New-York tribune., 1900-05-09
IMPRESSIVE SCENE IN RAAD
OPENING OF REPUBLICAN PARLIA
MENT-THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.

Pretoria, May THE official closing of the
volksraad of 1880. which broke up unofficially
in September last. occurred this morning. The
seats of General Joubert and General
De Kock and others filled with flowers.
The hall crowded, a large number Of women
being present.
In the prayer of the chaplain an allusion to
General Joubert moved many to tears After the
prayer the Raad adjourned the afternoon,
when the session of 1900 was opened. The cere-
monies were accompanied by the customary
salute. President Krtger arrived in the State
carriage with the usual escort All the diplo-
matists and foreign attaches, including General
Gourlo, the Russian attache. We're present.
The Raadzaal crowded it's fullest ca
pacity, and the scene most impressive.
President KRUGER in his speech opening the ses-
sion alluded feelingly to the vacancies. Re
ferring 10 General Joubert he said
Future generations will be able to Judge the
work Of the dead man, whose demeanor inspired
the enemy with respect. and whose humane and
brave conduct gave fame and importance to the
State among civilized nations.
He was profoundly struck, he said by the
proof Of sincere friendship given by the people
OF the Free Stat. who had fulfilled their obli-
cations TO the Transvaal under the treaty. They
realized that a united front required, an
attack upon the independence of the TransvaaI
meant a threat against the Free State. He had
implicit confidence in the future of the Afri-
kander nation.
OUTSIDE RELATIONS FRIENDLY.
BY deeds the Free State had shown the Pres
ident declared. a good example to the people of
the Transvaal which had proved of great moral
value TO those guiding the efforts of small
State to maintain its independence. He was
pleased TO say that the relations of the Trans
vaal with foreign States. with the exception of
Great Britain. were good.
After referring TO the peace proposals Of the
Presidents of both republics and Lord Sails
bury, President KrGger said:
We have proved by legislation and our deal
ings with Great Britain last year that 1t
our desire TO preserve peace. and now that war
peace.
After alluding TO the deputation
mission to Europe and the United States, and
the presence of many attaches, proving the
intense interest of the Powers in the republics
and in their methods of fighting he said he was
pleased 10 see that the sympathy of the world
was their side in the war. that ambulances
had been sent. and that their friends We're
united in endeavorng to alleviate the distress
caused by the struggle.
FINANCES IN GOOD CONDITION.
After references TO alleged violations OF the
Red Cross Convention and to the consequent pro-
tinued:
Notwithstanding the difficult circumstances I
glad to say that finances will enable us
TO bear the great expenses of the war; and that
the mines are fourishing.
The President concluded with reference TO
the Free State loan. and suggested that the ses-
sion be prolonged, and that only matters Of
Importance be dealt with. In a moving perora-
ton he invoked the blessing and help of the
Almighty
The proceedings terminated with unusually
impressive speeches and prayers. Fifty out of
total of sixty Legislators present, several
Of them still suffering from wounds.
OFFICIAL PRAISE OF MR.. RHODES.
London May S.-'The Gazette" this evening
contains a dispatch from Lord Roberts incosing
Colonel Kekewichs report of the operations at
Kimberley Lord Roberts pays high tribute to
the tact judgment and resolution of Colonel
kekewich and his forces. and adds that Cecil
Rhodes the Mayor and other citizens rendered
the most valuable assistance in helping to main
tain order among the civil inhabitants encour-
aging them to hold out. attending to the sick
and wounded and generally cooperating with
the military commander. He also says:
BY the active part which he took in raising
the Kimberley Light Horse and providing horses
for all the mounted troops at Kimberley. Mr..
Rhodes. in particular. contributed materially to
the successful defence Of the place
Colonel Kekewich also paid a tribute to Mr..
Rhodes and his Jealous work.
Mr.. Rhodes has arrived at Cape Town, without
any demonstration being made. He goes to
Beira, Portuguese East Africa and thence to
Rhodesia, probably visiting General Sir Fred
erick Darlington.
DISPOSAL OF THE PRISONERS.