Daily Kennebec journal., 1900-03-21
PRIEskA TAKEN.
Continued from page 1.)

IN London until after its PRONUNCIATION
in South Africa; but it is known that
it would convey an intimation that any
Wanton destruction of British proper
ty during the war would be regarded
as warranting a claim for compenSa-
ton and as justifying a levy upon pri-
vate property. should the resources of
the Transvaal republic prove made
quate.
The fact that the proclamation is
issued by the colonial office is regarded
as significant Indication that the re-
publics will be administered as crown
colonies. In this connection it is un-
derstood that the leaders of the oppo
stion in Parliament now admit that
no other settlement is possible, since
the republics insist upon their demand
for absolute independence. In view of
this the effort of the Liberals will be
confined to securing in the settlement
the best treatment for the Dutch popu-
lation including, security against their
disfranchisement.
1t is becoming regarded as quite 4
settled matter that should the war be
ended. as it now hoped. before June,
the government will dissolve Parlla-
ment and appeal to the country on the
basis Of a successful South African
policy. Should the war drag on, dis
solution will be postponed until next
spring. In any event, one of the fore
most planks Of the government plat
form will be an army reorganization
There is no further information as
to the movements of Sir Alfred Miner.
1t is regarded as certain. however. that
he has gone to Bloemfontein to arrange
for the temporary administration of
the Free State.
Mr.. Steyns reply to Lord Roberts
charges Of the misuse of flags of truce
is commented upon as impertinent and
ridiculous, and Lord Roberts course
in closing q useless discussion is COM
mended as wise.
Indications from Natal seem to show
that Gen. Buffers forward movement
will not be long delayed.
The government has decided that
Major General Sir Frederick Caring
ton shall command a colonial force of
5000 including 2500 men Mr.. Chamber
lain asked from Australia, which will
be stationed on the northern Transvaal
border. to prevent Boer retreat or an
incursion in to Rhodesia
A statement comes from Pretoria adj
mitting that the Boer losses during the
war exceed 1000.
No fresh news has been received from
Mafeking, but a Pretoria dispatch,
dated Thursday, March u, asserts that
Col. Plumer has not been able to ad
vance south to Lobatsi.
London. March 21.-The India office
has issued its annual financial state
ment. This shows a surplus for 1899
1900 Of e2553, 900 ana an estimated
surplus for 1900-19O1 of G1G0.000 The
famine expenditure for 1S99-1900 work
ed out at f2500, 900. 1t is estimated that
the famine expenditure for 19OO-1901
will be G3. .335. 900.
Except for the famine expenditures.
the budget is regarded as healthy. The
gold standard has been successfully
introduced and all demands have been
met without borrowing. The surplus
Of G160.0 900 is, however. only a paper
surplus; for temporary loan Of E500,-
900 is to be incurred in England; and it
three crores Of rupees will be neces-
sary for ways and means.
LONDON. M1fcH ~ 10 l.. M.-IhP tDi-
lowing dispatch has been received a the
war office from Lord Roberts. dated
Bloemfontein, Monday, March II:
have received the following reply to
nv telegram Of March IL. 10 The Presi-
dents Of the Free State and South Afri-
can Republic:
Your esSSeeIlenGGy's telegram reached 4
would grieve me more than that my
burghers should make themselves guilty
of a deed such as that laid TO their
charge by you. l am. however, glad to
say you must have been mistaken. | have
made personal inquiry OF General Debar,
who was in command of our burghers at
the place mentioned by you. ffe denies
entirely that our burghers acted as stated
by you. but he says that Saturday tthe
date being ilegiblel. the British troops
when they were about 80 yards from our
position put up their hands as well as 4
white flag. while at the same time our
cannon bombarded the same troops with
the result that Commandant Debar was
wounded. Yesterday morning, the head
commanGant wrote in his account of the
battle as follows:
1.-THE soldiers hoisted the white flag
but We're fired at by English cannon ana
compelled to charge.
Perhaps it is not known to your excel
lency that the same thing happened az
Spion Kop, where, when portion OF the
troops hoisted a white flag and put up
their hands and whilst our burghers We're
busy disarming them. another portion OF
the troops fired on our burghers; Dut
some or tne bTlIlSH lloppS "tit =
has also been reported that at the last
battle Of the Tugela. English cannon fired
on troops who had surrendered
with reference to the explosive bullets
found in Cronies laager and elsewhere,
| can give your eXcellency assurance ina
such bullets were not purchased nor al
lowed by the government. | have, now
ever. no reason to doubt your statement,
as | know many of the burShers OF TINS
state and of the South African RepuDllc
took A large number Of Lee Metford rifles
and dum-dum and other bullets from
British troops. a..
cable is closed to me, to make our reply
known to your government and the ma
rinn1I powers by cable.
lSigned) STATE PRESIDENTS.
The dispatch from Lord Roberts con-
cludes as follows:
.As the inquiry into the matter proves
his honors allegations to be unfoundeI
ana as / personally saw the hold up Of
hands which he denies, nave not
thought il advisable to continue the cor
respondence.
Wellington. n. H., March 20.-In bid
ding farewell. today. to the 4th con-
tingent of New Zealand troops, leav-
ing for service in South Africa. the
premier. r. j. Sodden, emphasized the