THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 425, 26 May 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyrigh London, May 23.

There is a widespreai belief that peace is practically assured, and that the Boers, recognising that annexation is irrevocable, are seeking certain assurances on minor points. The Standard says Lord Milner would scarcely have consented to submit proposals to the Cabinet which in his judgment would be wholly inadmissablc. Lord Balfour of Burleigh, in a speech at a meeting at Edinburgh, prior to the summons to a Cabinet meeting, declared that he expected to be summoned to London very especially for an important purpose. A Blue Book has been issued, which shows that extraordinary consideration and leniency have been displayed in the application of martial law. Tho full report of Seheepers’ trial is also included.

Tho St. James’ Gazette states that the Cabinet’s decision will probably bo delayed, owing to tho controversial character of the Pretoria cablegrams. The Times says the second volume of tho History of tho War is strongly condemnatory of Buller, and to tho general confusion of the military administration. Four hundred Middleburg Boers are determined to surrender in any event. General Lovunt surprised Fouche’s laager at Stapleford, killing and wounding several, and capturiug 84 horses and 00 full bandoliers. PRAISE FOR THE NEW ZEALANDERS. [nx TELEGRAm. TRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, last night. The following cablegram has been received by Government from Colonel Davies :—The following has been received from General lan Hamilton : Results of recent operations, killed, one ; prisoners taken, 354 ; rifles captured, 262 ; horses, 326 ; mules, 95 ; donkeys, 20 ; waggons, 175 ; Cape carts, 61 ; cattle, 3500 ; sheep, 1500 ; ammunition, 63,610 ; trek oxen, 106. Amongst tho prisoners are Jan Do la Rey, elder brother of the general. Since telegraphing this to Pretoria General Hamilton has received the following from Lord Kitchener : A capital result. Tell the troops I highly appreciate their exertions, and consider the result very satisfactory. We have now since Lord Methuen was captured taken 860 of De la Roy’s force. As there are a considerable number of new troops under his command the general officer commanding the mobile columns west of tho Transvaal thinks that tho column commanders would do well to explain to (horn that the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is not in the habit of bestowing indiscriminate praise, and that on the contrary, the compliment which has been paid this force is a very rare occurrence.”

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, Saturday. Arrangements are being mado by tho Government, in case of receipt of news of peace, for the immediate ringing of bells on Government buildings, the firing of guns at the forts, and like demonstrations. Mr Seddon cabled to Sir J. G. Ward last night that ho docs not think any more contingents will be needed for South Africa. Wellington, last night. Sir Joseph Ward has received the following cablegram through His Excellency the Governor. The Papanui left Capetown on tho ISLh May with seven men of tho New Zealand Contingents and two men of the South African Corps.