SOUTH AFRICA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7505, 12 September 1902, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA.

THE BOER GENERALS' DEMANDS. MR CHAMBERLAIN'S REPLY. ENGLISH NEWSPAPER COMMENT. United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. (Received Sept. 12, 9.19 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 11. Mr Chamberlain has agreed to re-transfer three farms wtoich, the Government had ac^ quired: , ' General Botha oomplainedi of the constitution: of the commissions entrusted with' the distribution- of the three million grant, and asked lor further assistance. Mr Chamberlain said 3m could not recognise the justice of the ootrnplamt, but ©aid he was willing to investigate specific ciharges. Ha reminded the Generals tihat Britain's magnanimity and generosity towards the conquered had never been equal* led, and advised them not to press fop more. He declined to recognise burgher rights granted during the war,- and appealed to them to forget anch forgive and co-oper-ate in working for the prosperity and liberty of South Africa. How soon complete autonomy could be granted depended entirely on <tihe rapidity with whioh animosities died out. , . The newspapers characterise thie Generals' proposals as audacious and astonishing, and assert that they were inspired by the Trane> vaal Legation. They applaud Mr Chamberlain's courtesy, tactfulnesa and firnmear. The "Daily Newß" says the Vereeniging terms were a mere rough draft of the free jeonrtitutdon 1 required.