Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1901. THE BOER WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 24 September 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1901. THE BOER WAR.

In all wars no matter how victorious one side may be, minor reverses are pretty sure to be experienced by the victors. So in South Africa, where latterly the British have had it all pretty well their own way, they have met with minor reverses. The last reverse is more pronounced—apparently the result of want of caution. — and consequently we have a good deal of adverse comment thereon. The leading English papers have deemed it necessary to remind Government that the war is one to a finish and the sooner measures are adopted to secure that end the better it will be. While Kruger and his contingent—living in luxury in Europe—are charging the British with barbarities and savagery —which times out of number has been disproved—wo find a just cry going forth from British subjects in South Africa denouncing the favored treatment given to “ converted ” rebels, and the ill-treatment to loyalists. In our last night’s issue we published an article from the pen of Sinclair Howe, giving pretty clear evidence of this, and declaring that the germ of distrust has been fostered in its growth by the policy of that Government which has vowed so often to see the business through. Ho quotes a number of instances where Boers who had been fighting against the British had been placed in positions of trust, and that from such persons important secrets had been communicated to the enemy. One instance ho records where the “ chairman of an important committee in Pretoria is a man who [ has been repeatedly struck off the rolls under the corrupt regime of the old Government, who has been ‘ wanted' badly by the police both of Cape Colony and Natal, and who could only have flourished as ho has done in a country where knavery was at a premium. He, fortunately, is not a British subject, and is therefore treated with the kindest consideration, as the enemy must be conciliated at all costs.” This is a very strong charge, yet it is one that is quite in keeping with the leniency policy of Britain, that is now extending a magnanimous treatment to the Boer, of which he is quite undeserving. The Boer has been so

long accustomed to maltreatment of the black races in South Africa, and holding that as the only way to keep them in subjection, that ho looks upon any kindnsss by the British as a sign of weakness and fear. And building upon this be continues to resist, in belief that Britain is in difficulties and the ultimate success of the Boor cause assured. If the war is to be speedily terminated misconception must be removed, and it seems to us that the only way to remove it is that advocated by Mr, Howee, who declares there is only one method and that is to shoot everyone of them at sight after due warning has been given, lie continues: “ True it is that the policy would cut both ways, but I leave it to any military man to state whether the ultimate cost in British blood would not be considerably less than a pursuance of the present method of concluding the campaign.” The war has degenerated to the hunting of a number of outlaws who swoop down ever and anon on some unprotected spot, murdering, robbing and burning quite irrespective of whether the persons are combatants or not. And as such they should be treated—in fact, will have to be treated to put an end to lawlessness and disorder.