The age-herald., 1900-01-21
SYMPATHIES ARE
 WITH THE BOERS
Majority of BirminghamiteS Fa- vorabIe to Dom PauI'S People.
MUCH INTEREST IN THE WAR
Struggle in the Transvaal is Attracting Great tAttention---British Sympathi- sers Are Confident of Ultimate Sue
 cess--Some Pointed Interviews.

Public opinion in Birmingham seems to be favorable to the Boers in the war that Is being waged in the Transvaal, and it is probable that if mass meeting were called to give expression to the opinion that reso- lutions would be adopted sympathetic to Dom Paul and his people, While compar- atively few persons are well informed as to the real issues between the English and the Boers, few there are who are not with the Boers on~the principle of siding with the underdog while the sympathes of some have been enlisted through the bravery dis played by the soldiers of the South African republic.
 The argument is also advanced that the Boers occupy comparatively the same posi- tion as did the American colonsts, or at least that they are fighting for those prin- ciples dear to the hearts of all liberty lov- ing people,
 Others there are who are against "John- nie Bul' on general principles, and they do not hesitate to express the hope that the British troops will meet disastrous de- feat in every engagement, and that they Will ultimately be driven out of the coun- try
 " hic tHc iidJOllly dIe ldNOTdDle 10 the Boers, those there are who are none the less strongly sympathetic with the Brit ish.
 On the success of British arms in the Transvaal, they say, depends the march Of progress and civilization, contending that Boer success will mean the continua- tion of bigotry and narrow mindedness.
 The Filipino war has almost been lost sight of in the interest that has been aroused in the South African struggle, and nothing short of Aguinaldos capture would draw the attention of the American peo- pie from far-off Africa.
 Mayor Drennen is among the Boer sym pathizers, and while he is not ready to shoulder arms for the Transvaal Republic he does not hesitate to express his sym pathies.
 Mir. Sinnige Talks
 H. H. Sinnige. vice president of the Board Of Trade and a prominent business man. who is exceptionally well informed on all matters relating to foreign politics, is also an ardent Boer sympathzer. In discussing the situation yesterday, he said:
 Tt is exceedingly regretable that this war between Great Britain and the Trans Vaal, should have come right on the heels or the peace conference at The Hague. It seems deplorable indeed. The demands that the British government made upon the South African republic were such that no
 
 ed. Bngland's policy has always been one !. or nigh handed aggT ession. Had the Boers not discovered the gold and diamonds in south Africa, Britain would never have thought or that country. But finding that great wealth was there the greed of gain came into evidence as usual. Had it not been for Grover Cleveland's message on venezuela Great Britain would have grad ually encroached on that rapidly developing country: When the United States bought Alaska England did not interfere. But just so soon as gold was discovered in the KIon dlke, then she began to give trouble. She wanted part of the Klondike. It is Great Brftain's way every time
 NO; Great Britain will never conquer the Boers She can no more whip those brave people than she could whip the brave people who fought under General Washing ton.
 This war is anything but popular in England. It is often alluded to as a Cham berlain-Jameson war, and I believe that the great powers should interfere and put stop to the hostilities."
 sympathIses With the Boers
 r; l. Monks, local attorney whose sym pathes for the Boers are more strongIv pronounced through alHs Irish nativity. thus sums up the situation:
 Never despfse your enemy, said No pofeon Bonapa1tte nearly one hundred wears ago; he spoke with the experience of a general who had fought and won many battles How different might have been the result of war In South Africa today if Brit 1sh stateSmen and generals had taken heed or those words Leaving aside for the mo- ment the merits of the question, what is the spectacle presented to us even when viewed through the apertures controlled by the English themselves. We see the flower of the British army, 12500O strong, in all ithe pride and pomp and circumstance of crl4a fnTfes 1a1t 1taI 1,oll one-fourth their number of untradned, un- disciplined farmers; men who left their blows in the furrows and grasped their rifles to repel a robber. If the Boers were to be wiped off the face of the earth to- morrow; if their country was Ito be swal- lowed up in the rapacious nfaw of the British empire. the stand they have taken and the defeats they have already inflicted upon the invaders would be amply sufficient to immortalize them a nation of heroes. Twelve months ago and Europe trembled at the Mons roar: nations that count their standing army at a million and their train ed and armed reserves at five million, al- lowed themselves to be fntfmidated into surrendering and yielding up their cherish ed prizes; loves approbation was insig- nfficant compared with John Bulls moral support The king of beasts turned his hungry eyes upon the Transvaal. Here was an easy prey Why not seize upon It? T1fre need be no fear eff interference by any other nation Who dareS to come between tne lion and his prey? No one
 s.Right we'll did Dom Paul know thls' he knew their deliverance was to be oo- tained by their own efforts. He knew there was no use expecting any assistance from the outside, and he advised every man capable of bearing arms to do so Tn de- fense of his country. Next to God, comes ones country, and in it's defense it has even been regarded as sweeter to die than survive its ruin. The Boers are lighting for their country, for their freedom Their customs manner of living concerns tnem- selves alone They seek to preserve their language. their religion, their individuality, all of which are threatened by their in- vaders. The Boers must have read the history of Ireland under English protec- tion' They must have marveled how