Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-08
Transvaal President Addresses the
Burghers in State House.
ALLUDES TO THE VACANT CHAIRS
Tribute to Gen. Joubert-Free
Staters Highly Praised.
WOUNDED MEMBERS PRESENT

PRETORIA, Monday, May THE official
closing of the 1899 volksraad, which broke
up unofficially in September last, took place
today. The vacant seats of Gen. Joubert
and Gen. De Cocf. and others were filled
with flowers. The hall was crowded,
large number of ladies being present.
In the prayer of the chaplain an allusion
to Gen. Joubert moved many to tears.
After the prayer the raad adjourned to the
afternoon. when the session of 1900 was III
augurated. The ceremonies were accom-
panied by the customary salute. President
Kruger arrived in the state carriage with
the usual escort. All the diplomatists and
foreign attaches, including Gen. Gourko,
the Russian attache, were present.
The radical was crowded to it's fullest
capacity, and the scene was most impress
sive. President Kruger, in his speech cpen-
ing 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 demean1r
inspired the enemy with respect, and whose
humane and brave conduct gave fame ard
importance to the state among civilized
nations"
Praises the Free Stnters.
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 realized that a united
front was required, as an attack upon the
independence of the Transvaal meant a
threat against the Free State. He had
Implicit confidence in the future of the
Afrikander nation
BY deeds the Free State had shown the
president declared. a 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 Its in
dependence. He was pleased to say that
the relations of the TranSvaal with foreign
states, with the exception of Great Britain,
We're good.
After referring to the peace proposals of
the presidents of both republics to Lord
Salisbury, President Kruger said
I'VE have proved by legislation and our
dealings with Great Britain last year that
it was our desire to preserve peace, and
now that war has broken out, will do
everything to restore peace"
Pleased at Worlds Sympathy.
After abiding to the deputation now on
a mission to Europe and the United States
and the presence Of SO many attaches, prov
ing the intense interest of the powers in
the republics and their methods of fight
ing, he said he was pleased to see that the
sympathy of the world was on their side
in the war; that ambulances had been sent
and that their friends We're united in en-
deavoring to alleviate the distress caused
by the struggle.
After references to alleged violations of
the Red Cross convention and to the conse-
quent protests of foreign powers. Presi-
dent Kruger continued:
Notwithstanding the difficult circum-
stances 1 am glad to say that our finances
will enable US to bear the great expense
of the war; and that the mines are -four
ishing."
The president concluded with reference
to the Free State loan, and suggested that
the session be not prolonged, and that only
matters of Importance be dealt with. In
moving peroration he invoked the bless
ing and help of the Almighty.
The proceedings terminated with I'M
usually impressive speeches and prayers.
Fifty out of a total of sixty legislators
were present, several of them still suffer-
ing from Mounds