STATEMENT BY THE PRISONER.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11491, 26 January 1903, Page 7

STATEMENT BY THE PRISONER.

Colonel Lynch then made a statement: — "When I went to South Africa," lie began, "ifc -was with the sole intention of acting as war correspondent. So far from contemplating taking any active part hi the campaign, I expressly stipulated in one of my contracts—viz., that with the 'Journal' of Park—that I should not be required to remain in South Africa more tlvajti two months. I was at that time living in Paris, but I crossed over to London, amd had several interviews with newspaper editors here on the subject.

"Tliey were already well provided, but I succeeded in making terms with 'Black and White. , At the same time I had arr<|pged with on American journalist in Paris respecting American appointments, and through liim I obtained a commission from 'Collier's Weekly.' I received proposals also from the 'Century Magazine' and the 'North American Review' for special artioles. I bought a kodak and took lessons in its use. I estimated that by contracts thus made, not to speak if pictures, I should make some £500."

He had no mission from Dr. Leyds, but as correspondent of the "Journal"" he felt bound to supply that paper with such titbits as the employment of Kaffirs by the English.

■ After a time the "Colonel"' became naturalised as a burgher, merely for the advantages of moving about among the Boers a3 a journalist, aid it was after a taik with General Botha that he was persuaded to take command of th« 2nd Irish Brigade.

Hβ bad never been guided by any hope of gain, and had sacrificed his journalistic £600, but had never rece*v«d pay as a commandant.

He had fought asa burgher, and was still of opinion that his naturalisation was in due form and complete.

When he was»-asked to stand for Galway the "Colonel" set out clearly the grounds on which he based his candidature, and the?© declarations were part of his defence.

He had no animus against the troops against whom he was fighting. Quite the contrary. He had even caused a doctor to be tent to the British-prisoners at Pretoria.