The Irish standard., 1900-05-19
THE BOER COMMISSIONERS.

l he ENJOYS OF the South African repub-
lies arrived in New York last Wednes-
day for the purpose Of laying before the
American people the cause of the burgh-
ers with the hope that the liberty-loving
citizens OF the United States will give
their sympathy to the brave Beers now
defending their homes from British in
vasion. What do these distinguished
men expect to accomplish in this coun-
try? One OF them, Mr.. Fischer, answers
the question by saying: eve have come
to country which fought for liberty
with the same country with which we
are fighting. We also hope to obtain
this liberty. We have not fought for the
support OF factions in Holland, nor will
we seek for them in America We will
only tellthe people. On our return we
hope to be able to say that in them also
we found supporters of our cause. We
cannot say anything which may hinder
our cause. We would like to have the
government arbitrate with England,
and undoubtedly we shall go to Wash
ington and try to have an audience with
President Mckinley. And if we cannot
induce the government to do what we
would like we shall try to arouse the
people so they will compel the govern
ment to aid us in that way"
In his speech of welcome Ex-Judge
Van Hoesen said to them: you may
confidently appeal to the American peo-
pie. The love of liberty burns in the
breast OF every American worthy of the
name. There will always be differences
OF opinion as to questions OF policy and
cxpedicncy, and perfect unanimity is not
to be expected in the views OF the peo-
pie as to the duty of the United States
at the present time. If any people ever
deserved to be free and independent the
Beers are that people. The welcome we
give you tonight is an evidence of what
you will receive all over the country.
Welcome, welcome, thousand times
welcome. God prosper your mission"
In responding to this cordial welcome
Mr.. Fischer said: 1--WE come to you
will, no pretence of learning or e1e-
gance, but to speak the plain, unvar-
nished truth as to the conditions as they
really exist. If the sentiments I have
heard tonight could be voiced through
out your land our journey would not
have been necessary. America would
act with one voice. We come to your
country and people, we appeal to no
party and no section. We ask that JUS
ticc be done. 1t has been said there is
little five per cent we would not please
II there are any Of them here tonight
let them come forward and make any
statements they wish. will answer
them off-hand and am sure I can con-
vince them. We do not wish to appeal
to your feelings, but to your common
sense as we'll. What Great Britain
wanted was Our gold and diamonds.
When we were poor they paid no atten-
ton to us. There was no excuse for
doing so, and they talk about the fran
chise and many other things equally
vague and false. We ask that yo,
investigate our cause. If YOU
find it wrong, then we will submit
to being made practical slaves and give
up our lands. If we are right, then we
want you to help us to maintain the
things we have won at great sacrifice. ,
The Boer delegates will strike re,
sponsive chord in the heart OF every true
American. no matter to what party he
belongs. The party in power at the
present time is pro-Britisl, and they
need expect no sympathy from this gov
crnmcnt as represented by William Nc.
kinlcy, John Hay and the other Anglo
maniacs in the cabinet and two houses
OF congress. The hearts OF the Amcri
can people will go out to the struggling
Beers, but they are powerless to dc
aught else than express sympathy, ow.
ing to the secret understanding which