FRANCE.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 December 1900, Page 251

FRANCE.

Kruger's reception in Paris has been of a very half-hearted nature, and would have been very galling to any one of keener susceptibilities than the old Boer. It had all the requisite outward pomp and show — it included every detail that would be expected of a nation which flatters itself on its politeness and adherence to etiquette; but it missed altogether the inner feeling that inspires the hearty and boisterous welcome which would be accorded to a man with whom the masses of the people were entirely in sympathy. This is in no way surprising as, however France might have wished to see England worsted in her attempt to assert her rights, Kruger's acting of the role of injured innocent was of so muddled a nature, and so saturated with selfish regard for his own welfare, that it was impossible for him to gain true sympathy, even from those whom other considerations would have made most willing to accord it. The Press and the people, it is pleasing to note, most carefully avoided any approach to a demonstration of anti-British feeling.