Boer Demands.

Manawatu Herald, 16 September 1902, Page 2

Boer Demands.

Mr Chamberlain, in bis eonfereno® with the Boer Generals, agreed to retransfer three farms which the Government had acquired. General Botha complained of the constitution of the Commissions entrusted with the distribution of the three million grant, and asked for further assistance. Mr Chamberlain said he could not recognise the justice of the complaints, but he was willing to investigate any specific charges. He reminded the Generals that Britain’s magnanimity and generosity towards a conquered people had never been equalled. He advised them not to press for more, and declined tr> recognise burgher rights granted by the late Republics during the war. He appealed to them to forget and forgive, and to co-operate in working for the prosperity and liberty of South Africa. How soon complete autonomy was granted would depend entirely upon the rapidity with which animosities died out. The newspapers characterise the Generals’ proposals as audacious and astonishing, and suggest that they were inspired by the Transvaal Legation. They applaud Mr Chamberlain’s courtesy, tactfulness and firmness.

The Daily News says that the Vereeniging terms were a mere rough draft, and that a free constitution is required. Cape residents are amazed at the wildly extravagant demands of the Boer Generals.