New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-06
ROBERTS ANSWERS KRUGER.
BRITISH COMMANDERS REPLY TO CHARGES
OF WANTON DESTRUCTION.

OF WANTON DESTRUCTION.
Cape Town, Feb. 5-President Steyn and Pres
ident Kruger have communicated with Field
Marshal Lord Roberts, the British commander
in-chief, protesting against the destruction Of
farmhouses and the devastation Of property.
Lord Roberts, in replying, declared that the
charges were not substantiated adding that
wanton destruction of property was contrary
TO British practices.
The following is the text of the protest, which
is dated Bloemfontein February 3:
We learn from many sides that the British
troops, contrary TO the recognized usages of war
daily destroy property by burning or dynamit-
ing farmhouses and devastating farms and the
goods therein. by means of which unprotected
women and children often deprived of food
and cover.
This happens not only in places where bar
barians are encouraged by British officers. but
even in Cape Colony and the Free State, where
white brigands come out from the theatre Of
war with the evident intention of carrying on
general devastation without any reason recog-
nized by the custom CT war and without in any
way furthering the operations We wish ear
nestly 10 protest against sUch acts.
Lord Roberts, replying to-day, said:
7 beg to acknowledge the honor OF your tee-
gram Charging the British troops with the de-
etruction of property contrary 70 the recognized
usages OF war, and with brigandage and devas
tation. These charges are made in vague and
general terms No specific is mentioned
No evidence is given. l have seen such charges
made before now in the press, Dut IN no case
which has come under my notice have they been
substantiated.
The most stringent instructions have been is
sued 10 the British troops to respect private
rroperty so far as is compatible with the con-
duct of military operations. All wanton destruc
tIon and injury TO peaceful inhabitants con-
trary 10 British practice and traditions. and will,
n necessary be vigorously repressed by me.
7 rseret that Your Honors should have seen
Ar 10 repeat the untrue statement that bar
harians have been encouraged by British officers
10 commit depredations. In the only case in
which a raid has been perpetrated by native
subjects of the Queen the act was contrary 10
th instructions of the British officer nearest the
spot and entirely Disconnected his operations.
Trbe women and children taken prisoners by the
raftves were restored TO their hoInes by the
soencv NJ the British officer in question
r regret to say that IL is the Republican forces
tsnt are IN some cases guilty Of carrying on
,be war i'm manner not IN accordance with
ciyntzed usage / refer especially TO the expul-
sion Of loyal subjects Of Her Majesty from their
homes in the invaded districts or this Colony
hscause they have refused TO De Communicated
~ the invader IL Is barbarous 10 attempt TO
forca men 10 take sides against their own SOW
eretpn and country by threats OF spohation and
eyn3ision Men women and cniioren nave had
"a ave their homes owing 10 sueh compulslqn.
Many ~ those who were formerly In comfort
ahfa circumstances are now maintained py
ahar,ty aDav That war should infict hardships and
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