PUNISHMENT OF MURDERERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 382, 5 April 1902, Page 2

PUNISHMENT OF MURDERERS.

WHOLESALE SHOOTING. THE NAMELESS CAPTAIN. By telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 3. The Morning Leader’s correspondent continues his story of the recent incident for which colonial officers suffered death. He states that a German missionary camped near was aware of the facts of the shooting. Hundcock visited his tent at night and shot him dead while reading. He tried to kill a nigger servant, who was was wounded, and escaped and informed his chief. The latter communicated with the, mission members, which, with the German Consul, informed Lord Kitchener, and insisted on an inquiry. The night the Boers were killed, Trooper Vanburen, an officer’s orderly, overheard Handeoek and the unnamed captain planning to shoot Morrison and Sergeant Grey for insubordination. Vanburen warned them, and they, evading the sentries, escaped and rode at night for Piotersberg. Handeoek sent pursuers, who overtook them, but decided to accompany the fugitives to Pietersburg, where they reported the matter to Lenihan. Ho said they had been guilty of mutiny, and advised them to return and trust to the clemency of their officers. The fugitives refused to return, and remained at Pietersberg. They were never court-mar-tialled. Officers suspecting Vanburen had him shot.

Lord Kitchener and Major Poore, Pro-vost-Marshal, examined many time-expired troopers without knowledge of the unnamed oaptain or Handeoek. Lord Kitchener was much pained over the affair, and soon ordered the Carbineers to return, and arrested the officers. The Times says the execution of officers and shooting of prisoners in cold blood is a very grievous shock to the nation. The Government ought immediately to publish the facts, as it is wholly incorrect and misleading to speak of the guilty persons ! as Australian officers. They did not form part of the splendid Australian contingent which has won so much distinction. The Times is confident that Australians will endorse the general judgment of the Empire whon the facts are disclosed. There is no reasonable doubt that the men had a fair and careful trial.

The Daily Mail states that four officers were sentenced to death. Lord Kitchener has commuted the sentence of two subordinates who are. now in Gosport prison.

WITTON’S APPEAL,

By Telsgraph— PreßS Assooiation—Copyrighi Melbourne, April 4.

The State Premier has received from Mr Rail, agent for the Victorian contingents in South Africa, a communication covering the written statement of Lieutenant Witton. The material points of the statement are that Witton was attached to a detachment under Morant en route to Fort Edward, whore Hunt was reported to have been murdered, and captured a wounded Boer in possession of a number of articles belonging to Hunt, and clad in khaki. A consultation of officers was held, not a court-martial as represented. Morant and Handeook favored shooting, but Lieutenant Picton objected. Wittop took no active part, but requested Sergeant-Major Clark, on behalf of the firing party, to speak to Morant against the shootiDg. Morant replied that what they were doing was perfectly' justified, and if tho men made any fuss he would shoot the prisoner himself. Witton was also told that he had only taken a subordinate part in the court of inquiry, and would not be responsible. Subseouqntly eight other Boers were captured by a patrol. Morant and Handcock, taking Witton and three men, went to the prisoners’ waggons. Morant announced bis intention to shoot them. Witton asked Morant if he was not exceeding his duty, and he told him he was justified.. Witton, being only a junior subaltern, had,.to obey orders. When ordered to shpcjt, Witton hesitated, but one prisoner rushed him, and he fired to keep the prisoners off. All were shot. At the trial Morant took all the blame himself, and said that whatever part Witton had taken was by his orders. Witton tried to secure Mr Rail’s services at the trial, but \vaa led to believe it was unnecessary, and that he would be exonerated of all blame. He concludes appealing to Rail to intercede and investigate his case, conscientiously believing he is not guilty of the charges.

A STATEMENT T‘o BE PUBLISHED

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright London, April 4. It is expected that the War Office will publish a statement, after further details have been received from Lord Kitchener. The War Office states that present information does not support the Morning Leader’s details, which for the most part are untrue.

Witton denies that there was looting or robbery. He will be confined at Lewes.

THE SHOOTING OF OFFICERS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighl London, April 4.

The Times says that naturally, but quite wrongly, the Australians feel the slur cast on their good name and that of their soldiers over the shooting of officers. It reiterates the necessity for a full and prompt official disclosure of the affair. The Commercial Advertiser, New York, says that Lord Kitchener’s impartial punishment to the Colonials ought to check the torrent of Continental abuse.