The sun., 1900-02-05
VERY Strange DOCUMENT
Seems to Indicate Scarcity of
Foe in the South African
Republic.
AIMED AT TIE UNITED STATES
The Paper Accuses Us of Being in
League With EngIand---Suddcn
Rise of Messrs. wyndham
and Goschen---Among
the English.

| iieh eAtracts from remarkable dOeiI-
ment emanating from the office of th,
secretary Of state at Pretoris, dated De-.
IL. The document comprises 10,9at'
words and is countersigHed by Secretary
| of State Reitz. 1t seems specially writ
ten for the American public, 1t says:
we, to great extent, depend on
America and Europe for our foodstuffs.
1t would be criminal on the part OF the
great powers TO suffer this little nation TO
perish by famine since the sword has
failed. Since. in 1870, the president of
the United States acknowledged our re-
public as sovereign state Americans
have fiocked here in numbers. In every
instance the hand of fellowship has been
extended to them. Not single case of
disagreement is on record, but with the
iirst war note of the oppressor we are in
formed that America is acting in league
with the enemy. If our sister republic
has no sympathy with us, if the boasted
condescension of the British is to be pre-
ferred to sincerity and truth, we will no
longer believe in the justice and integrity
OF the American nation, and her profes-
sion of Christianity we will consider an
empty sound"
Secretary Reitz further says the Beers
nave never abused the white flag and
that the British murdered women, chill
dren and American and German subjects
at Derdepoort.
Situation Is Clearer.
To say the English nation stood appall-
ed at the tone and substance of the ear
lier speeches of the official leaders of both
parties in parliament does not go beyond
the truth. Since then, however, has come
relief from most unexpected quarters.
The situation has been distinctly cleared
and the country has now grounds to hope
that the cabinet means to act not talk.
and is thinking of the work ahead rather
than OF self exculpation. Thanks, firstly
to Mr. George Wyndham, undersecretary
OF state for the war Office, then to Mr..
George j. Goschen,. first lord Of the ad
miralty, much of the gloom has been dis
PEELED and the nation is able to feel more
comfortable on an essential gpoint-that
the deficiencies Of organization have been
fully recognized and that the government
is determined to remedy them.
There is small wonder the country is
asking why, if subordinate members Of
the government, like Mr.. Wyndham and
Mr.. Goschen. who, though formerly an
impassioned orator, of recent years has
lost much of his forcefulness, are able to
produce this tranquilizing effect, states
men of more conspicuous position have
falled to adopt the same tone of candor
and good feeling. Lord Salisbury and
MIR. Balfour distinctly prejudiced the
cabinet, and Sir Henry Campbell-Ban-
herman and Mr.. James Bryce seriously
damaged the Liberals by their apparent
indifference to the most manifest cur.
rents OF public sentiment. Mr.. Wynd.
nam and Mr.. Goschen, however, proved
themselves in touch with national opin-
Ion, and as Mr.. Goschen proceeded al
most directly from cabinet meeting to
the house of commons the country be.
iieves It is entitled to accept the resolute
tones in which he spoke as a token that
the ministers at length appreciate Alright
the situation as it affects the government
and the country.
Versatile Man.
Mr.. Wyndham's speech immensely en-
hanced his parliamentary reputation and
the chances of attaining full ministerial
rank. lie has been soldier and a jour
naiist and is a railroad director is fair
~ rich and connected by relationship /
ana otherwise with the best families in |
the country. With political training of
-. oANSi %Ai. w SHuudUl VIII most |
likely be among the gallery men leading
Great Britain in the twentieth century.
Mr.. Goschen also rose to the occasion.
lie displayed some of his old time FIRE
and reused his hearers to strong excite
ment, notably when he charged Mr..
Bryce. who declared the war was unjust
and unnecessary, with giving "a brief
TO every enemy of England"
The whole tone of Mr.. Goscben,s
measured language was reassuring and
showed the admiralty is keeping a good
lookout ahead. There was no installing
the significance Of his intimation that
the admiralty has been assiduously vet
undemonstratively engaged in perfecting
naval arrangements to meet all contin-
gencies. Mr.. Goschen indnIged in the
usual reservations and qualifications, but
the country reads between the lines
recognition of possible international dan
gers and is immensely relieved at Mr..
Goschen's assurances that the country
thus far has only put out its left arm
and that its right arm, with all the mus
cles hardened. is held in reserve for nos
slble foreign interference in the war or
an attempt to rob Great Britain of tho
fruits of victory