Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1901. THE BOER WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 19 November 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1901. THE BOER WAR.

It is amusing to note the tone of European powers, and the action of the populace in regard to the Boer war. Vague hints at intervention are floated forth ever and anon, to be almost immediately thereafterwards officially withdrawn and denied. The Boers we are then told are a brave people, a good God-fearing people, merciful and just, but for all that as Britain does not want mediation, the Nations maintain a strict neutrality. Getting behind the scene, and tearing down the flimsy hypocracy, we speedily realise that, with the exception of Holland, Europe does not care a jot for the Boer or his wellfare, but Europe would like to use the Boer to administer a blow to the British Empire, for Europe loves not Britain and would dearly like to clip the Lion's claws. Yet Europe is not likely, even occupied as Britain is with the South African affair, to attempt the dangerous operation. Let us ask for instance what sympathy Catholic countries can havo for the Boer who would not tolerate the Catholic religion in the land of Kruger ? Then with those who pretend to take his part" on the plea that he is "merciful and Godfearing " what can they say to his barbarous treatment of the Natives, his ruubless murder of the original occupiers of the soil ? Truth to tell, the Boer is neither brave nor merciful. In the present war he has proved himself to be cruel, crafty and hyprocritical, a murderer of the wounded, and despoiler of women and children. He has ignored all the rules of civilised nations; and'while singing psalms of praise, has ruthless murdered in cold blood, and shot the unfortunate

Natives were oven found as if they were wild beasts. His day and generation is happily passing away; anew and better order of things will evolve itself out of all this bloodshed ; the AngloSaxon rule will be established; and ere long the country will be accorded a similar constitution to that now enjoyed in New Zealand. When this comes—as come it will—the Boer will look back and marvel at his former ignorance; and though he may not admit it, will enjoy greater liberty than before. He will then live and prosper under a free and enlightened rule, having full protection ana liberty; but not the license as of old to shoot down his black brother wherever found, without plea in justification. All this will come, and the Empire will be further consolidated, the illwishes of Europe notwithstanding. The Anglo-Saxon rule is far from being perfect; but it is the best the world has ever seen ; and 'tis a good thing for the world that that rule occupies the strong position it does.