Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-11-28
Observation-Disclosures 2s. 1899
ENGLAND CANNOT STOP.

a few days ago 1t was stated that
peace deputaton was being organized at
Pretoria for the purpose Of ascertaining
ON what terms the British would treat
for a cessation of hostilities, and now a
report comes via Belgium that the object
Of Kaiser Williams visit 10 England IS
10 stop the Anelo-Boer war. Although
there may be ground for both reports. It
IS not probable that either mission would
have much effect in determining the
course OF history in South Africa.
1t is possible that misleading British
temper embroidered by the successes Of
the Beers so far, and encouraged by the
weakness Mr.. Gladstone exhibited after
Majuba Hi. President Kruger may be-
levo that Great Britain would be willing
20 a compromise 1t IS also possible-in-
deed, Il IS probable-that Emperor VII
liam would like the eclat OF the role Of
peacemaker. But Great Britain cannot
afford 10 have peace at this stage Of the
game. That must be clear TO any one who
is familiar with the present situation In
South Africa and the antecedent events
and conditions related TO the war, and
who pauses 90 take thought of what the
end may involve for the British. What
ever the trend of our sympathies as be-
tween tho two parties TO the conflict. it
must be recognized that Great Britain
cannot afford anything less than dicta-
ton OF peace on her own terms, and
that, TOO. after a signal triumph of her
arms. II is not going too far TO say that
from the viewpoint OF British prestige.
is would not be 60 Great Bntain's adyan-
tago 20 have hostiliues cease at this
juncture even II peace carried absolute
submission on the part Of the Beers to
any terms she might demand
Mr.. Gladstone's failure 20 avenge Sir
George Colley's defeat in the Transvaal
war OF lSSO-'sl, and his indecent haste TO
conclude an ignominious peace after that
defeat was followed by distinct loss
Of British prestige in South Africa. Ma
)uba' became "a word 10 conjure with"
not only among the Transvaal Beers,
but among the Dutch in Natal, the
Orange Free state, and Cape Colony.
with the Gladstone Khartoum fasco. has
been seriously rejecting on Great Britain
"a military power the world over IT Is
true that since these events the British
have achieved some brilliant successes
at arms-notably in the last Indian bor
der trouble and in the Soudan expedition.
led by Kitchener. But in every instance
these successes were against enemies OF
tho tribal type. Barring the Transvaal
affair Of lSS0-'Sl, Great Britain has. not
met a civilized enemy since the Crimean
war. and dating from the disaster TO Sir
George colley's battalons, there has been
an increasing disposition to discredit her
ability 20 cope successfully in battle with
any but savage or semi-savage peoples.
IT had, as we have heretofore pointed
out. become taunt that her army
was but little more than an antiquated
organization from which TO draw col
umns for the punishment OF wild tribes.
in truth. as far back as the close Of the
Franco PrusSian war. IT was boosted in
Germany that one German army corps
could walk over" the British Isles. and
OF late years both Russia and France
have at times been exceedingly bold in
nagging tho British. Even now il Is ru-
mored that the shadow of the northern
colossus has again fallen across Herat.
the gate OF India. and while there has
been no confirmation OF tho rumor. and
we doubt its reliability. it is significant
Of what may come should Great Britain
suffer further loss OF prestige. 1t is GER
tain that Russia. by the accumulation Of
railway material at Kushk, and through
her Vaccinations In Persia, Is putting
herself in position for the death grapple
over India, should favorable occasion
present itself.
1t Is not enough. therefore. that Grea;
Britain should wipe out the Dutch power
IN South Africa, but she must wipe
IL out IA a way that Will DO an
object-lcsson 10 the world touching her
military prowess and strength. 1t is not
sufficient that she should take advantage
OF the opportunity the alliance between
tho Transsaal and the Free State has ef-
forded her for settling once for all the
race issue in South Africa and esta bliSh-
ing British hegemony in that quarter OF
the globo. She must demonstrate that
the best traditions OF the British army
wouid net suffer In clash with the army