The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-05-28

public So far as we are informed, the
United States was the only government
In the world of all those approached by
the South African republics which ten
dered its good offices to either of the com
batants IN the interest OF a cessation or
hostilit,es.
las aIlusion had been made TO the
Hague conference and as action had been
suggested based upon that instrument. IT
may be as well TO quote a phrase from
Article Ill which states:
Powers stranger to the dispute may
have; the right to offer good offices or
mediation even during the course OF hos
Titles and Article V. which says:
/" Tho functions of the mediator are
at an end when once IL IS declined either
by one of the parties TO the dispute or by
the mediator himself: that the means of
reconciliation proposed by him are not
accepted
This would seem TO render any further
action OF the United States unadyisable
under existing circumstances.
Tho steps taken by the president In his
earnest desire to see an end 10 the STRIFE
which has caused so much suffering. may
IRENE limit permitted TO him. Indeed. II
In his discretion. he had chosen rot 70
present to England the South African re-
quest for good offices. he might have JUS
tiled his action by referring 10 the fol-
lowing declaration, which was made In
the very act of signing the Hasie cen
vention by the plenipotentiaries OF the
United States:
Nothing contained in this convention
shall be so construed as 20 require the
United States OF America to depart from
It's traditional policy Of not intruding upon
interfering with or entangling Itself with
questions OF policy or internal administra-
tion OF any foreign state: nor shall any
thing contained I'm the said convention DO
construed to imply REIMBURSEMENT by
the United States OF America of Its ira
diticEal attitude toward purely Amerl-
can questions :,
THE president symrathizes heartily IN
the sincere desire Of all OF the people or
the United states that the war when
& now affecting South Africa, may, Tor
the sake Of both parties engaged come
70 n speedy close. but having done MS
fun duty in preserving strictly ncutraI
position between thciu and In Selzing lhe
first oppor;unity that presented itself for
rendering his good offices in the interests
OF netce he feels that. In the present cir
curnstances no course IS open tn him OK
cent 10 persist I'm the policy of Impartial
neutrality. To deviate from this would
b. contrary to all our traditions and aii
our national interests and would leau
90 consequences which neither the nreSl-
don't nor the people Of the United states
should regard with favor"
When they left the state department.
the Beers would say nothing about their
visit or its results. Tonight. however.
they stated emphatically that the action
Of the secretary of state does not by any
means bring an end To their mission.
I'm n sense Il Is what we expected"
said Mr. Vessels At the Arlington to-
niEht We have been prepared for IL
since our arrival in this country. We
will however. lose no opportunity TO
work for the end for which we came.
and IN every w<s possible VIII continue
10 press our claims upon the representa-
t.ycs Of the government. We expect TO
see President Mckinley tomorrow morn
ing. II is our aim 10 interest the govern
msut and the people 20 tho end that they
may aid US IN securing an honorable
peace"
In response TO my question. Mr.. Yves
sells added that in his opinion even II
the British capture Pretoria the burghers
viii continue fighting.
During your American revolution"
said lac. the capital Of your country was
moved from place 10 place, and SO IL VIII
L. with Us No. do not think that there
is any truth In the report OF oyertures
made By President Kruger to the British
government looking toward AN end of the
WAY. at least none which involves any
tling short % the independence Of the
r. nubiics.'
Despite their statements 20 the contra
~. il is evident that the Boer delegates
are lot "a little disappointed at the re-
ccpti0n they have received At the hands
Of the administration.
Senator Aliens resolution extending to
the visiting Boer delegates the privileges
OF the floor of the senate WAS tabled when
i came up today. the vote upon the mo-
tion 10 table being almost entirely "a par
~ vote Senators Allen. Mason and Till
man made strong speeches in favor OF
the adoption OF IN. resolution. conteudins
that II WAS simply in line with all prece-
dents. In the course OF his speech Sena-
Tor TIlimau declared:
Vow you can see what a change has
come over US as u people. When kOssutn
came here Two great republicans in con-
sress fought 10 have him recognized To-
uay the republicans on this floor are
CoWards-COWards 1 say, trucking 10
England anu they have d!sgraced tho
Onited states by their miserable, sneak
auE action"