THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 201, 31 August 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

THE GRASPAN MURDERS.

By Telegraph--Press Association—Copyright London, Aug. 29.

Mr Brodrick yesterday stated that, in view of the absence of a satisfactory assurance on the part of the Boers respecting tho murder of wounded at the battle of Vlakfotitcin, and in view of the occurrences at Graspan, he had cabled to Lord Kitchener the proposed proclamation, declaring that the members of any commando committing such outrages shall, after trial proving they were present, bo deemed guilty. The leader of the commando shall bo sentenced to death, and other members of the commando sentenced to death, or a lesser sentence according to the degree of complicity. Great indignation prevails over tho Graspan murders, l’he newspapers regret tho delay in announcing one of the worst and saddest episodes of the campaign.

The principle of aplying collective responsibility to any force guilty of such outrages is generally approved, provided the proclamation contains necessary safeguards. Tho issue and final terms of the proclamation is dependent upon Lord Kitchener’s judgment. The Standard, referring to Lord Kitchener's proclamation, says Great Britain has humanely re oived to bring homo the guilt of in r v luaL before punishing them.

The Times doubts tho utility of formally proclaiming what the enemy are aware they must expect if they allow the war to degenerate into murder. A number of sharpshooters north of Ladybrand captured Jive Boers and many horses at a farmhouse used as a Boer remount depot. In connection with Lord KitcUener’s complaints in reference to tho selection of Yeomanry, it is stated that several substitutes underwent riding and firing tests when incompetent Yeomanry wero enrolled.

ASSISTANT COLONIAL SECRETARY

By Telegraph—Tress Association—Copyright Londpn, Aug. 30.

Air W. E. Davidson, a prominent official of the Ceylon Civil service, has been appointed Assistant Colonial Secretary for the Transvaal Colony.

OTINIONS ON THE WAR

CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Aug. 30.

Commenting on the proclamation against outrages tho St. James and Westminster Gazettes recommend tho Bonding of more mounted troops and a liberal supply of remounts with the view of vigorous steps being taken to end the war and prevent acts of savagery and cmbittormeut. The Globe says that Lord Kitchener only needs to have the waste of forces mado good. The Pall Mall Gazette says that otto execution is preferable to many proclamations.

Claims totalling £315,000 for direct, and £818,473 for consequential damages, were submitted to the Commission appointed at the instance of Lord Lansdowno to enquire into and assess the losses of foreigners expelled from tho Transvaal. Tlte Commission ignored the claims for consequential damages, and considerably reduced tho claims for direct damages, owing to tho absence of claimants.

VICTORIANS KILLED.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Aug. 30.

Privates of tho Fifth Victorian Contingent, Lawrence and Bow, have been killed; ISupple, Bruuctt, Saddler, and Cook wore severely wounded at Schurvelerghock.