Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-06-21
AFRICAN PEACE RUMoR.


London rumors have It that peace
negotiations have been commenced In
South Africa between the British and
the Beers, through the wives Of Presi-
dent Kruger and General Botha II
there is any foundation for the rumors.
1t must be inferred that Lord Roberts
has taken the initiative, since the two
ladies mentioned are In Pretoria and
prevented from holding any commune
cation with their husbands, except by
permission Of the English authorities.
There are weighty reasons why Great
Britain should desire a speedy termina-
ton Of the hostlitles. No one can tell
how soon the imperial troops viii be
where Russian aggresslveness is threat
enlng British interests. Lord Salisbury
is we'll aware that with the imperial
army tied up in Africa his influence
upon Asiatio affairs is much less than
II would be otherwise. And the Ques-
ton remains whether England can az
ford to play a secondary role IN Asia,
as the price Of conquests In Africa.
Il is believed that the African re-
publics are hardly worth the sacrifices
made for their subiugatIon, Their inn
portance arises solely from the dia-
mond field and gold mines, and the
latter. II is believed will be exhausted
In fifty years. AS an agricultural
country the Dutch settlements are con-
sldered inferior 10 other farming re-
glons in the same latitude. The South
African Republics never have supported
a large population, and the probability
Is that they never viii do SO, The
aboriglnes kept down their number by
perpetual wars; the Portuguese passed
the country by and the Dutch did not
settle there, until compelled to do so by
circumstances.
Some figures have been published.
which illustrate the true status Of the
country In the orange River State
one square mile In a hundred is under
cultivation In Natal one square mile In
$50. In Cape Colony one square mile In
200, In the Transyaal one square mile
IN 1900 The area OF cultivated land
in the entire Transyaal is no greater
than the area Of Brooklyn borough, no
greater than the area Of single wheat
farms in the Northwest. A territory
which in Europe supports poulation
of l00,0OO00O fails In Africa to feed a
white poulation OF 100000. Hence,
when the gold-digger finds that the
supply Of the precious metal Is com
mencing TO give out. he Will leave the
country, as he is leaving Nevada. II
is evident that Great Britain cannot
constantly let go the juicy morsels In
eastern Asia, for the sake Of the bones
OF South Africa. Even though Sails
bury has declared that peace will only
be bought az the cost OF the indepen-
dence OF the Beers. he may, as the
Chinese situation is developing. recon-
slider the matter and ofler a settlement
on easier terms.
II peace negotiations have been sug-
gested, the Beers should not be slow in
meeting their opponents half way.
President Kruger has all the time pro-
tested that he and his people are will
ing to lay down their arms, II permit
ted TO do 80 with honor Besides, there
Is absolutely no chance OF their sue
cess except IN some Proyidential inter-
ference with the plans Of the invaders.
Captain Lossberg, an American who
was engaged with the Boer artillery, in
speaking OF the Boer forces, estimates
them al less than 10000 men. He says
Gen. Dewet has 6.OOO men IN the Free
state: Gen Botha $500 in the Trans
vaal. and that there are 1900 burghers
in small parties What can such a
handful Of men, no matter how brave
they are. do against the overwhelming
numbers under Lord Roberts com
mand2 Humanity speaking, the war rs
already over The final settlement
must be In favor Of the Invaders The
only reasonable thing 10 do at present.
is TO accept peace on the best terms OBJ
tainable.
II an the circumstances are consid-
cred. 81 IS reasonable 20 suppose that
before long the news from Africa VIII
be OF a peaceful character The people
of this country have often expressed
sympathy for the struggling Beers.
Perhaps when the settlement Is In or
der. the good offices Of our government
may be exercised somewhat In the in
terest Of the two Republics, without Of
Tense 10 the parties immediately in
terested