The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-09-03
THE LEADER OF
THE BOER ARMY
Gen. Joubert, Most Celebrated Marks
man and Fighter in South Africa.

HAL anu FlSnCer IN South AFRICA.
General P. ]. Joubert is the most cele-
brated fighter in South America. He is
the commander-in-chief of the Boer
army, and IS looked on as the country's
savior in the event of war being de-
clared by the English. The general is
6S years old now and SCARED by many
wound from English bullet and ma
tive assagai. Yet he is sturdy of frame
and keen of eye. ard withal crafty as
North American Indian. He led the
Beers at Mojuba Hill, where $50 Eng
fish gave up their lives, General Joubert
losing but five men. He beat the Eng
lish at Laings Mex, commanded the
forces at Bronkhorst and Spruit, and
finally caught Jameson like a rat in
trap through quick mobilization of
troops and superior craftsmanship.
He fought in the native wars when
Paul Kruger was commander and these
two became bosom friends, though they
have grown apart somewhat in recent
years. They and one other Boer were
selected to conduct the affairs of the
Transvaal when it was in rebellion
against England in 1881, and General
Joubert has several times come within
few votes of beating Dom Paul for the
presidency. He will probably be the
next to assume that position, as he
holds different views from Kruger. He
believes that if the Uitlanders were
given the franchise, in reasonable
time they would become good citizens,
and that this is the way to solve the
problem. At the same time he will
not sanction any sort of revolt, and
when the Jameson raiders were landed
safely in Pretoria Jail he was one who
favored shooting them.
An anecdote is told of the general in
this connection which shows Dom
Paufs diplomatic powers. They stand
out in distinct contrast to Joubert, who
is essentially lover of power
Ten thousand Beers were gathered
about the jail. specializing as to the
fate of the prisoners. Some were for
instant death, and others. as a grim
joke, suggested. cutting off their ears.
This was taken up by the press imme-
diately, and in a few hours the world
was shuddering at the bloodthirstiness
of the Transvaal burghers. In the
meantime the question was being set
tied by Dom Paul. who was trying to
save the lives of the prisoners. and to
this end used every art of persuasion
with Joubert, the two being closeted a
whole night
Dom Paul finally prevailed, and Jou-
bert went out before the assembly to
win them over to the lenient position
This was his speech: Fellow burgh-
ers, if you had a beautiful flock of
sheep and neighbours dogs got into
the pasture and killed them. what
would you do? Would you take your
rife and straightway proceed to shoot
those dogs, thus making yourself liable
to greater damage than the value of
the sheep destroyed, or would you lay
hold on those dogs and carry them to
your neighbor. saying. Now. here's
your dogs. I caught them in the act.
Pay me and they shall be returned. "
The general waited minute for the
words to take effect. aid then added:
I'VE have the neighbors dogs in gaol.
What shall we do with them?" There
was hardly voice dissented against
returning the prisoners 10 the English
and events proved how wise the Beers
had been.
Joubert can collect his whole army in
IS hours. a speedier mobilization than
any other nation can boast Of He has
divided the Transvaal into seventeen