New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-21
SOUTH AFRICA THE ISSUE
UNIONISTS IN GREAT BRITAIN MAKE
IT PARAMOUNT" IN THE CAMPAIGN.
Copyright; 1900 By The New-Yorz Tribune.l
[BY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l

[BY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l
London, Sept. 21. 1 a. m.-The leaders have
taken charge of the political campaign on
either side Lord Salisbury is expected to write
a letter to some prominent Unionist candidate,
and Mr.. Balfour will produce an address within
thirty-sx hours with official explanations of the
Government reasons for appealing to the coun-
try. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman and Sir
William Harcourt are holding back their ad-
dresses until the Unionist leaders state the
main issues OF the elections Probably there
will be more life in the Opposition canvass next
week, when these veterans open their attack
but at present the current is strongly Unionist
and seems likely to sweep everything before it
Some Uneasiness IS shown by the Unionist
press over the intervention OF the National
Protestant League IN politics. but 1t is not
likely that pressure will be brought to bear
upon many candidates during so short
vass The anu-Ritualist leaders Of that move
ment VIII be content to concentrate their efforts
upon small number of districts and establish
a claim to having defeated half dozen candi-
dates upon the test question Of Protestant dis
cipIne. If Sir William Harcourt were to en-
phasize this issue something might be done
with it, but it is not believed that he will
open the discussion. South Africa holds the
field to the exclusion OF everything else, with
annexation as the Unionist method Of settle
ment.
Lord Roberts meanwhile is acting the
Uuionist whipper-in by keeping his columns in
motion toward Portuguese territory. His bull
letins could hardly be more decisive. The Boer
army, retreating before French and Pole-Carew,
has virtually disbanded The refugees who
have entered Portuguese territory have de-
stroyed their artillery and Will now be dlsarmed
by neutral officials. Other commanders are
going to pieces in every direction, and only a
few bands Of guerfllas remain in the field,
wretched remnants OF the formidable army
which held the battalions Of Butler, Methuen
and Gatacre at bay last December. Steyn and
Botha have both disappeared, and De Wet IS
still IN hiding. The occupation Of Koomatipoort
by French's troopers is expected within forty
eight hours and Lord Roberts can choose his
own time for returning to England, leaving
either Butler or Kitchener to direct the police
work.
All these details supply the Unionist press with
effective headlines for election purposes and JUS
tffy the conclusion that the has really ended.
The final scenes, with rioting at Koomatipoort
and the destruction of the Long Toms" and
captured British guns anything but dra-
matte.
Some discussion has been raised over the right
Of the British Government to intercept the gold
and public documents which Mr.. KRUGER is re-
norted to be anxious to take with him to Hol
] ]
be placed in the way of his carrying off any
thing he has with him The Netherlands Gov
ernnent has received from the Foreign Office
noes that Krnger's journey viii not be in
+erfered with by the British fleet. It Is probable
that the amount Of gold which KRUGER still re
tains has been grossly exaggerated, and III any
event the Ministry here will be greatly relieved
to have him leave the country quietly. More
| oyer there has always been a strong belief III
official circles here that Steyn and Reitz, rather
! than Krtiger, were responsible for the outbreak
| oP the war and that he was dragged into 1T at
the last moment against his judgment The
picturesque figure OF Mr.. KRUGER reading his
/ bible at ST Helena or Ceylon would have ex-
! cited English compassion whereas the refugee
/ in Holland Will be speedily forgotten.
Mr.. Chamberlain has issued an address to his
constituents. with detailed statement Of the
nuesttons which have been at issue in South
! Africa It is criticised by his opponents as too
long for campaign purposes and as likely to
revive discussion of some awkward ques-
tions Of law which argued by Sir Ed
ward Clarke with great force in Parliament
last wear Mr.. Chamberlain is more effective as
o sneaker than as writer of campaign mani
ees+oes but there is no lack OF clearness ana
6eAniteness in this address II is also strongly
/ ir,nerfalistic in it's tendencies N r.
NfANIFESTOES OF UNIONIST LEADERS,
london. Sept 20-The manifesto Of Joseph
Cnarnberlain, Secretary OF State for the Colonies
"a Member of Parliament for West Birming-
/ -, was issued TO his constituents tonight
He saws
a,ante aeserf that we deliberately