I think was the number. In. those day« a commission cost a considerable 6Um. Young Gatacre, son of an old and much- respected ! Shropshire family, of Gatacre Hall, on the j outskirts of. Bridgeworth, at once went in for it, and at once commenced beating up for recruits at the Autumn Fair (St. Luke':) at the old town. Well, I remember the splendid j offers and promises-more brittle 'even than ] a political candidate > e j^that were made. After the fair followed a round of visits to the neighbouring villages. In a short time,. what with spending money freely, his family influence, and the Government bounty, at the time 1 j thing £8 per man, the required number (100) was obtained. From that time, until his name was mentioned. in., the Chitral campaign and in the Soudan, I had not heard of him till eight 1 ; or nine months ago, on his returning to his' native town, where lie was given a splendid reception. The ancient and picturesque old town, on the banks of the Severn, in fact, seems to have let itself loose for the occasion. — I am, etc., Gko. Geben. Broad Bay, November 23. THE FIGHTING AT BELMONT. TO THK EDITOR. Sib, — As an old soldier in the Transvaal, and one who takes 'a great interest in. the movements of our troops in South Africa at present, I was very pleased to read in this morning's telegrams that the various regiments of Guards and Fiisileers stormed the heights of Belmorit. All honour to our " Guards " ; they have shown .what the British bayonet can do. But don't let. your cable correspondent jump away with tha conclusion that heights are carried with bands playing, etc. Men don't cheer after climbing 500 f t; they have more to do with their breath. I think y6u will find later on that I am correct. — I am, etc., J. M'Naik Clabk. PROPOSED PATRIOTIC FUND.' A very enthusiastic meeting of those interested in the formation of a New Zealand Contingent .Patriotic Fund was held in the Civil Service Rooms on the 22nd, Mr E. Withers, president of the New Zealand Natives' Association, being in the chair. Apologies were received from Captain Chalmer, liieutenant Morris, Messrs A. Spence, Gunthorpe, Bell, Reid, and C. C. Graham. The Chairman referred to the object for which the meeting was called. He considered it a step in the right direction, and. thought such an appeal would be responded to most liberally by all loyal and right-minded citizens in Dunedin. On the motion of Mr Munro, seconded by Mr Wallace, it was resolved — "That-tho form itself into a committee, with power to add to their number, to work up a New Zealand Patriotic Fund." The Roscius Dramatic Company, it was intimated, had generously offered to devote the proceeds of two dramatic performances, to be given in the Princess Theatre on the 15th and 16th December, to the. fund. The offer was occepted with thanks. Messrs A. Marryatt and T. Jenkins were appointed joint secretaries, and* Mr E. Withers treasurer, tho understanding being that all funds collected will be devoted to the fund. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting. THE REFUGEES' FUND. A Wanganui telegram states that the local subscription to the Transvaal relief fund is £418 17s lOd. The odd £18 17s lOd is from the Collegiate School, and is for wounded soldiers. An Auckland telegram states that tlie South African War Relief Fund now totals £648, of which the Mayor has cabled to the Lord Mayor of London £620. We have to ackowledge receipt'of the following further subscription : — A Dunedin Girls' School £2 2 0 C. C. Colquhoun £V 1 0 E. M. Macmillan 0 10 6 Lodge Cargill Kilwinning, No. 632, S.C. £ 2 2 0 Previously acknowledged .. .. 144 16 0 Total £146 18 0 His Worship the Mayor's list .. 84 10 0 Total £231 8 0