New-York tribune., 1901-08-16
TILT ON AFRICAN WAR.
SIR WILLIAM vERNoN-HARCoURT STIRS
UP MR.. CHAMBERLAIN.

London. Aug. 15-The waning session of the
House Of Commons enlivened to-day by a
vigorous tilt between Sir William Vernon -Har-
court Liberal and Mr.. Chamberlain, the Colo
Mai Secretary over Lord Kitchener's proclama-
tion. Sir William characterized 1t as "a mis-
chieVous document. the inspiration OF neither
Lord Kitchener nor Lord Miner, but OF the
Ministry of Natal" He declared that the gov
eminent, in arming the natives. was rsverting
20 a practice which had left the darkest stain
on the history of the war between England and
America The new policy Of the government
promised to be neither creditable nor effective.
and was In contravention of all the fundamental
principles Of the St. Petersburg Convention
The country would welcome an cute-adjourn-
ment statement on the status Of the war; on
which they were still spending t5'o0o,oOO
month. although II was declared ende1 at the
close of the last session.
Mr. Chamberlain said the war status was
clearly indicated by Lord Kitcheners weekly
reports. He himself had gone out Of the prophe-
sying business, but he assured the speaker that
the governments attitude was the only method
Of ending the war. The Colonial Secretary de-
clared that the use of native troops was no
new policy It had been pursued without ad-
verse criticism. The indian troops in China had
teen cooperating with the troops Of hve of the
highest civilized powers.
Regarding the Punishment of burghers, Mr..
Chamberlain said Great Britain had "a perfect
right 70 enact what laws she chose for the
government of a country acquired by conquest
The Beers must be taught that they can no
longer carry q guerilla at no personal
risk while Great Britain fed their women and
children" He compared the conditions in South
Africa and the Philippines. and said the. policy
of America, as declared by General MacAr-
sDIry Ha
policy OF Great Britain If the campaign degen-
crates into war Of banditti.
Regarding the devastation policy. Mr.. Cham
berlain said it was nothing compared with Gen
eraI sherman's campaign. He had talked with
General Sherman himself, and Sherman justi-
fed his action on the ground Of humanity.
Mr.. Chamberlain also said there foun-
dation for the report that Lord Kitchener was
coming home
Mr Asquith denied that there was any ques-
ton of international law involved in Lord
Kitchener's proclamation. He said
The people of these territories are both de jure
and de facto the Kings subjects. and the procla-
nation is a warning on the lines OF the option
given 10 the inhabitants OF Alsace-Lorraine a,
the end of the Franco-German war At the
same time, I hope the government will not relax
the military efforts TO end the war.
He said he had the utmost confidence in Lord
Miner, while Lord Kitchener had shown a COM
bination Of energy, patience, zeal and modera-
ton that would entitle him a high place
among the great soldiers OF the country.
Ar. BalfouT, replying. declared that not a
horse nor a man would be withdrawn from
South Africa unless the military situation justi-
fed #, but that the government had every rea-
son 10 hope that, on the reassemb bling Of Parlia-
rnent next year. they would find the warlike
operations in South Africa practically over.