The evening times., 1900-05-15

LONDON. May ia despatch from
Pretoria states that Messrs. Vessels,
Fischer. and Wolmarans, the BOer peace
ENJOYS, who have arrived in New York,
are empowered to seek a United States
protectorate for the South African Repub-
lie and Orange Free State.
The Beers are willing that this protector
ate shall tend toward ultimate annexation
to the American Republic
The Boer leaders are represented as
feeleing that unless the United States takes
the two little republics under its guardian
ship. they are doomed 10 extinction at ths
hands of Great Britain.
Their hatred OF England is so intense that
they say they would retire to the noun
tains and carry on guerrilla warfare 10
the last extremity rather than submit ~
annexation 10 the British Empire.
They feel that il America would take
them in hand they would have local self
government and justice.
Apparently they DO not take into account
the practical impossibility of the United
States establishing a pIotectorate over the
republics without a war with England
They seem TO look upon the great Ameri-
can Republic as powerful. and TO feel
that the United States has only 10 agree
70 the plan 10 have it speedily and peace
fully accomplished.
Secretary OF STATE Reitz. Of the South
African Republic. is quoted as saying:
We will maintain our independence if vs.
can. If We cannot. We will appeal 20 tbs
American people to take US unGec their
wing.
surely the Declaration OF Independence
is broad enough to span the ocean
Our last hope is that having again art
again carried cur burden OF persecui ion
into the wilderness to escape from Eng
land We may be permitted TO deposit it al
the foot Of the Statue G Liberty. 10 fnd
peace and protection under the Stars and
Stripes
The officials Of the State Department tkts
afternoon denied all knowledge Of the re-
port from Pretoria. via London that the
BOer ENJOYS. who arrived in this country
today were empowered TO ask for an
American pTotecJorate for the South Afri-
can republics. The officials state that they
have received no previous injimation that
such an offer would be made and that 10
such idea has been entertained By the
United States Government
Further, they declare that the idea is
absurd. inasmuch as the assumption OF
such a protectorate would mean the prac-
tioal alliance OF this nation with those
which are at war with Great Britain. The
Administration has. they add. avoided all
appearances Of even a sympathetic slIi-
ance with the Beers. since the outbreak OF
South African hostiIiUes-
To entertain the alleged Boer proposition
would be equivalent 10 a declaration Of
war against England for which there is
no possible excuse.
The mission of the Boer ENJOYS. accord
ing to the views Of the State Department
officials, is political rather than diulO-
matte. Had they come as properly accred-
tied representatives Of their governments.
they would be barred from attending pub
lie meetings and expressing their war sen
timen;s. Without such credentials. they
VIII be able to visit the more important
centres Of population. and TO address eu-
diences, stirring up popular sympathy for
the countries they represent. The question
Of their reception must wait for determi-
nation until their arrival here. Then. il
viii resolve itself into a formal reception
TO properly accredited foreign ambassadors
or an infromal reception 10 visiting Trans
vaalers and Free Staters. The depart
ment is inclined to expect the latter solu-
tion.