THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 414, 13 May 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, ulay 11, Tho natives whoso kraals the Boors burned discovered and attacked the Boor laagers at Sihiepersnek, and killed thirty, being the majority of tho commando, and handed three prisoners over to tho British at Vryheid.

The transport Englishman, with Australian troops on board, has arrived at Durban.

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.

STEYN’S OBSTINACY

By Telegraph Press Association—Copyright

London, May 12. Reuter s Pretoria correspondent, writing on April 19, states that Steyn is in a serious condition, suffering from creeping paralysis, a malady of the eyes. At the first conference between Lord Kitchener and the Boer delegates the latter demanded the independence of the Republics, the Boers promising to raze the forts, and concede a liberal franchise to Out* landors.

The British Government refused, as they did also a request for the retention of arms. They offered generous assistance to build and re-stock farms. They raised no difficulty in reference: to pardoning tho banished leaders. The delegates pleaded leniency for tha rebels, though thoy recognised the justico of disfranchising 'them. It is believed they were assured that tho difficulty would not be insuperable.

The Government declined to fix a date for granting of responsible government, but promised that it would be granted at the earliest possible date. * Steyn’s attitude was as fanatical as ever. He persuadod tho Transvaalers to make truculent demands for independence.

De Wet at first was sullenly obstructive, but afterwards ho was more conciliatory. De la Rey and Botha expressed thoir willingness to obey tho Transvaal Government.

Steyn and Schalk Burger insisted on consulting the burghors.

STATEMENTS BY THE TIMES. KITCHENER’S WARNING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 12. Tho Times says that when the Boer delegates merely offered to concede all tho franchise demands made on behalf of tho Outlanders before tho war tho Government intimated that the Middleburg Conference represented the maximum of concessions, and refused to permit consultation with European delegates, warning tho delegates then conferring that they had hotter drop negotiations unless they submitted sorious proposals. Tho delegates state that they must consult tho burghors before negotiations for tho surrender of independence.

Lord Kitchener warned them that thoy must return ivith full powers. Schalk Burgher agreed to this proposed unreservedly, but Steyn less so.