The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-09
SPEECH ny KRUGER.


PRETORIA, Monday. May THE official
closing of the 1893 Volksraad. which broke
I'D unofficiaIly In September last, took
place to-day. The vacant seats of General
Joubert and General Decock and others
were filed with flowers. The hall was
crowded, q large number of ladies being
present. In the prayer of the chaplain an
allusion to General Joubert moved many to
tears. After the prayer the Rad adjourned
TO the afternoon. when the session of 1900
was inaugtrated. The ceremonies were ac-
companied by the customary salute. Pres
ident Kruger arrived in the state carriage.
with the usual escort. All the diplomatists
and foreign attaches, including General
Gourke, the Russian attache, were pres
emit.
The Raadzal was crowded to it's fullest
capacity and the scene was most impress
sive. President Kruger, in his speech OPEN
ing the session. alluded feelingly to the va
cancies. Referring to General Joubert, he
said: Future generations would be able to
judge the work of the deceased, whose de-
meanor Inspired the enemy with respect and
whose humane and brave conduct gave
fame and Importance to the state among
civilized nations" He was profoundly
struck he said. by the proof of sincere
friendship given by the people of the Free
State. who had fulfilled their obligations to
the Trarsvaal under the treaty. They
realized that a united front was required,
as an attack on the independence of the
Transyaal meant a threat against the Free
State. He had implicit confidence in the
future Of the Afrikander nation. By deeds
the Free State had shown. the President
declared, a good example to the people of
the TransvaaI. which had proved of great
moral value TO those guiding the efforts of
@ small State to maintain it's independence.
He was pleased TO say that the relations of
the Transvaal with the foreign states. with
the exception of Great Britain. were good
After referring to the peace proposals of
the Presidents of both republics TO Lord
Salisbury, President Kruger said: w
have proved by legislation and our deal
fngs with Great Britain last year that IL
was our desire to preserve peace, and. now
that war has broken out, we will do every
thing to restore peace"
After abiding to the deputation now on a
mission to Europe and the United States
and the presence of so many attaches,
proving the intense interest of the powers
in the republics and in their methods of
1ghtin0, he said he was pleased to see that
the sympathy of the world was on their
side IN the war. that ambulances had been
sent and that they were united I'm endeav-
oring to alleviate the distress caused by the
struggle. After referring to the violations
of the Red Cross and to the
consequent protest of foreign powers, Pres
ident Kruger said: Notwithstanding the
difficult circumstances I am glad to say
that cur finances will enable us to bear the
great expense OF the war and that the
minest4fe iourishing."
The President concluded with a reference
to the Free State loan and suggested that
the session be not prolonged and that only
matters OF Importance be dealt with. In a
moving peroration he invoked the blessing
and help Of the Almighty.
The proceedings terminated with un.
usually impressive speeches and prayers
Fifty out of a total of sixty Legislators
were present. several OF them still suffer.
ing from wounds.