The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-06
PROTEST SENT no ROBERTS.
RcpIy Made by british General TO
Steyn and Kruger.

Cape Town, Feb. 5.-FoHowng is the
text of the protos, by Presidents steyn
and Kruger, which Is dated Bloemfonten
Feb 3:
1--WE learn from many sides that the
British troops, contrary 70 the recognized
usagcs OF war. daily destroy property by
burning or dynamltng farm houses aud
devastating farms and the goods therein,
by means Of which unprotected women and
children are often deprived of food and
cover.
This happens not only in places where
barbaraus are encouraged by British Of
licers, but even in Cape Colony and the
Free States where white brig0nds come
out from the theater Of war with the evil
dent intention of carrying on general de
Vastation without any reason recognized
by the customs of war and without in
any way furthering the operations We
wish earnestly to protest against such
acts"
Lord Roberts replying to-day. said:
Il beg to acknowledge the honor of your
telegram charging the Britis< troops with
the destruction of property contrary to
the recognized usages of war. and with
brigandage and devastation. These
charges are made In vague and general
terms. No specific case is mentioned. No
evidence Is given. ! have seen such
but in no case which has come under my
notice have they been substantlated.
THE most stringent instructions have
been issued to the British troops 10 res
pect private property so far as Is com
patihle with the conduct of military oper-
ations. All wanton destruction and injury
to peaceful inhabitants are contrary to
British practice and traditions and will,
IL necessary, be vigorously reprassed by
me-
81 regret that your honors should have
seen tit to repeat this untrue statement
that barbarlans have been encouraged by
British officers to commit depredations
In the only case in which a raid has been
perpetrated by. native subjects Of the
Queen. the act was contrary to the in
structions of the British officer nearest
the spot, and entirely Disconnected his
opinions The women and children taken
prisoners by the natives were restored to
their homes by the agency of the British
officer in question.
II regret to say that It is the Republl-
can forces which are in some cases guilty
of carrying on the war in a manner not
in accordance with civilized usage. | refer
especially to the expulsion of loyal sub
jects Of Her Majesty from their homes in
the invaded districts OF this colony be-
cause they refuse TO be commandered by
the invader 1t Is barbarous to attmept to
force men TO take sides against their'own
sovereign ana country by threats Of spoili-
| alton and expulsion. Men, women and
children have had TO leave their homes
owing to such compuision.
MANY of those who were former
ly in comfortable circumstances are now
maintained by charity. That war should
| inhict hardships and injury upon peace
| fun inhabitants is inevitable. but IT Is the
| desire of Her Majesty's government and
my intention to conduct this war with as
little injury as possible to peaceful inhabi-
| tants and private property. ! hope Your
| Honors win exercise your authority to in
| sure il being conducted in a similar spirit
| on vour side"