New-York tribune., 1901-06-23
BOER DELEGATES GO HOME.
MESSRS. SAUER AND MERRIMAN SAIL
FOR SOUTH AFRICA.
CONSOLATION IN THE QUEENS HALL.
MEETING-EARL RUssELLs NE
VADA MARRIAGE


Copyright: 1901: BY The New-Yorls Tribune)
GBT THE TRIBUNEJ
London, June %. i a. m.-Mr. Merrirnan and
Mr.. Sauer left England yesterday for South At
rica, materially consoled by the Queens Hall
demonstration for their failure to excite popular
interest in their cause. Their friends among the
active pro-Boer faction were with them to the
last. and there is much organizing ability among
them, but more zeal than discretion. Many er-
roneous differences have been drawn on the Con-
tinent from the speeches and resolutions of Mr.
Laboucheres meeting. and the Boer leaders in
Holland have been greatly encouraged. The
war news. meanwhile. has remained virtually
unchanged. De Wet has apparently been
crippled. if not paralyzed by the loss of his
convoy, which it is difficult for him TO replace
and the advantage gained by the Beers in sur
prisng isolated Australian detachment has
been temporary gain. Evidence that the Brit
ish are gradually wearing down the resistance
of the Beers is unmistakable when the enor-
nous losses reported by General Kitchener in
men, ammunition and cattle are added up.
There may be fresh surprises. but the fighting
resources Of the wonderful Dutch warriors
apparently wellnigh exhausted
The case of the prosecution against Earl Rus
sell was disclosed in the Bow Street proceedings
earl 10 await the action of the grand jury The
validity of the divorce obtained by the earl in
Nevada will be attacked without reference TO
the question whether marriage contra cted
der English law can be dissolved by the proc
esses Of American law. The prosecuting
thorities clearly hold that the divorce secured
in Nevada was illegal under the laws of that
State and under recent decisions Of the United
States Supreme Court, and consequently that
the earl contracted a bigamous marriage, even
under strict construction of the American law.
William Brown, Solicitor for the Treasury, who
worked I'D the case with secrecy and ability,
reports that he was aided in every way by the
Nevada officials; that obstacles We're placed
in his path that everybody was straightfor-
ward and friendly, and that he received most
delightful impression of life and courtesy in the
Far West Judge Curler. who has returned
with Mr.. Brown from Nevada, was an excellent
witness not only respecting Earl Russelrs sec
ond marriage, but also concerning technical
points OF divorce law. He will remain in Eng
land for the trial by the House of Lords. and
Will be the chief witness for the crown. In the
course OF a conversation with me yesterday he
repeated the story told in Bow Street. and
added many details respecting the ceremony
which he performed at Reno and the legal
points involved IN the issue Of the decree of d.
vorce by Judge Mack. He states positively that
the law respecting publication had not been
complied p1!th; thai there was proof of de-
fault after adequate notice, and that there was
no Jurisdiction for granting decree Of divorce.
He is a bright, capable lawyer and wideawake
American. It is expected that the trial by the
House of Lords will follow rapidly the indict-
ment by the grand jury, Parliament is in
session, but there is a possibility that the de-
fence will ask for delay in order TO obtain evil
dence from Nevada respecting the various al
legged irregularities in divorce procedure.
The American trap shooters have continued
their victorious career in Scotland, where they
have beaten by a wide margin a representative
team OF crack shots. Gilbert and Merrill dis
tinguished themselves by making perfect scores
in shooting at the clay pigeons. !. y. +.