The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-23
Beers Hopes SCATTERED
Frui:leSS Visit of the Peace EnyOys
TO the President.
They Arc Told Tint This Country
Can Do Nothing Morc Than 1t Hns
Alrcndy Bone to End the Sout!,
African War-A Courteous Rccep-
ton Accorded by Mr.. Mckinley.

The visit Of the Boer envoys TO the
President yesterday proved in effect but a
repetition Of their call upon Secretary Hay
Monday afternoon. The three Commits
sioners were received unofficially and with
the utmost courtesy. At the conclusion OF
fifteen minute call the ENJOYS returned
disp!ritedly TO their hotel.
According TO the arrangements made on
Monday By Secretary Hay, the ENJOYS we're
driven to the White House at 10 o'clock.
They We're dressed in conventional frock
coats. with silk hats. Indeed. they ap-
peared merely as distinguished visitors,
and the question of their credentials was
not considered.
The President was expecting them and
they We're shown at once into the Blue
Room. This was considered graceful act
OF attention to the ENJOYS, as the room Is
usually reserved for diplomatic callers.
There was an exchange of greetings be-
tween the commissioners and the Presi-
dent and his secretary, Mr.. Corteiyou. The
commonplace of the weather and the city
were discussed, and then DIR. Mckinley led
his guests to the rear porch, where
beautiful view of the grounds can be OBJ
tanned. From that point the conversation
turned speedily to the home Of President
Kruger in the Transvaal. and in moment
more the party was discussing the subject
SO near to the hearts of the visitors.
Mr. Mckinley explained that this coun-
try could do nothing more TO check the
war. II had afforded the Government much
pleasure to offer its good services to Eng
land as mediator, but the prompt reply of
I nd Sot; hot Dr;t nj
prepared to accept intervention had made
future action along that line impossible.
The announcement was not a surprise
to the Beers. They had expected 1t and
were prepared for it. They discussed the
war generally. for few moments, but did
not it is understood, make any specific re-
quest of the President After about fifteen
minutes they left for their hotel. The
President babe them goodbye with great
cordially and assured them of welcome
whenever they might call.
There was shade of disappointment and
irony in the voices OF the commissioners
when they discussed the meeting after
ward with newspaper men.
Yes. the President received us cordial
ly." said Mr. Fischer.
And II Is a fine building" remarked
Mr.. Vessels, with a laugh. which indicat-
ed that the inspection of the White House
ndu proven tue palt vi lue
visit
The burghers have Iot yet presented
their credentials either to Secretary Hay
or to the President. II Is apparently clear
to them that such course would be use
less as this Government intends to do
nothing to stop the war. Not having fled
their documentary papers. the Beers are
not to be cIassed as diplomats and so will
not be llampered in carrying forward their
public crusade in this country.
1t is expected the ENJOYS will make a
statement in day or so. when they will
present their cause. and will give their
version of the interview which they had
with Secretary Hay. That method. they
have agreed, is the best one possible for
reaching the American people in compre-
hersiye way. They Will be in the city for
several days yet, and they decline to say
whether they consider their diplomatic
mission ended. They have received over a
hundred invitations to attend receptions in
various cities over The country, but have
rot yet accepted any of them.
Last night the envoys were entertained
at dinner by Senator Pettigrew. They will
have lunch today with Secretary Hay, who |
has courteously offered them the hospital |
ty cf his home