THE BOER WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 22 February 1901, Page 3

THE BOER WAR.

[by electric telegraph—copyright]

(per press association.)

Philip Schreiner's Declaration

Botha Being Hard Pressed by French.

Eeceived this day at 9 7 a.m. London. Feb. 21

A correspondent signing •' P. S." supposed to be Philip Sehreiner, brother to the late Premier of tho Capo, addressed a letter to the Times. Ho states it is his painful duty to advise the Boer 3 to surrender.

The sympathy of Continental nations is hollow, tbe tardiness liboral members in tho House of Commons in declaring they opposed the idea of Boer independence, and their loyalty to the Empire has disagreeably surprised the Boers. If tho intentions of the Liberals had been made clear months ago the war would long since have been honorably concluded. Had the Dutch won they would have taken every penny of the stakes.

In his letter "P.S." makes a strong case against the maintenance of the dual language difficulty. He points out that the Dutch in Cape Colony and Natal enjoy cquately of rights and language with the British, yet they are not satisfied because as long as two languages is permitted to remain a peaco fusion of the two races is impossible. Tho British is advised to take steps to abolish Dutch language throughout South Africa in favor of English, and place the descendants, bravo commandants, in seats of power. The universal loyalty of the colonies to the Empire, has been a great lesson to the Dutch. Though small bodies of Boers manage to break through the lines, French is hard pressing Botha's main body numdering 40C0 men. They arc encumbered with women and children and a huge convoy.

When French threatened Ermelo, Botha ordered Ermelo's commando to sever tho Boer retreat, threatening to shoot leaders who disobeyed the order. Tho entire commando thereupon deserted.

There is accumulating evidence that the Boer leaders represent to thoßurgher3 that Chamberlain's j, conciliatory assurances are signs of weakness and were bribes for their surrender.

At Kitchener's request, Major General Earl Dundonald and Colonel Ward, who played prominent parts in the early campaign, arc returning to South Afriea.