The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-03-22

papers giving details OF the negotiations
between the Boer commander-in-chief
Gen Botha, and Lord Kitchener, com
mandng the British forces in South ART
ca, issued. today. begin with a telegram
from Sir Alfred Miner TO Colonial Secre-
tary Chamberlain.
The dispatch is dated Pretoria, Feb. %,
and states that Mrs Botha had returned
from a meeting with her husband bring
ing letter in reply to Sir Alfred Miners S
verbal message Offering to meet Gen.
Botha as a means OF ending the war on
the express Understanding that he would
not discuss the question of the independ-
cnce OF the Transvaal and the Orange
River colony
Mrs. Botha assured Sir Alfred Miner
that the letter was written with that
point clearly understood. Gen Botha re-
ferred the matter 10 his generals. and IL
was stated that the meeting would prob
ably take place at Middleburg.
Mr.. Chamberlain replied that he was
glad 20 hear of Gen. Botha's desire TO
treat and hoped II was genuine. He will
find us. said the colonial secretary,
anxious 10 meet him on all points af-
fecting his individual position
ON Feb o. Sir Alfred Milner cabled
Lord Kitchener Informing him that Gen.
Botha had written that he would be in
Pretoria At 10 o'clock a. m, Feb. ~.
SEEMED TO DESIRE PEACE.
A dispatch from Lord Kitchener. 10 the
war Office, dated Pretoria. Feb. ~ reports
"a long interview with Gen. Botha. who
showed very good feeling and seemed
anxious for peace. lie asked for informa-
tion, which he said he would submit "a
his government the generals and the
people IL they agreed he would visit th'
oral%ge River colony and get them tc
agree.
should all then hand I'm their arms u
would finish the war. HE said they could
20 on for some time and he was not sure
lac would be ablo 10 bring about peace
without independence. II declined 10 dis
cuss such a point" said Lord Kitchener,
"snd said modified form OF independ-
cnce would be most dangerous and would
lead 10 war In the future"
Replying 60 Gen. Botha's inquiries.
Kitchener said: Il informed him that
when hostilities ceased the military would
be replaced by Crown Colony adminisy
trstion consisting OF "a nominated execu-
tive and an elected assembly TO advise
him. Followed after period by a repre-
be licensed to have rifles 10 protect them
selves against the natives. the Dutch
and English languages were TO have equal
rights, Kaffirs would not have the fran
chise until after representative govern
nnent had been granted, the Orange Free
state laws for Kaffirs would he consid-
cred good. church property, public trusts
and orphan funds would not be touched
no war tax would be imposed on farm
ers, assistance would he given 10 repair
the burned farms and 10 enable the farm.
ers TO start afresh, and colonists who
had Joined the republics should he dis
franchised."
SATISFIED WITH TERMS.
Gen. Botha generally seemed satisfied
with these conditions.
Among the questions To which Lord
Kitchener apparently did not reply Were
when the war prisoners would return and
regarding the taking over OF debts OF
the republics. including those legally con.
rrscted since the beginning of the war
Gen. Botha was reported to be making
strong point of this. He referred
notes which had been issued. amounting
10 less than million pounds. Lord
Kitchener arranged to communicate
Bothas views Go his government All
that he said was qualified by being sub
Ject 10 confirmation from the home GOV.
ernment.
On March 2, Sir Alfred Miner cabled
Lord Kitchener. suggesting the follow
ing replies to Gen. Botha
II beg 10 inform you that on the cessa.
tion OF hostllities and the complete SUR
render OF arms. ammunition cannon and
munitions I'm the hands Of the Burghers
IN the field at government depots or else
l.
pared al once 90 grant amnesty in the
Transvaal and Orange River Colony for
all bona hde acts OF war during the hos
tilities. as well as 10 move the govern
rnents OF Cape Colony and Natal 90 simi.
lar action. qualified by the disfranc hise-
ment OF any British subjects implicated
in the. war
PRISONERS TO RETURN.
The military prisoners ia 81 Helena
render. shall be brought back 60 their
country. Military law shall al once b,
replaced by a els adninistratiou. bat
ment "a soon a. circumstsnces viii per
ment
on th- cessation Of bostilities higt
court. independent Of the executive. shall
be established 10 administer The laws
Land. church property. trusts and orphan
funds shall be respected. The Engish
and Dutch languages shall be taught IN
the public schools and allowed In thc
iaw courts. The legal debt 81 the state
10 the amount of i.oo0O on pounds shrii Do
paid. even n contracted during hostni.
lies. 10 the extent of = creditor prOVes H.
has given value. The government uoel
not intend 70 extend The franchise ul
kaffIrr ia the TrHnsvaai and Oran0
River Colony before a representative gov.
crnmenf A. granted
The conditions regarding assistance a,
the farmerr. ire arms. etc. are the SAND
Gen Rofha. Sir Alfred Miner adds that
he agrees 90 the above excerf AZ a. ths
desires for rnodihcation rcEurcing British
subjects ~ Cane (oisny and Natal IN ihs
Ifocr army. who III they returned ff
fhoee colonies. will De liable 20 BE- dealt
with under the laws OF those eoloninl
passed o. meet circunstsnces arising o.
ue added. Will, am ~iliine lc con