MR CHAMBERLAIN'S MISSION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11504, 10 February 1903, Page 6

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S MISSION.

CABLE NEWS.

INTERVIEW WITH DE WETS DEPUTATION.

A STORMY DISCUSSION

PLAIN SPEAKING BY MR CHAMBERLAIN.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright(Received February 9th, 11.20 p.m.) ' CAPETOWN, February 9Christian De Wet's deputation to Mr Chamberlain, was of a very stormy character. A petition prepared by Hertzog and Tichait alleged ten grievances, and complained of unsympathetic administration. Mr Chamberlain replied that the grievance* were wholy baseless and imaginary, except -wliere already redressed. The petition was tie work of mischief-making lawyers. He was astonished that no recognition was made of the unwearied and gigantic efforts of tihe Government in regard to repatriation, compensation, education, and the help given to "byewoners." If burghers pereieted in grumbling, and were thankless, lie would despair of reconciliation, and would advise the Government to hold its hand. "On De Wet rising to reply, Mr Chamberlain motioned him to keep silence. De Wet "regretted that speech, would be unwelcome, as it would! have been like mustard after meat. Hertzog claimed that tlhe Vereeniging terms ought to be incorporated in law, whereupon, Air Ghamiberkin retorted that they had no legal status, but depended on the Government's honour. He challenged Hertzog to give definite instances of violation of the terms. Hertzog, amMst the laughter of some of the burghers, cited several instances which Mr Chamberlain disproved. De Wet declared that co-operation was impossible while the Government recognised Piet De Wet and Chris Botha as representing the burghers. Both ought to be ruled, and not allowed to rule. De Wet Trent on to cay that he would never rest until he liad caused a rebeMSou, not an armed one, but one of agitation and discontent against the Government. Mr Chamberkin was adamant. When Hertzog interrupted he exclaimed: "I am not here to be> contradicted!" 'He declared that he would never subordinate those who had assisted the Government to a hostile section. .At a banquet given later many /Boers were -present, tihough De Wet was absent. Mr Chamberlain eulogised Lord IMilner, who would, he eaid, remain in South Africa to witness the full fruition of his great policy. Referring to the deputation he eaid he" considered it hb dnity to protest against the inaccuracies and absolutely fake allegations of bad faith, which had not been supported by an atom of proof. Hβ appealed to all to quench the emlbera of strife, and stated tha-< distinguished predikants 'had 1 promised to promote union and conciliation. He- explained how a civilian Boer would settle the compensation claims at the end of the month. Mr Chamberlain's franknese disconcerted the extremists, and conciliated! the others, who are now inclined to break with Hertzog and Chrisiikm lie Wet. Even Hertzog disclaimed ihe insinuations against the honour of the British Government, and admitted their willingness to redress injustice.