South Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 13 January 1903, Page 2

South Africa.

MR CHAMBERLAIN AT PRETORIA.

Mr Chamberlain, at the Pretoria banquet, delivered a speech similar, with the exception of the reference to rebels, to that delivered in the House of Commons, and cabled on the 6th Nobember, in proposing the vote of eight millions for advance to burghers. The speaker emphasised that the war had left suffering and losses on both sides. The Government policy was one of the union, and conciliation to try to meet one’s opponents’ views if one simultaneously alienated friends This announcement was greeted with cheers.

It was useless, Mr Chamberlain continued, to make concessions if they were interpreted as weakness and used for advancing fresh demands.

The Minister advocated, besides an alliance, a fusion of the races. The Boer leaders had accepted as frankly as any one coaid desire the result of the war and the terms of settlement,, and he accepted their assurances, and believed (them to be perfectly sincere, Britain would execute the terras oAtbAasttlemeot

tßld conthe the HHo. Regaling rather thau ©xtortsd finally htifl IN said increase proper of ; ,heen to* He if itthei of

mpbay they Mr Qhamberlali saying: that he firmly open negotiations or the Yereeniging terms. General Botha total sum collected in of the Boers is a thousand pounds. THE BOERS Mr Chamberlain told that the Government that large sums of money had HBu sent from the Transvaal to and the Government was entity Jto see the accounts and to receive the large unexpended balance for the relief of- widows and orphans. The Boer Generals were greatly disconcerted. They at first denied all knowledge of the affair, but afterwards they blamed the previous Government.

General Sehalk’Burger and General Botha ultimately ottered to cooperate to obtain restitution. Mr Chamberlain’s firmness and bluntneus have cowed the Boers. After an interview with him* General Sehalk Burgher and Mr Wolmarons advised submission and faithful co-operation since Mr Chamberlain was too strong.