THE BOER WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 30 August 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.]

Not War but Murder. London, August 29. Commandant Letter has reappeared in the vioinity of Cradock. Scobell is pursuing him.

Lieut G. T. Turpeston, of the New Zealand 7th Contingent, died of pneumonia at Losberg. Lord Kitchener forwarded to Steyn and Botha sworn evidence taken before General Eliott, showing that Lieut Mair, of the N S Wales Artillery, and Private Harvey and Blunt, were shot down on June 6th last after surrendering at Graspan, near Beitz, when Eliott engaged Do Wet.

Capture of Boers. Beceived this day at 9 25 a m. London, August 29. A number of sharpshooters at North Ladybrand captured five Boers and many horses at a farmhouse used as a Boer remount dep6t. Kitchener's Complaints. In connection with Kitchener's complaints in reference to the selection of Yeomanry, it is stated that several of the substitutes underwent the riding and firing test when as incompetent Yeoman were enrolled. The Standard in referring to the proclamation, says that Great Britain has humanely resolved to bring home the guilt to individuals before punishing them. The Times doubts the utility of form* ally proelaming what the enemy are aware must expect if they allow the war to degenerate to murder. Shooting the Wounded. London, Aug. 29. Mr Brodrick yesterday stated that in view of the absence of a satisfactory assurance on the part of the Boers respecting the murder of the wounded at tho battle of Vlakfontein, and in view of the occurrences at Graspan, he had cabled to Lord Kitchener proposing a proclamation declaring that members of any commando committing such an outrage, shall after trial, proving they were . present be deemed guilty, and the leader of the commando be sentenced to death. Other members of the commando will be sentenced to death or lesser sentence according to the degree of complicity. .

Gre/it indignation prevails over the Graspan murders. The newspapers regret the delay in announcing one of tho worst and saddest episodes in the campaign. The principle of applying collective responsibility to any force guilty of such outrages is generally approved, provided the proclamation contains certain and necessary safeguards. The issue of final terms for a proclamation is depended upon Lord Kitchener's judgment.