The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-09

V0LKSRAAD Is IN SESSION.
BOer Leaders steadfastIy Repeat
Their Determination to Fight
to tho Bitter End

PRETORIA. Monday, May THE off,
cfal closing Of the 1899 voksraad. which
broke up moficially In September last,
took place today. The vacant seats of
Cen Joubert and Gen. Decoek and others
were filled with flowers. The hall was
crowded, a large number of ladies' being
present.
In the prayer of the chaplain an allu-
sion to Gen. Joubert moved many TO
tears. After the prayer the raad ad-
journed to the afternoon, when the ses-
sion of 1900 was inaugurated The cere-
monies were accompanied by the GUS
tomary salute. President Kruger arrived
In the state carriage with the usual es-
cort. All the diplomatists and foreign
attaches, Including Gen Gour1o, the Rus
sian attache were present
The RADICAL was crowded to its fullest
capacity and the scene was most i'm
pressive. President Kruger, in his speech
opening the session. alluded feelngly to
the vacancies. Referring to Gen. Jou-
bert, he said
Future generations will be able to
Judge the work of the deceased. whose
demsanor inspired the enemy with re-
spect and whose humane and brave con-
duct gave fame and Importance to the
state among civilized nations
He was profoundly struck. he said, with
the proof Of sincere friendship given by
the people OF the Free State, who had
fulfilled their obligations to the Trans
vaai under the treaty
They realized ttDt a united front was
required. as an attack upon the independ-
ence of the Transvaal meant a threaten
ing OF the Free State He had implicit
confidence in the future Of the Afrikander
nations. BY deeds. the Free State had
shown. the president declared, a. good
example to the people OF the Transvaal,
tftN hAl -
TO those guiding the efforts OF small
state to maintain its Independence. He
was pleased TO say that the relations of
the Transvaa with the foreign states,
with the exception OF Great Britain, were
good
As to the peace proposals of the presi-
dents OF both republics to Lord Sal sbury,
President Kruger said:
I'VE have proved by legislation and
our dealings with Great Britain last year
that It was our desire to preserve peace.
and now that war has broken out we will
do everything 10 restore peace"
After abiding to the deputation now on
a mission 10 Europe and the United
States. and the presence of So many at
taches. proving tho intense interest OF
the powers In the republics and their
methods OF fighting, 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 their
friends were united I'm endeavor.ng 10
alleviate the distress caused by the strus-
GLE
After references 20 alleged violations OF
the Red Cross convention and 20 the CON
sequent protests OF foreign powers Presl-
dent Kdueer continued
MISUNDERSTANDING the difficulties I am
glad TO say that our finances win enable
VA 20 bear the great expense OF the war
and that the mines are four.shIne
The president concluded with a refer
ente 20 the Free State and Natal, and
suggested that the session Do not tsrc
longed and that only matters OF imnort-
ance he dealt with. In moving perora-
tion he invoked the blessing and help OK
the Almighty
The proceedings terminated with un-
usually impressive speeches ana PRAYERS.
| Fifty out % n total Of sixty legislators