The evening times., 1900-05-18
The Administration's Boer Problem.

1t is not a matter for surprise that the
enthusiastic official and popular reception
OF the Boer peace ENJOYS in New York
yesterday should be giving the Admins
tration great concern. The episode clearly
indicates what may be expected in the way
of public expression here in Washington.
and wherever else the representatives of
the South African republics may present
themselves before the American people.
The fact is not concealed that the White
House and State Department are in
quandary as TO what to 90 with them. 1t
was reported last night that the frank
language of Mr.. Fischer. the chief Of the
delegation, in announcing the intention OF
himself and his colleagues to make di-
rect appeal TO the masses in case their
petition should be rejected by President
Mckinley had given serious offence TO our
executive authorities. who might. in con-
sequence, refuse to receive them at all
That is naturally the feeling in Admins
tration quarters, but il will not 90 to the
length given out
The ENJOYS will be received with unc-
tuous amiability. and. if they are at all
impressionable, they will be much encour-
aged As matter of fact. however. they
have not been several days in Gotham
without being cautioned not to put their
trust in princes, and to keep a weather
eye out for the "soft words" which butter
no parsnips." They are reasonably certain
to represent to Mr. Mckinley that theirs
is a case which does not admit of delay;
that they have come to ask for American
Intervention. and want to know within
very few days whether it will be granted
or not
Statements like that made by Michael
Davitt at Lourenco Marques reflect the
opinion already formed in South Africa
on the subject of the Boer mission to the
United States. Davitt declares that if the
TransVaaleTs can keep up the fight until
the American elections are near at hand
political considerations will force the Nc
Kinley Administration to interfere and de-
mand that Great Britain shall stop the war
and accord independence to the brave lit
tie Dutch States.
II is important TO observe that this. too
is the opinion Of Continental Europe.
which is waiting for what the Ameri an
President may say and do with breathless
suspense. II is an open secret that there
are powers which only want the smallest
hint from the United States to join wi
it in sternly calling 8 halt, and insisting
upon a congress of the civilized nations
TO determine the terms Of peace and the fu-
ture status of the belligerents in South
Africa. This feature OF the situation is one
which it is the undoubted intention Of the
Boer ENJOYS TO present strongly at the
Executive Mansion. 1t is widely believed
that they carry with them proof that the
mildest initiative on the part of the United
States would bring ON an instant and gen
eral movement OF forcible Intervention
This is a matter which must be faced.
The Administration is barred from any
action in behalf of the Beers by its gen.
eral Anglo-American policy. and by its
specific engagements with the British
Government relative to the Clayton Bull
wer Treaty. the abandonment Of the Mon
roe Doctrine the Panama Canal deal. and
the surrender of Alaskan territory It
should at once make its position plain to
the ENJOYS. AS Delegate Vessels said in
New York, by and by. should the liberty
of the burghers be extinguished the world
will say to the United States. What has
become Of your little brother?" But that
Is something that Mr.. Mckinley cannot
help. He must carry out the Hanna plans
and purposes, though the heavens fail 1t
would be cruel and inhuman for him to let
Messrs- Fischer. Vessels. and Wolmarans
bow themselves out of the presence i'm
bued with a contrary idea.