SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS

Temuka Leader, Issue 4017, 28 February 1903, Page 1

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS

GPETOWN, Feb. 24

Barend Celliers has been acquitted at Bloemfontein on charge of shooting Lieutenant Boyle, "a British officer, who was captured in January, 1901. De Wet. testified that Philip Botha expressed himself strongly against Boyle, but he was not aware that Botha had ordered him to be shot, though, he might have 'done so. Feb. 25.

At the farewell banquet to Mr Chamberlain, four: hundred were present, including Mr Hofmeyer. Mr Chamberlain said it was yet too early to state the results of his unprecedentedmission to South frican interests. Recent incidents gave a hope of a new era, especially since the Progressives had va rented Mr Hofmeyer’s authoritative assurances as sincere. He hoped Ihat such good feeling might prevail as to justify the clearing of the political atmosphere by the release*of all political offenders. Pie advocated Imperial, not local, patriotism, avi to; eluded amidst great cheering. Mr Chamberlain lias promiseci. to present to the King the Australian deputation’s petition for the release of Whitton.

CAPETOWN, February 25

The Afrikander Bond will summon an assembly of 'Dutch Ministers with a view to promoting Mr Hofmeyer's conciliatory declaration. It is reported at Johannesburg that the Boer Generals really declined seats in the Legislative Council owing to the presence Cronjie, a National scout. ■ • '

As the result of an influential meeting the loyalist Boer pastors \n VU,stem Transvaal have resolved lo form a separate church, owing to Dio attitude of the Dutch Reformed Church. LONDON, Feb. 25.

The Standard states that Mr Cham ocrlain recommends a ;general amnesty, but not r-Mafrauchisomei't, as a graceful ending to Us visit. The Times declares 4 ha l if any statesman inspiring less confidence than Mr Chamberlain had recommended an amnesty the British would have regarded the step with deep misgiving. Certainly the act is one of generous boldness, - bordering on temerity. LONDON, February 25., The Daily Mail states that Lord Milner has latterly been indisposed, but has improved and. will fake a short holiday to England after u.cß locmfontcin Conference in March.