The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1900-03-10
Roberts Criticised.

NEW YORK. Feb. PA special to
the World from Washington says:
Continental diplomats accept the de-
feat of General Cronje in grim silence
None will consent to be quoted for any
expression, except that the issue was
what might have been expected. One
OF the attaches, who has himself sery-
ed as soldier. said:
There is one aspect OF the capitula-
ton OF General Cronje which is humil-
iating to every soldier There is
brotherhood of chivalry which binds all
professional soldiers. Violation OF the
delicate amenities which govern the
conduct of members of our profession
IS reflection upon the order of Chiv-
airy as much today as 1t was when
knighthOod was in flower.
General CrOnje made a gallant de-
Tense. At the cost Of the utmost sacri-
fee and pain he stopped the victorious
Lord Roberts and held his ground un-
III his hard-pressed cOuntrymen could
form for a final defense.
The fact that Lord Roberts and his
Lieutenant, Lord Kitchener, compelled
the valorous Cronje TO the bitter hui
initiation OF presenting himself at the
tent Of his conquerors as a suppliant
for the miserable boon of unconditiOn-
al surrender is a requital of bravery
not consistent with chivalrous con-
duct. Soldiers throughout the world
will be amazed. There was no possible
excuse. The fact that the British
commanders might have apprehended
treachery Is the fiimsiest pretext. The
British were strong enough to have
executed the federal army were any
violation of war committed.
"Cronje has been a brave foe. He
made no discrimination between the
wounded British and his own people:
ali were treated alike, as was shown
when the hospital at Jacobsdal was
captured two weeks ago. The bitter
humiliation put upon him is stain
upon Christian knighthood. II is with |
out parallel.
Contrast the conduct OF Lords Rob- |
erts and Kitchener with that of the |
victorious Schley and Shafter. The ut
most courtesy was shown to their |
overthrow foes. Philips Don't cheer, |
men; they are dying will stand in |
contrast TO the conduct OF the generals |
who compelled a gallant foeman. who |
had battled against tremendous odds, |
to come as a humble suppliant even |
to the very doors of their tents To beg /
for his brave soldiers that they might |
ANONYMOUSLY surrender.
This ruthless. overbearing conduct /
will have an effect upon civilization. |
Those who claim to admire fair play |
should exhibit some OF the elements OF |
the chivalry which Is the real basis OF |
gentlemanly conduct.
Soldiers will remember this treat |
ment, and 1t is possible that on anoth- !
er day IL may be returned with inter !
est"
Cape Parliament Prorogued.
CAPE TOWN, Feb. 2S.-The Govern
or Of Cape Colony. Sir Alfred Miner.
has further prOrogued the Cape Par
lament TO April 6. He has also issued
a proclamation announcing that the
military authorities are authorized to
impress wagons. oxen, provisions and
other necessities i'm Rhodesia. the ar
ticles thus taken to be paid for at a
fair price. This is taken TO mean that
Colonel Plumer's column advancing TO
the relief of Mafeking will be enabled
to seize supplies.
Good Wishes for cronie.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S.-Repre-
sentative Fitzgerald OF Massachusetts
today passed around among his Demo-
cratic colleagues the following cable to
General CrOnje, the defeated Boer gen
eral. Up to today about thirty of them
had signed il:
General Cronje. Cape Town, Africa:
Members OF the United States House
of Representatives congratulate you
and your soldiers on the magnificent
display of courage and heroism in your
brave fight for human rights"
Desperate Fighting Ahead.
NEW YORK. Feb. 2S.-A dispatch
to the Tribune from London says:
The effect OF this victory upon Sir
Redyers Buffers campaign i'm Natal
was discussed by veterans last night
with intense interest. 1t was generally
conceded that while General Joubert's
troops would be disheartened and Gem
erai Buffers soldiers would be inspired
TO emulate the example of their more
fortunate comrades in the west. there
would be more desperate fighting IN
consequence OF Lord Roberts success.
General Joubert now has no motive for
an Immediate retreat. since IL IS too
late to effect General CTonje's deliver
ance. He has behind him Sir George
Whites army, which is nearly starved
out and helpless from lack of ammuni-
ton. II he can repel General Buffers
assault upon his strong defensive posi-
tons and drive him back 20 the Tucela
he can compel General White 70 sur
render and in a way Offset Lord Rob
erts' victory. besides changing the
balance in the comparative lists Of
prisoners. The opinion in official cir
cles last night was that Lord Roberts
had rendered General Buffers cam
paign more difficult by his victory.
There was no official news from Cen
eral Butler when the War Office closed
at midnight and the press dispatches
were fragmentary and inconclusive It
was clear that there had been a weeks
heavy fighting. with serious losses on
the British side. The Beers were ap-
parently reinforced Friday and made a