South Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 12 February 1903, Page 2

South Africa.

A STORMY CONFERENCE, General Christian De Wet’s deputation to Mr Chamberlain was of a very stormy character. A petition prepared by Commandant tfertzog and Mr Elohart alleged ten specific grievances, and also complained of unsympathetic administration.

Mr Chamberlain replied that their grievances wore wholly baseless and imaginary, with the exception of those which had already been redressed. The petition, he declared was the work of mischief-making lawyers. Mr Chamberlain went on to say that he was astonished that no recognition had been made of the unwearied and gigantic efforts of the Government with regard to repatriation/ compensation and education, and the help given to “ byewoners,” If the burghers persisted in grumbling, and were thankless, he would despair of reconciliation, and would advise the Government to hold its hand. General De Wet was rising to reply, but Mr Chamberlain, motioned him to silence

General De Wet regretted Mr Chamberlain’s speech as unwelcome, and described it as being “ like mustard after meat.”

Commandant Hertzog claiming that the Yereeniging terms ought to be incorported in the law, Mr Chamberlain retorted that it was hard that the terms had no legal status, but depended on the honour of the Government. He challenged Commandant Hertzog to give definite instance of violation of the terms.

Commandant Hertzog, amidst the laughter of some of the burghers cited several instance, which Mr Chamberlain disaproved. General De Wet declared that cooperation was i npossible while the Government recognised Piet De Wet and -Chris Botha as representing the burghers, both of whom, he declared, ought to he ruled and not allowed to rule

LORD MILNER TO REMAIN In the discussion between Mr Chamberlain and General Christian De Wet, the latter went on say that he would never rest until he had caused a rebellion—not an armed one, but one of agitation and discontent against the Government. Mr Chamberlain was adamant. When Commandant Hertzog interr .pted, he exclaimed, “ I am not here to be contradicted ! ” He declared that he would never subordinate those who assisted the Government to a hostile section.

At a banquet given later many Boers were present, though General De Wet was absent.

Mr Chamberlain eulogised Lord Milner, who, he declared, would remain in South Africa to witness the full fruition of his great policy. Referring to the deputation, he said he considered it his duty to protest against the inaccuracies and absolutely false allegations of bad faith which had been made, and which, he said, had not been supported by an atom of proof. Mr Chamberlain appealed to all to quench the embers of strife, and stated that distinguised predicants (Dutch ministers) had promised to promote union and conciliation. The Minister explained how a civilian board would settle compensation claims at the end of the month.

Mr Chamberlain’s franknes has disconcerted the extremists, and has conciliated others, who are inclined to break with Commandant Hertzog and General De Wet, Even Commandant Hertzog has disclaimed the insinuations against the honour of the British Government, and admitted its willingness to redress injustices. MR CHAMBERLAIN AND THE BOERS. While the Boers admit that Mr Chamberlain makes it impossible to bully the Government, they say that

the War might have been avoided had previous Governments shown equal determination to keep South Africa.

Mr. Chamberlain will receive Mr Hofmeyr, Dr Smartt and Sir J, H de Villiera (Chief Justice and President of the Legislative Council) at Capetown.