GENERAL BOTHA'S DEATH.

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 287, 30 August 1919, Page 7

GENERAL BOTHA'S DEATH.

RESULT OF SUDDEN CRISIS FOLLOWING EXHAUSTING WORK IN EUROPE By Telegraph—Press Association Copyright Cape Town, August 28. TJie news of General Botha s death lias caused universal grief, for no statesman was more generally beloved. General Botha's symptoms had for some time past been causing anxiflt.y, apart from the fact that he had periodical attacks of weakness for years. His work in Europe had exhausted hiin, and the voyage to Africa was marked by ominous incidents. On tho day of/landing, lie was very weak, ami intimate friends marvelled I hat lie was able to bear the strain of public receptions. Nevertheless,, the full seriousness of .the position was not realised. .The Priiue .Minisier i-u light a "lull a few days ' ago, when on .a visit to his .farm, and was coniineil to bed . wi, his return to f Pretoria, but nothing serious' was anticipated till the' illness took a sudden turn, lor the worso last night. ■■ ■ At 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon .' ho ■ fell into !i gentle sleep, from which'there was no Wakening, .'and his death was absolutely.peaceful. Mrs. Botha and Captain Botha wero present when he died, but no other- relatives were there, owing to the suddenness of ttho, crisis. • c, . . There will be a Stale funeral on bat-.urday.—Aus.-N.Z. • Cable Assn. - GENERAL SMDTS TO ACT AS ..., ~ PRIME- MINISTER. -. Capo Town, August 28. It is understood that, Constitutionally, the Cabinet' ceascs to exist on the death of the Prime Minister. -The,Gov-ernor-General, who has broken.a journey, to come to Pretoria, will nominate a successor. Later.. General Smuts, as the senior Minister, will act as- Prime Minister.—Aus.-N.7i. .Cable Assn. • canadian"tributes Ottawa, August. 28. There is ' general regret at General Botha's death, and flags are at half-must. Tho Press pays tributes'to 'a gallant enemy and a noblo Mend."'' In paying a tribute to General Botlui the Prime Minister, Sir Robert'Borden-, speaking with - deep emotion, said Geiiciiu Botha was a remarkable and impressive character. ' He-had a most; generous nature, broad vision, and sure political instinct. While in Paris he consulted Sir Robert Borden'as to whether lie should accept: the presidency of the. Polish Commission. Sir Robert Borden, in view ol tho state of General Botha's health, advised him not .to take the portion, anil General Botha complied with tho advice. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.