The evening times., 1900-02-03
MONTAGU WHITES MISSION.
The Envoy From the TransNaal In
America i'm the Interest of Peace.

America i'm the Interest of Peace.
NEW YORK. Feb. 3-Montagu White,
unoffcially representing the South Afri-
can Republic in this country, has made
the following statement regarding himself
and his plans:
''As / have been frequently asked 20 eX-
plain the object of my visit TO the United
States ] may at the outset clearly state
that I have come here in the interest of
peace. was strongly urged TO do so by
American and English friends instead of
going to Pretoria. as was my original in
tention. Ii was cOntended that sympa-
thy for the two republics was rapidly
growing in America and that it could be
deepened and strengthened by true infor-
nation as 10 the character OF the Beers ana
the causes Of the war. ] was given 10
understand that The citizens of the United
States had at first been misled by the dis
tortious nut forward by the Rhodesian or
capitalistic lingo press in England a. well
as by Misrepresentation OF few inter
ested and irresponsible individuals In
America. I was urged 10 second the Efforts
of local sympathiZers ia the direction OF
Cancellation and mediation. for which had
vairly striven before the outbreak Of nos
tilities.
pr. Leyds. whom l consulted. approved
of nav visit and further commissioned ne
10 enquire into and report upon the trend
OF public feeling in the States on the Sonth
African question.
Gable communication being entirely in
the hands of the British Government. it
was not possible TO obtain credentials from
the Government al Pretoria. | have, there
80, 1spln IL 81 the same
time ] am convinced that | am. for the
present. better able to further my cause in
an unofficial position than If | were ham
pered by the restriction OF diplomatic Ell
quette.
L am citizen oil the South African Re
puhlic. as well as a head official of that
State. and every American will recognize
! that / owe no apology or explanation ioI
warmly identifying myself with the country
! 10 which l owe allegiance. ] repeat l nave
come here in the interests of peace. not to
/ stir up strife or TO stimulate bitter re-
4 crimination. though at times II Is linpoS-
sible in stating the case of the republc
/ TO avoid expressing ones self warmly and
strongly when criticising the stupid and
blundeIing policy Of bluff which ended IN
what MIR. Chamberlain justly described by
anticipation as an immoral war
The fact that J have not been able 10
attend and speak al the various pro boer
meetings will trust. not BE- mis- 1o1sirued.
Il is nos because I lack the courage ot my
convictions. for ! conscientiouslN neileNe
The two republics 10 be absolutely IN INC
right This war was forced upon them
and The hurghers are fighting 10 retain
their freedom and Independence. ABOVE
all nav abstention is not due To any depfe-
ciarioD or disapproval OF the efforts Of sym
J, IN. qv hi int
South African States but everyone "lt
recognize that it would be unwise. as wei
as improper. for me 10 identify myself
with any meeting where the Administra
zion is liable 10 be attacked II is also o.
importance for me &c avoid party politics
in fact my strong hope is that kepub-
licans Democrats. and other political par
lies in the United States will sink theii
differences I'm regard TO the South Afrledl
question and viii simply voice the sentl
rnanr of he true American in promoting
the cause Of peace
Il cannot sufficiently thank ne man.
friends who have sacrificed time business
. ard financial interests in promoting IN
welfare OF The two South African St-tes b!
4 disseminating literature as 10 the true iacU
af the case by promoting meetings 70 IN
,vpression OF sympathy and by subs ,Iih N
10 funds for the relief OF suffering.
Il cannot close without gratefully ac
kpcWledglng the courtesy and c1nslderd
lion with which ] have been treated by IN
representatives OF the press in Ne" No
and elsewhere.
My presence in America has arolsei
certain amount Of curiosity ! was u-ahi'
to Grant interviews for publication. BIT
Fsya spoken fully and freely 20 MANY jour
ualfs-- and correspondents, and my conh
9arre has alvays been fufiy Te=pe TED.