The Boer Generals.

Manawatu Herald, 11 October 1902, Page 2

The Boer Generals.

THEIR RECEPTION AT BRUSSELS.

The Boer General were warmly welcomed at Brussels.

General De Wet, speaking from the balcony of his hotel, disclaimed the idea that the Generals were making an effort to regain Boer independence. Their sole purpose was to obtain help to repair the ravages of the war. Speaking at a public hall, General De Wet remarked :—“ We ask ourselves, in the presence of this immense enthusiasm, why no intervention took place. God willed it; we lost our independence, but we will remain faithful to our new country, if the conditions of the peace are loyally fulfilled.” . De Wet added—“ That British are no longer our enemies. I have signed and will keep my word.” General De la Hey made a bitter speech. The Boer losses, he said, were seventy-five millions. “It would be more honest for England to pay the whole than to fling a beggar’s pittance in our faces.” General Botha referred to the devastation wrought in South Africa and asked for pity and help for the Boer women and children.

The “ Daily Mail ” abates that Dr Leydacarefally edits General Botha’s speeches for publication in the news-* papers. THE KAISER’S ATTITUDE.

The Berlin correspondent of the “ Standard ” is authoritatively informed that the Kaiser has not expressed a wish to see the Boer Generals, and has maintained the strictest neutrality throughout. A FUND FOR MAIMED BOERS. General Viljoen is rasing a fund to build a home'where maimed Boers can follow useful employment. The “ North German Gazette ” states that on the 18th ultimo the Kaiser caused it to be notified to the Boer Generals that he would be prepared to receive them provided they refrained from all anti-British agitation and sought introduction through the Ambassador. General De Wet accepted the conditions on behalf of his comrades. An official intimation from The Hague on the 6th inst. showed that the Generals had altered their minds. They raised difficulties about asking for an audience, saying they wished to be summoned. The matter was therefore settled negatively until the announcement of the “ North German Gazette.”

Pan-Germans are persuaded that the question of an audience .was derided, especially after the above publicity. They showed disappointment and anger, but the efforts to inflame Anglophobia and pronounced impotent, owing to the indifference of the public, which is reflected in the smallness of the Boer subscriptions. It is stated in Brussels that the Boer Generals intend to ask to be presented to President Loubet. “The Times” remarks that the so-called “ official ” despatch from The Hague to the Generals relieved Sir Frank C. Lascellea (British Ambassador at Berlin) of the disagreeable aeoewity of conveying to

the Generals the Government’s refusal to allow them to accept the honour of an audience with the Kaiser, which would be constructed throughout the world, and particularly in South Africa; as a fresh encouragement to the Boer Nationalist dreams.