The age-herald., 1900-04-08
WAS JoUBERTs NEIGHBOR
A Woman's Story of the Quiet, Eager,
 Warrior Boer

Washington-A letter received by Wash ington woman from her sister, now resid- ing in Berlin, who spent some years in Pretoria before the outbreak of the present war, gives an interesting view of the Boer general, Joubert. The letter, In part, fol- lows:
 "A few years ago we resided in one of General Joubert's houses, adjoining his own villa, and the most neighborly relations ex- isted between us. Frequently, either go- ing to or coming from the city council, he would stop at our little garden gate for chat or step upon our yeranda to partake of a social afternoon cup of coffee. He shares with all the Boers their eager thirst for knowledge and would listen with undi- vded attention to any European news, more especially to anything relating to the war of 1870 and the siege of Paris, of which he could never hear enough. As we had re- sided for nearly thirty years in Paris it was in my power to relate to him many events which had remained unknown to him. He came from an old Huguenot family from the north of France, who, however had made their home for the past 15O years in South Africa, and although he by no means denied his French descent, his sympathes were entirely with the Germans.
 ''As far as the present German emperor is concerned General Jou'bert has been one of his greatest admirers ever since he took up the relns of government. General Jou- bert, usually so quiet and reticent, would, on these occasions, talk dn most lively manner, with lightning gleaming from his eyes and with a smoldering fire of enthusi- asm which in him, as in most Of his coun- trymen. seldom found expression.
 "His French descent is unmistakable, but he is possessed of the traits so com mon among the Boers-a suspicious nature and a disposition to withdraw from obser- walton. When with them one is impressed by their apprehensiveness of danger at all times. The prosecutions to which they have been subjected dn the past 300 years have stamped the whole nation with the impress of deep seriousness, and causes feeling of depression which at first one can hardly account for.
 We have often seen him coming home from divine service on Sunday, walking with a firm step, his large hymn book un- der his arm and carrying In his hand his Bilhle, as if 1t were a talisman. His ap- pearance recalled to the mind the inspired Huguenot warrior. He would go to meet the black barbarians with very few fol- lowers and a single cannon, scattering them as if by a stroke of lightning in all directions. After church, on his way home. he would walk little ahead of his wife and daughter, as if lost In thought and de- sirous of being undisturbed in his medta- tons and devotons.
 ''In general education and wisdom Gen. eral Joubert ranks far above his contempo- raries This is partly due to his unsuitable thirst for knowledge ever since his early youth as well as to his education in Cape Colony and his journeys to Paris, Holland and Germany. During his residence in Ger many he gained far-reachng knowledge of political economy and warfare All the i'm provements in the Transvaal and the intro- duction of modern methods may be as- cribed to the indomitable energy and ex- perience of Genera. Joubert."