The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1899-11-04
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4. 1899
ENGLAND AND THE BOERS.

the Beers OF South Africa Is deplOred
throughout the civilized world, for
war is ever cruel. AS a noted Ameri.
can general once said. "war is hell,
and never settles anything right
But this war is doubly deplored for
the fact that it is case of might on
the one hand and right on the other.
England can find no excuse for waging
war against the South African repub-
lie, except that she wants to possess
that territory, and because she is
mighty she will possess it. History
shows that Great Britain has no right
there that has not been conceded by
the Beers, and the only explanation
of the present attitude of the empire
toward the Boer republic is that the
British see an opportunity to accumul-
ate wealth by absorbing the Transvaal
and the Orange Free State.
AS far back as 1852 the Dutch East
India Company established a supply
station on the Southern extremity of
Africa which became known as Cape
Colony. The original settlers were
mostly from Holland, but their num-
bers were Afterwards argumented by
settlers from Germany, Belgium and
France. These hardy pioneers battled
with the Hottentots and Kaffirs and
developed a country in which they
were prosperous and happy. After
century and half of toll in which
they redeemed the wild waste of
South Africa, erecting homes, churches
and schools, they were bounced upon
by the British and deprived of their
liberties by superior force. To them
English rule and extortions were un-
bearable, and not possessing the
strength to release themselves from
the English yoke, they decided to
abandon their country to their dc.
spoilers and move further into the in
terror. Therefore in 1885 the Dutch
Beers made their exodus from Cape
Colony, and crossing the river Wool
into what is known as Transvaal, re-
deemed new country, set up an in
dependent government. republican in
form, known as the Transvaal repub.
lie and Orange Free State.
After many conflicts with the savage
Zulus they finally established them
selves firmly and brought about con-
ditions of peace with the natives.
There they established homes,
churches and schools, and became q
prosperous and thorough people,
happy and content in the realization
of being free from molestation by the
British. But an evil day came to
them when the celebrated diamond
fields and gold mines were discovered.
These discoveries attracted the
English into the Transvaal and q
great influx of British resulted. until
subjects of Queen Victoria became an
important factor in the Dutch settle
ments. The British did not go there
to make their homes as did the Dutch
who subdued the country, but to ac-
cumulate wealth and in few years.
return to their native land. But they
demanded the right to take part in
governmental affairs. so that laws
could be passed beneficial to their in
terests, though they declined to be.
come citizens. This brought about
dissensions resulting in the Jameson
raid of a few years ago, and finally
eliminated in the present war, which
Mr.. Chamberlain says must terminate
In Great Britain assuming control of
the two republics, meaning the
annexation of the country.
That this will be accomplished no one
doubts, for the two South African re-
publics are not sufficiently strong to
defend themselves against so powerful
> foe, and it is entirely unlikely that
any of the European powers will take
up their quarrel.