THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 395, 21 April 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

PEACE NEGOTIATION'S SUSPENDED.

By Telegraph—Pres3 Association—Copyright Loudon, April 18. The Boer delegates have left Pretoria to consult the commandos. Negotiations will be resumed in three weeks. Meantime there will be no cessation of hostilities.

The language employed in the new Transvaal Court will be English, but the law will remain in Dutch. Regulations are being made to encourage the presence of professional men in all the British colonies.

ARMISTIC REFUSED.

NUMEROUS CAPTURES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 20. Lord Kitchener refused the delegates’ request for an armistice whilst consulting the commandos.

Thirteen Boers have been captured eastward of Reitz. Amongst Rochfort’s capture at Churzeruncko was Kennoft, DeWet’s adjutant. The columns returning to Klerksdorp made another sweep, capturing sixty-four, including Field-Cornet Niernardi and Chris Liebenberg, General Libenberg’s son.

OPINIONS ON THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.

THE POSITION VERY HOPEFUL,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 19.

In the House of Commons Mr Balfourstated that Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener had twice conferred with the Boer delegates. Lord Kitchener, at their request, agreed to afford facilities for the election and meeting of representatives of the commandos to consider the position.

In the House of Lords Mr Salisburyread a statement in identical terms. The statement caused an excellent impression in the lobbies of both Houses and in city circles and clubs. The election of representatives is interpreted to mean that the delegates have full possession of a tangible basis of peace.

The consensus of opinion of the newspapers is that the Boer leaders in the field are convinced that their own scheme of settlement is impossible. The fact of pursuing the negotiations for peace without an armistice is interpreted to mean that they do not anticipate a mandate to resume the struggle. The Daily telegraph says that the leaders brought no plans to the conference. They sought an official assurance regarding the future of the conquered Republics, and the British plans of rehabitation. This assurance was given. The Standard suggests that the consultation is intended to satisfy Lord Milner that the delegates were able to pledge tho whole of the Boer community. The Times and Standard agree that it would be premature to assume that the burghers’ representatives can decide the question of surrender, but the leaders no longer show Kruger’s and Leyd’s intractableness. Mr Balfour’s cautious announcement is emphasised, also the firmness and consistency of Groat Britain’s policy.