Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-05-09
fcweNs. The hall was crowded, a large

f1cweNs. The hall was crowded, large
number of ladies being present
In the prayer of the chaplain, an IL
fusion to Gen. Joubert moved many
to tears. After the prayer the Rad
adjourned to this afternoon, when the
session of 1900 was inaugurated. The
ceremonies were accompanied by the
customary salute. President Kruger
arrived in the state carriage with the
usual escort. All diplomatists and for
eign attaches, including Gen. Gourko,
the Russian attache, were present
The raadzaal was crowded to its
fullest capacity and the scene was
most impressive. President Kruger, in
his speech opening the session, alluded
feelingly to the vacancies. Referring
to Gen. Joubert, he said:
Future generations will BE able
to judge the work of the deceased.
whose demeanor inspired the enemy
with respect and whose humane and
brave conduct gave fame and import
ance to the state among civilized ma
TONS"
He was profoundly struck, he said,
by the proof of sincere friendship given
by the people of the Free State, who
had fulfilled their obligations to the
Transvaal under the treaty. They re-
allied that united front was required
as an attack upon the independence Of
the Transvaal meant a threat against
the Free State. He had implicit conf
dence in the future of the Afrikander
nations.
By deeds, the Free State had shown,
the President declared, good example
to the people of the Transvaal which
had proved of great moral value to
those guiding the efforts of a small
state to maintain it's independence.
He was pleased to say that the rela-
lions of the Transvaal with foreign
States with the exception Of Great
Britain, were good.
After referring to the peace pro-
posals of the presidents of both re-
publics to Lord Salisbury, President
Kruger said:
eve have proved by legislation and
our dealings with Great Britain last
year that it was our desire to pre-
serve peace and now that war has
broken out we will do everything to re-
store peace"
After abiding to the deputation now
on a mission to Europe and the
United States and the presence of so
many attaches, proving the intense in
terest of the powers in the Republics,
and to their methods of fighting, he
said he was pleased to see that the SYM
pathy of the world was on their side
in the war, that ambulances had
been sent and that their friends were
united in endeavoring to alleviate the
distress caused by the struggle.
After reference to alleged violations
of the Red Cross convention and to
the consequent protests of foreign
powers President Kruger continued:
Notwithstanding the difficult cir
cumstances, l am glad to say that our
finances will enable us to bear the
great expense of the war and that the
mines are flourishing."
The President concluded with ref
erence to the Free State loan and sug-
gested that the session be not prolong-
ed and that only matters of import
ance be dealt with. In a moving per-
Grafton he invoked the blessing and
help of the Almighty.
The proceedings terminated with UNI
usually impressive speeches and pray
ers. Fifty out of total of sixty legis-
lators were present, several of them
still suffering from wounds.