The times., 1899-10-20
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1899.
Cecil Rhodes.

The presence Of Cecil Rhodes in Kim
berley lends 70 the operations against that
position a lively and peculiar interest
aside from the military and political con-
ditions involved, that otherwise, they
would not possess.
To understand the Importance which the
Beers attach TO the death OF capture OF
Mr.. Rhodes. it should be said that in all
South Africa there is not a human being
who approaches him in influence over the
native tribes Swat Zulu. Basuto, Bech-
Uana. Mashono, Matabele. Kaffir-aIl alike
look upon this millionaire adventurer and
empire builder as the embodiment OF gov
erning genius and resistless British power.
Were he 10 fall the blacks would be GER
tain to consider that England had lost its
master mind and chief, and that its au-
thority need not longer be respected.
The unique position thus held by Cecil
Rhodes in the life and politics Of South
Africa, and his value TO his own side If free
and active and 20 the other, the value of
his destruction or capture, are matters fully
and equally appreciated in Pretoria, in
Cape Town. and in London. It is an OBJ
ject OF the highest statecraft with Presi-
dent Kruger TO lay hands on and dispose
OF this his sblest and most hated enemy.
Probably there is hardly any sacrifice of
life among his troops that the Boer
leader would not accept cheerfully 10 ac-
cOmpIish this purpose In carrying il for
ward. he has the heartiest and most de-
termined support Of the men in the ranks
OF his army. Every Boer, Free Slater,
and Afrikander IN South Africa hates Cecil
Rhodes with bitter, burning hatred
There is not farmer in the whole Trans
wal veldt who has not been taught TO re-
gard Rhodes as one who would take away
his homestead and drive his family into
the wilderness. Because Of this animosity,
which Kruger and his associates have
taken particular pains TO foster, there is
more than q little fear that. if taken by
the enemy. the founder Of Rhodesia might
be murdered.
IN any event his chances for life in the
end would be dark enough. It is reported
that the Transvaal Government has put a
price Of twenty-five thousand dollars on his
head. dead or alive. If this be true, Kruger
knows wei enough that he is defying the
Law Of nations, and Of civilized war. which
consider such an action as barbarism, and
as jusufying stern reprisals II actually
carried into effect II this consideration
vas not sufficient TO restrain the Boer
President from committing himself to such
an affront upon the worlds opinion, it is
not probable that his hand would be stayed
in another direction. were ne to find Cecil
Rhodes within his power. Indeed, it is
believed 20 be quite on the cards that the
former would be promptly court -martialed
for his ayowed connection with the Jane
son raid Were that 70 happen the re-
suit need scarcely be doubted. He would
be shot
Nct only the friends OF the former Cape
premier, but the European elements favor
able TO the Beers. are greatly exercised
over this sinister prospect, should Kimberley
be carried by the Transyaal forces. The
former fear that there would be little hope
Of mercy, while the latter realize that by
numbering Cecil Rhodes, Kruger would
shock even Europe, and forfeit the last
Eestlge OF sympathy IN that quarter for his
country OF cause.
II is satisfactory 10 know that Kimberley
Is by no means certain TO fall II its water
supply. the source Of which has been cut
of, can be made 20 last until the arrival
O relieving column, all Will be well
Thirst, and not Boer rifles or artillery,
viii compel a surrender If anything shall