The South African War.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 34, 9 February 1901, Page 1

The South African War.

To THE EdITQB OF THE TIMES,

Sir, —I suppose “Another Resident” is chuckling under the impression that he has completely demoralized and hopelessly vanquished “ Tommy Atkins ” by the pitiable exhibition of such poor imagination and weak composition, expressed in his miserable effusion of Jannarv 31st. While “ Tommy Atkins ” is profoundly affected at having so deeply wounded the dignity of His Highness, he begs to state for that gent’s edification that his peaceful slumbers have been in no way disturbed, and he has not, so far, required the aid of restoratives.

In the first place, I notice that “ Another Resident ” is not man enongh to quote my 'letter correctly. I certainly did not stly “ All British methods were magnanimous and generous,” as he would try to impute. In using those terms I was referring to Earl Roberts and his treatment of the Boers. Ido not for a moment say, that all the British methods are magnanimous and generous, because in war there is always the dark, seamy side, as well as the fair, which cannot possibly be prevented! When Boers take the oath and profess loyalty, fly the white flag from their housetops, and at the same time harbor and assist rebels and snipers, the British have been compelled to burn their houses, etc., as punishment for oathbreaking. This seems to stick in the gullet of “ Another Resdent.” Do the Boers not do the same and worse if they come across any farmer who won’t fight for them ? We find the British at present providing for the wives and families of the _ Boers fighting against us. How does this correspond with the treatment of English women and children by Boer commandoes at the commencement of the war ? Does “Another Resident” remember how thousands of them wore packed like herrings in filthy sheep and cattle trucks, and sent down hundreds of miles of railways, while at all stations en route the Boers spat in the faces of English ladies and brutally ill-treated them; flogged and tortured children before their mothers’ eyes. Also, how train-loads of these refugees were shunted into sidings, there to stand two and three days, while the occupants were beaten back, and some shot when they attempted to get a drink of water ? Does he remember the horrors of those journeys and all the indignities' put upon the victims, of whom so many died in the dirty trucks ? These persecutors and fiends are what “Another Resident” calls “ white men ” in the first part of flis letter. Splendid specimens of “white men.” A noosed rope was too sacred for each of their necks. “ Another Resident ” does not hesitate to fabricate and wander from the truth, when he says I used the term “ The majority of Boer commanders invariably resort to inhuman methods.” He does not know the difference between “commandoes” and “commanders,” which goes to show how sadly his education has been neglected; but, of course, not many Boer children have ever seen a school. I' said, “take the tactics of the majority of the Boer commandoes, and we find that they invariably resort to inhuman methods,” which has a very different meaning to the way he put it. As to Boer inhuman methods, “ Another Resident” has had bushels of proofs of that statement, but, of course, he shuts his eyes carefully to all Boer shortcomings. He must feel humiliated, indeed, when he reads the testimony of one of his leaders, Woolmarans, the Boer peace delegate, in the Times of January 29th. If not inhuman, what does he call the wilful shelling of hospitals and women’s laagers in Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking ? Also the shelling of English ambulances on battlefields when full of wounded; and on three or four occasions shelled when' actually gathering and tending wounded Boers. If not inhuman, what was the treatment meted out to poor Lieutenant Neumeyer on November 23rd? He was driving to Smithfield, unharmed, when the Boers robbed and then handcuffed him. These splendid specimens of “ white men ” then gallantly went behind him and shot him in the back. Another instance of their inhuman conduct is that of Morgandaal, who was sjamboked by Froueman and DeWet, and then murdered. Dozens of similar instances could bo given if required. Does “Another Resident” think thoso are the actions of “white men ” ? He talks of his “ white men ” fighting to the last. It has generally happened that as soon as they have seen the Tommies fix bayonets, they have turned tail and broken all world’s records up to three or four miles. A splendid example of their “ fighting to the last ” occurred near Elandslaagte, where, after a hard fight, up went the white flag. The British ceased firing, and advanced to accept surrender, when the Boers deliberately volleyed at point blank range. The British, thoroughly aroused, charged, and the Boers fell.on their knees, begging to be spared, as they had families to keep, etc., and crying like children. Such a disgusting exhibition of cowardice has never been equalled, even by tho negroes of Africa. “ Another Resident ” must feel proud, indeed, of his countrymen and their “ fighting to the last.” He complains of a “ war that never should have been started.” Who started the war ? The Boers did ; so now, when they have brought a hornet’s nest round their ears, why do they complain ? They only have themselves to thank for it.

I can inform “ Another Resident ” that I have read Conan Doyle’s “ Boer War,” and also several others on the same subject, and I can tell him that if the amount of what he knows is contained in Doyle’s book, then his knowledge of the war is very limited indeed. There are more authorities than Conan Doyle. Englishmen always appreciate the honorable efforts of the Boers, and have respected them throughout, but they can never respect “ Another Resident,” who is afraid to back up his brethren, the Boers, in the field ; but, instead, tries to poison the minds and shake the loyalty of the King’s subjects. No true Briton can take the stand “ Another Resident ” has, and still have any claim to the protection of our grand Qld Union J ack. It is a pity he has not something better to occupy his time; but, of course, “ When fools are born, they must be reared.” Thanking you in anticipation,—l am, etc., Tommy At kiss.