Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1901. THE BOER WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 3 September 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1901. THE BOER WAR.

The Boers reply to Kitchener’s proclamation indicates that the conflict is to be continued, that is if the utterance of a few irresponsible leaders are to be taken as the true guage. The reply, however, can only be accepted as coming from a small section. Recent telegrams give a better indication of the feeling coming, from the Boers themselves. The large number of captures and voluntary surrenders tell clearly of the general desire to terminate the now uneven, cruel, and utterly useless struggle. And to-day we have a message telling us that numbers of Boers are turning Kings evidence, and giving their countrymen away. The Boers have up to the 13th to decide upon what action they shall take, and we are inclined to believe that the end of next week will see a very large number of surrenders. We have to go as far back as May last to see how matters really stand. On May IQfch Secretary Reitz wrote to Steyn stating that ameeting washeldofthe Transvaal Government with Commandant Botha, Commandant Viljoen, and General J. C. Smuts to consider the condition of the country, when the following facts were brought down :

“ First.—Numbers of our burghers are continually surrendering. This means more and more to unsuccessful termination, as Government and officials left without burghers entails heavy responsibility upon Government. “ Secondly.—Supply of ammunition so nearly exhausted that we shall be unable to engage the enemy in another big fight; we shall be brought to a state of helplessness. unable to protect stock. In immediate future we shall be unable to feed our commandoes.

“ Thirdly.—On account of above, Go* vernment becoming weaker, losing support, becoming disorganised.

“ Fourthly.—Not only our nation will be destroyed, but it Will also be considered that leaders have erred, and all hope of continuation of national sentiment will be lost,

Fifthly.—Hitherto nation and Government awaited result European complications and mission of our deputation. Government feel most strongly their duty obtain definite assurances.

“Having considered above points, Government has determined •

“1. To obtain permission to send message to President Kruger point out terrible condition country.

“2. If request refused we will ask for armisties to obtain opinion both nations of future policy to put an end to present state of affairs. We leave it to you to suggest other solutions, but you must carefully consider that this Government is convinced that the time has passed for us to let matters drift on as at present, and i that Jthe time has come to take the final step.” Usual ending. (Signed) Keitz.

Replying to the above Steyn, under date of May 15th, acknowledges the letter as follows;—“ Great blow to me. Month ago discussed matters with your Government, agreed not to' ask for armistice until things reached utmost extremity. Shall we obtain armistice ? I think nothing has happened entitle us to armistice to obtain opinion of our nations. It is true Boksburg commando lost laager; General Viljoen was obliged to burn his, and blow up his Long Tom ; but in spite of this we have not come to the last extremity. Free State been four months without cannon ; I also know of men lying down their arms, officers becoming cowardly. Our ammuniti9n has long been scarce enough, still (some) left to continue. You ask what prospect of successful termination. I ask what chance was there for two small Republics when they declared war against . mighty power of England ? You will answer; We have trusted in God’s help and foreign intervention, ‘ What reason have we for refusing to place farther reliance on God ? ’ I have seen last European papers ; I 'firmly believe complication will take place in Europe within next few months, which will gain our good fortune. Knowing leaders of our deputation, I cannot believe they would sit hero without hope of intervention, knowing how we struggle and strive, for I know they love their fatherland sufficiently to frankly ask the British to end the war if in their opinion intervention is hopeless. The fact that these men remain in Europe convinces me that our case is not hopeless. When armistice comes I shall ask opinion of my nation. If they refuse to give in their determination will be mine also. I do not approve of sending messenger to Europe, it shows our hand. lam deeply hurt you having taken this determination without asking my advice, and acted so hurriedly. If you have not despatched messenger, do not do so until I can call my advisers. I have sent for General De Wet; he will be here next week. I will then send you opinion, “In your letter you say you are afraid your officers will be left alone on commando.

“ Here officers may surrender, but burghers will remain steadfast. I must point out that the Orange Free State has not only spent blood and money, but will have lost its freedom by trying to help the sister Republic, and all reliance of one Afrikander on another will be destroyed for ever. It is ridiculous to think that, when flooded with scum of Europe, Afrikander spirit will remain. If we wish to remain a nation, now is the time to struggle. Hope you received Natal newspaper, stating Milner going nomi nally on leave; truth being he not allowed a free hand. In later English paper I have seen Kitchener and he cannot pull together. All these things convince me we shall be destroying all hope of our nation if we now surrender. Brothers, stand fast —take courage to your disheartened burghers. I have received verbal information that Commandant Hausbrook had engagement with English, drove them back three times. As soon as I can call a council I will send a reply ; do not take any further steps till you have heard from me.” Usual ending follows, (Signed) Steyn.” The publication of these despatches has proved very unpleasant for the pro-Boers, for they show that the Boer commanders were ready and anxious to yield, and were prevented by Steyn on the strength of various utterances of certain pro-Boer journals and speakers, and in hope of foreign invention. Also they show, as did Kruger’s last utterance, that the Boers are still determined to accept nothing but a fresh Gladstonian “ scuttle,” or, in other words, the relinquishment by England of what she has purchased with sixteen thousand precious lives and 150 million sterling. But the British Empire is not prepared on a second surrender so shameful.