SOUTH AFRICA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9662, 10 February 1903, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICA

♦ MR CHAMBERLAIN AND THE BOERS. ifileotrio Telegraph— i. opyright ■ United Press Association') CAPETOWN, February 9. -Christian De Wet's deputation, to Mr Chamberlain was of a very stormy cbwracter. The petibioni was prepared by Hertzog and Fichart. It alleged ten-griev-ances, and complained of unsympathetic administration. ,. Mr Chamberlain .replied that the grievances were wholly fcaseless and imaginary, except where tliey had already been redressed. The petition was, he said, the work of misobjef-making lawyers. He was astonished tli&t no recognition, had been made of the unwearied and gigantic efforts of the Government m regard to repatriation, compensation, education, and help given to byewoners. If the burgihers m grumbling and were t-honk-J teas he would despair of reconciliation, ' and would advise the Government to hold its hand. On De W.et rising to reply Mr Chamberlain motioned silence. De Wet regretted that the speech was unwelcome, as it had been like mustard after meat. Hertzog claimed that the Vereeniging terms ought to be incorporated m the law. •*** Mr Chamberlain retorted that had not the legal status depended on the Government's honor, and challenged him to give definite .iutitances of violation. Hertzog, amidst the laughter of some burghers, cited several instances, which, Chamberlain disproved. De Wet declai-ed co-operation impossible while the Government recognised Piet De Wet and Citrus Botha as representing the burghers ; bath ought to be rated, and not allowed to rule. De Wet went on to say that lie would never rest until he had caused a rebellion, mot an 'armed one, but one of agitation and discontent against the Government. Mr Chamberlain was adamant. When Hertzog interrupted, he exclaimed, "I am not Jrere to be contradicted." Mr Chamberlain •declared that lie would never subordinate those who assisted the Government to a hostile section. At a banquet given later many Boers were present, though. De> Wet was absent. Mr Chamberlain .eulogised Lord Milner, who, he said, would remain m South Africa to witness the full fruition of his great policy. • Referring to the deputation, Mr Chamberlain said that he considered it his duty to protest against inaccuracies and absolutely false allegations of bad faith, which had not tojsen supported by an atom of proof. He appealed to all to quench the embers of strife. He stated that distinguished predikants hud. promised to promote union and conciliation. He explained how a civilian board would settle compensation claims at the end of the month. Mr Chamberlain's frankness disconcerted the extremists and conciliaited others, who are inclined to break with Hertzog and Christian De Wet. Even Hertzog disclaimed that there was any insinuation against the honor of the British Government, and admitted their willingness to redress injustice. (Received February 10, 9,20 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Feb. 9. Recalcitrant Boers admit that Mr Chamberlain makes it impossible to bully the Government. The war might have been avoided had pluvious Governments shown an equal determination to keep South Africa. ,