The Boer Leaders.

Manawatu Herald, 30 September 1902, Page 2

The Boer Leaders.

NEWSPAPER VlflWS.

The newspaper “ Freradenblatt ” regards the Generals’ appeal as addressed chiefly to Britain, which alone can render adequate assistance.

“The Times” considers that the Generals’ manifesto appealing for funds i? inconsistent with General Botha’s letter to Mr Phipps, the donor of a hundred thousand dollars. The paper adds that tho Government would, perhaps, consider whether the organisers of such a scheme should be allowed to return to South Africa.

“ St. James’s Gazette ” says:— The Generals’ high expectations 0!

compensation arc due to an idea that clause 3 of the Vereeniging Convention meant the rebuilding and restoration of private property. They are now inclined to ask for a loan of millions without interest. The newspapers consider the manifesto a tactical error. The French papers are Bin£®* a . r v r °tj' cent. “lies Debats’’ alone i* outspoken, warning the Continent against aggressive speechifying in the matter of charity to the Boers, Who must live under the British flag. Gratuitous insults to Britain would be embarrassing to the Boers, and serve no good end. The manifesto which the Boer Generals have issued appealing for funds for Boer widows and' orphans met with a chilling reception on the Continent.

Some French and several German newspapers declare that it must bo understood that any subscriptions a v e purely for charity, and are in nowise aimed at Great Britain.

The Generals declare that they are astonished at the bad effect their manifesto has produced in England. They had no intention to wound the feelings of the British people. Information from Boer sources shows that Dr Leyds was the real author of the manifesto, which the Boer Generals merely signed. Generals Botha and Da la Key, in addressing meetings at Groningen, deprecated the singing of the Yolkslied.”

Some of the Berlin newspapers vehemently approve the Boer Generals’ manifesto, reproach Mr Chamberlain, and condemn the attitude of the British.

The “ Standard " says the manifesto is a salutary revelation of obstinacy and short-sightedness, instead of the reciprocal goodwill and the straightforward diplomacy which might reasonably be expected. “It Will cause us more regret than embarrassment," continues the journal. “ We can continue to rale and administer without the help of restless adventurers.”

Mr Reitz’s son, speaking at Marseilles, declared that Lord Kitchener did not keep several verbal promises which he made at Yereeniging, particularly about the Gape rebels and a general amnesty. Mr Steyn’a secretary’s shorthand notes would, he said, shortly be published, and would prove this.