BOER GENERALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 507, 21 August 1902, Page 2

BOER GENERALS.

THE LIONS OF THE HOUR,

By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright London, Aug. 19. Largo ' crowds standing in tho pouring rain cheered the departing Boer generals. They authorised a statement that they were going to tho Continent to greet Kruger and Stcyn, and that they return at an early date to transact business. They acknowledge many invitations and kind messages of welcome received in London. Tho only reason they were absent from the naval review was that thoy felt it improper to appear in the Royal presenco until they had replaced the garments they wore aboard the Saxon with a more suitable costume. Thoy were enthusiastic in praising the King’s kindness. Botha declared that he keeps his own counsel, as interviewers have so often misconstrued him. l)o Wet’s staff officer states that about 500 Irishmen and 500 Americans fought with tho Boers. Ono commando numbering 300 included 13 Nationalists. Rotterdam, Aug. 19. Wolmorans, Leyds, and the municipal authorities welcomed the Boer Generals on arrival hero. All tho vessels in the harbor, including tho British, were dressed with flags. There was great public enthusiasm. The Generals received a similar reception at the Hague, crowds in the streets cheering loudly.

MR SEDDON’S AVARNING BEING JUSTIFIED.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. The Hague, Aug. 20. General Botha, in responding to his reception, said that the Boors while fighting were consoled to know that their children were being supported by Dutch genorosity. Ho added : “ AVo are deputies of one of tho most ruined of peoples—ruined only because we have done our duty, and defended our liberty and independence.”

The Generals, after a few minutos’ visit to Mr Steyn, visited tho Schorcningen Exhibition of Art Industry. General DeWet, in tho course of a speech, eulogised the promoters of the Exhibition for contributing to tho growth of nations, adding : “We in South Africa were on the road to development of industry and art, but the legs were cut from under us. We need help and support to rise again, and for that reason we came to Europe.” It is understood that the Generals privately urged the Boer societies in Belgium and Holland to avoid allusions calculated to foster Anglophobia, and tho Imperial success of their mission in England. Anglophobia, nevertheless, is again recrudescent.

Each General goes to a different country to collect funds.