The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1901-01-04
Europe aad the Boer Republics.

Europe aad the Boer RepubIics.
If it was the purpose of President
Kruger's errand to Europe to enlist the
active support Of the continental DOW
crs in behalf Of the South African re-
publics, it is apparent that the mission
has failed. When the aged Boer exile
visited France, he was received with
all the fervor and enthusiasm that
could have been extended to the chief
representative Of an allied state where
there existed bonds of race, religion
and close political interests. Neither
of these elements, however, figured in
the reception. While Mr. Kruger is
Teutonic, Protestant, Puritan-alien to
the French in blood, religion, language
and traditiOn-the warmth Of the well
come was such as to give the old BOer
chief good ground for hope that his
mission, at least in so far as France
was concerned, would be highly sue
cessful. It may be said that the pro-
Roer demonstrations We're only express
sions Of the prevailing anti-British SEN
timent, but we cannot fairly impugn
the motives Of nation which freely
gave her sons to aid in the establish
ment Of republican institutions in
America, which took up arms in Aus
tria in behalf of Italy and which was
almost persuaded to fight for the re-
establishment Of Poland.
Cheered and encouraged by his recep-
ton in France, the old patriot turned
expectantly toward his cousins and co,
religionists on the Rhine. Here he met
such a rebuff as to almost completely
destroy his hope Of European aid, Ell
Their moral or active. While no doubt
there is much sympathy for Mr.. Kru-
ger and his cause among the German
people, the German emperor rather
CURLY refused him audience. Francis
Joseph of Austria has followed Kaiser
Williams lead, and without doubt Vic
tor Emmanuel of Italy should occasion
arise would take similar action, thus
arraying the triple alliance against the
possibility of intervention in South At
RIGA Nothing of course could be ex-
pected from Russia, as she has no in
terests to serve in that quarter Of the
globe and no sympathy to waste on re-
publics, though upon occasion she has
been very kindly disposed toward the
United States. and France could i'll af-
ford single handed to undertake the
task, even If she were inclined so to do,
OF rehabilitating the distressed Dutch
republics.
Naturally Mr.. Kruger is warmly vel
coined at The Hague. where he was re-
ceiyed a few days ago with demonstra-
tons Of regard and approval no less
enthusiastic than those which greeted
him in France. Much as the sovereign
and people of the Netherlands may
sympathize with their kindred in South
Africa, manifestly Holland has neither
the power nor prestige to render them
material aid President Kruger and
his heroic people have, therefore, little
to hope for in Europe.
The picture of the simple hearted, de-
won't old patriot in exile, hoping against
hope, as he watches from afar the pass
ing in the poignant struggle of a death
thrOe of his beloved Transvaal and her
sister, the Orange Free State, is not
pleasant one, yet the aged exile may
find some grains of comfort in the rec
| objection of the high esteem of the
| strange people who made him welcome
| on the banks of the Seine and the
marks Of affection shown by his kin
| dred on the Zuyder Zee.