MR KRUGER TALKS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 24 September 1901, Page 4

MR KRUGER TALKS.

Remarkable Tirade Against England.

His Views on Atrocities and Febels.

A rc m likable interview with ox-Presi-denb Kroger is published by the “Figaro,” the writer being M Henri des iiOux, whom Mr Kruger received “as a frund who had often shown his affection and respect.”

M. des Houx condoled with the ex-Pre-sident on the Joss of his wife. “I accept my sorrow with resignation,” said Mr Kruger. “I consent to the sacrifice of all that is dear io mo if God in return will spare the life of a single one of our soldiers, or a tear to the wives and mothers of those who arc suffering for justice.” Asked what ho thought of Lord Kitchener’s report on the shooting of English wounded, Mr Kruger replied:—■ “I have not yet been able to examine the allegations. This is the first time in twenty-one months that such accusations have been made. Our enemies up till now have done justice to our humanity. It appears to mo that they have chosen this method of replying to several charges drought by our troops of inhumanity—only too well proved—against our adversaries.

“ War is undoubtedly a cruel thing, and victorious soldiers may in isolated cases commit excesses, but Lord Kitchener himself has been ob iged to admit that our officers have suppressed all such acts.

, “ But,” said the ex-President, emphasising bis words by blows of his fist on the table, “ I should consider that our cause was justly condemned by God, and I would even renounce all hope if our soldiers had committed in this war a twentieth part of the crimes perpetrated by the English ! If it were so, we should bo unworthy of retaining our liberty. Bat, I reiterate, it is not so.”

Mr Kruger declared that Miss Hob" house’s stories of the horrors of the concentration camps fell far short of the truth. “We are better informed than she was,” he said. “ When impartial history records the facts in detail, the world will shudder with horror.” No meditation overtures have been made to him. Mr Kruger affirmed, “ I desire meditation ardently, he said, ‘ but I think the atrocities that are being committed out there will do more to move the Powers than the voice of an old man. If they will not listen, what can I do ? t ’ - As for peace proposals, the ex-President declared he had proposed peace once on honorable terms. His proposal still stand?, but it will not be renewed ; he will Wait.

At this point, according to the interviewer, Mr Kruger was overcome by emotion. After a few moments he resumed : “It is not for me to propose peace again. We were not the aggressors. It was not by our wish that the war continues. Wo are defending our liberty. When that is guaranteed us we will lay down our arms, and not before. When the fathers are dead the sons will continue the fight; after them the grandchildren. I hope the English will got tired of ruining themselves to oppress us.” Providence apparently will supply the Boers with the means of continuing the struggle. ‘‘We have never lacked arms or ammunitions for long, said Mr Kruger. “ If one of our commandos can seize a train containing provisions for 500 English that is sufficient to rcvictual 5000 Boors!

‘‘l have reason to believe,” be continued, “that Botha has not entered Cape Colony, but ho will if necestary. The war is no longer confined to the two Republics. It has spread throughout the whole of South Africa. Mark this well: when every inch of our territory is in the hands of the English, when Mr Chamberlain has sent sufficient soldiers to cover the two Republics, the war will still continue with the same fierceness in the English South African Colonics. Wherever there is a man of our race there will bo a soldier ready to take up arms’ in defence of liberty.”

Mr Kruger considered that the hanging of rebels, so far from intimidating them, had encouraged them. “Nothing more useful to our cause could be done,” said he. “Fr >m the blood of martyrs spring up the avengers.” ”

“No half measures—no semi-independ-ence—wid be accepted,” says Mr Kruger“We will never give up our tlag, the symbol of our freedom. We cannot treat unless full and complete amnesty is granted to the Afrikanders.

‘ With regard to the question of protectorate, if wo wished to he •protected it is not to the British that wo should apply. “I am convinced that the hour will come when the Britain will grant us what is our right. Onee peace is made we wish to live with the British as good and loyal neighbours. Wo wish to have peace and perpetual friendship with them. If they recognise our rights, we shall never attack theirs.”