MOVEMENTS OF THE BOER LEADERS.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 64, 25 March 1902, Page 5

MOVEMENTS OF THE BOER LEADERS.

The movements of the Boei leaders during the present month deserve some attention, because t ey seem to point to a possible desire to come together for the pur-pose of a council of war, or to discuss the question of surrender, if they chose to advise Lord Kitchener that the latter was their intention he would, it may be rssumed, grant them safe conduct through the British lines, but it would not be their policy to disclose any such intention, because of the effect it would have upon the waverers within their ranks. On the 6th inst., after the •* great drive,” we find Steyn and De Wet conferring with Louis Botha near Utrecht, in the south-eastern corner of the Transvaal, and on the 11th Botha was laagered on his farm hard by with 800 men. Under the circumstances it would seem that De Wet’s most, prudent course would have been to reorganise his forces in Botha’s territory, and choose his time for further offensive tactics. Certainly there is no apparent reason why Louis Botha should go west. Yet we find that after their meeting, and apparently as a result of it, Botha’ Steyn, and De Wet moved rapidly westward, for on the 14th inst., it was reported that Botha had made several unsuccessful attempts to cross the Heil-bron-Wolvehoek railway fine, which, as the crow flies, is about 350 miles west of his laager at Yryheid. It would seem, also, that all three set out together, for on the 13th inst. we had word that De Wet aud Steyn during the night had successfully crossed this line—a short branch road— going westward. The cable has been silent as to Botha’s movements since, so it is not unreasonable to suppose that he succeeded in his purpose. What is their object, unless to get in touch with De la Rey, who would then be within about a hundred miles of them northwest in the vic.iniry of Liehtenbmg? But a full conference of leaders must include Schalk-burger the aotingPresident. Wbll, we know that he actively interfered to try and prevent the release of Lord Methuen, which seemed proof that the head of the BoerExecutive was not far away. It is true that on the 17th inst Schalk-Burger was reported as betng at Balmoral, which is about 50 miles east of Pretoria, but supposing that to be true, he could join De la Rey in less than 200 miles without stop, and mere distances do not count for much with the .Boer leaders. These movements are singular, and, as we have said, are difficult t>> understand, unless upon the supposition that the principals wish to personally discuss grave matters affecting the conduct of the war or the terms upon which they will consent to bring it to a close.—Post.