The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1900.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 827, 11 December 1900, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1900.

The refusal of Power after Power to receive Kruger should, if the misguided Boers who are still in Ihe field can bo informed of the facts, result in their surrendering, the last vestige of a hope having passed away that the Powers will interfere even to the extent of urging arbitration on Great Britain. The speeches delivered in Parliament during the debate on the Address-in-Eeply clearly indicate that all political parties are unanimous that the policy of the Government is the »nly oue possible. Mr Chamberlain's speech was most conciliatory. He pointed out that the clemency, which was spoken of by the Opposition leaders, had been embodied in Lord Eoberts proclamation. Se hoped before January that some form of civil government would be established. When this takes place the time will have come when the Boers who are carrying on guerilla warfare can be proclaimed outlaws and summarily dealt with whenever caught with arms in their hands. Mr Chamberlain points out that generals who have to face guerilla warfare were entitled to deal summarily with men who are alternately snipers and apparently peaceful agriculturists. Lord Kitchener, who is now Com* mander-in-Chief, judging by his antecedents, is the right man to put a stop to this sort, of thing. He no doubt will issue a proclamation calling upon every man to take the oath of allegiance, and every man who neglects to do so will be deported, and those afterhaviug done so if found with arms in their hands bo summarily shot. The deportation of those who refuse to swear allegiance to a de facto government will bo a legitimate act, as also will be the shooting of those who have taken the oath, as tbey will be rebels against the Government they have acknowledged. The speech, of Mr Chamberlain indicates that the severest measures will be adopted to put an end to hostilities, and that so soon as this _is brought about that, consistent with safety, the greatest possible amount of political freedom will be granted to the people. He tells us that local opinion would be studied and the old laws and customs be varied as little as possible. This policy should result in reconciling theßoers to the new state of affairs. The idea embodied in a united South Africa for the Boers must have completely exploded by this time as being utterly incapable of realisation. This conviction will do more than anything else to establish peace on a sound basis and start the latest additions to the territory of the Queen on the road to prosperity, peace and happiness.