CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 18 February 1902, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

The Transvaal.

A PROTEST FROM GERMANS. Germans resident in Durban have written a protest against the slanders on British troops in the foreign press. ADDRESS TO MR CHAMBERED AIN,

The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain has been presented with an address in a gold box by the City of London in recognition of his statesmanlike qualities and patriotism, and devotion to the true interests of the Empire. The luncheon which followed was a great function. The gathering included many members of the cabinet. Mr Chamberlain received a tremendous ovation. He insisted that now that the war was ending the country must be careful that its emotions weie not allowed to overpower common sense, Mr Chamberlain, in his speech, justified, on the ground ot self-preserva-tion, the banishment of irreconcilable leaders, who were the worst enemies of South Africa, and who had lately expressed the hope that they could have a fresh opportunity of sweeping the English into the sea. The Colonial Secretary added:— “ We will not treat with them, not even touching their property. Our duty was to show that disloyalty does not always pay.” . At a luncheon at the Mansion House, Mr Chamberlain delivered a vehement eulogy of the Imperialism and patriotism of the colonies. He emphasised Sir Henry Parkes’s watchword, “ One people, one destiny.” Mr Balfour declared that Mr Chamberlain had gained a position in the world as a British statesman second to none.

The Agents-Grneral were invited only to the reception which followed the luncheon.

REMOUNT INQUIRY

An officer of the British Remount department has resigned after refusing to answer charges in reference to purchases made at New Orleans. A military court will inquire into the circumstances. CONCENTRATION CAMPS. Excitement prevails in Germany over Great Britain refusing to permit the despatch of a German relief medical mission to the Boer concentration camps. No objection is raised to sending food and clothing. CHECK TO DE WET. Lord Kitchener’s recent drive demoralised the Boers, who had grass in the dongas and beds of rivers. Many are shooting their horses. The country was systematically searched, and many prisoners, hundreds of horses and thousands of cattle were captured. General De Wet had intended a big move, when his ghns were i captured and the drive prevented him from creeping eastward. During the night-fignt along the Heilbron blockhouse line on the 7th inst. searchlights facilitated the firing, which was terrific, and was the worst since the fighting round Ladysmith. Prisoners describe it as hell. Commandant Bester was killed, and Field-Cornets Taljaard, Prinsloo, and Obendal were captured. Prisoners estimate that there are twelve thousand Boers still in the field. De Wet had some Krupp guns bidden. LEAKAGE IN THE DRIVE. The “ Standard’s ” correspondent states that before the great drive of De Wet’s commando reached Heilbron fourteen hundred Boers had crept back, and that De Wet was trying to rejoin them in the Reitz district’ MRS DE WET.

Speaking in the House of Commons Mr Brodrick, Secretary of State for War, stated that Mrs De Wet was in a camp in Natal and was at liberty to leave South Africa, but not to enter Cape Colony. The statement was received with cheers. CALUMNIES REPELLED.

Eighty leading German residents of Capetown forwarded to Sir J. Gordon Sprigg, Premier oi Cape Colony, a resolution condemnieg the calumnies uttered against the British troops, especially with regard to the alleged revolting treatment of women and children, which they say are absolutely unfounded. Latest. A LAAGER SURPRISED. Colonel Kekewich's mounted infantry surprised a laager at Koffytonteirf and captured ten Boers, including Lieut. Barhard, commanding Commandant Kemp’s bodyguard. The prisoners stated that General De la Rey has issued orders to hjs troops to avoid large bodies of British ; they also said that ammunition in the Boer ranks was scarce. ARMY CONTRACTS, Lord Rosebery, speaking at Liverpool, said he believed that a scandal graver even than that in connection with the remounts would be unfolded in regard to the supply of fodder in South Africa.