SOUTH AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 517, 13 September 1902, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA.

AUDACIOUS PROPOSALS,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Sept. 11. Mr Chamberlain agreed to re-transfer three farms which the Government had acquired. Botha complained of the constitution of Commissions entrusted with tho distribution of the three million grant, and asked for further assistance. Mr Chamberlain could not recognise tho justice of the complaint. Ho was willing to investigate specific charges. He reminded the General that Britain’s magnanimity and generosity towards the conquered people had never been equalled. Ho advised them not to press for more. He declined to recognise hurglier rights granted during the war. Ho appealed to them to forget and forgive, and to cooperate in working for the prosperity and liberty of South Africa. How soon complete autonomy was granted would depend entirely on tho rapidity with which animosities died out. The newspupers characterise the Generals’ proposals as audacious and astonishing, and inspired by tho Transvaal Legation. They applaud Mr Chamberlain’s courtesy, tactfulness, and firmness. The Daily Nows says tho Voreenigning terms were a very rough draft, and a free constitution is required. Capetown, Sept. 11. Cape residents aro amazed at tho Generals’ wildly extravagant demands.

OPINION ABROAD,

THE BOER GENERALS AT AMSTERDAM. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Sept. 12. American opinion is amazed at the Boer Generals’ disregard of tho peace settlement, and applauds Mr Chamberlain’s admirably calm reply. French and Gorman papors reluctantly admit that Mr Chamberlain was compelled to refuse many proposals. They considor that greater generosity would be tho hotter policy. The Generals were quietly wolcomcd at Amsterdam. General Do la Rey stated that they required help to reconstruct tho farms, not liomago or fetes. General DeWet said that the Boors intended to roruain faithful, submissive subjects now, and in futuro intended to defend their rights by word and pen. If England was generous, the Boers would provo tho most faithful subjects of tho whole Empiro. They wanted money for schools, which was tho safeguard of their own nationality. General Botha feared that tho British Government would not compensate for burnt farms, though thousands would otherwise ho ruined.