New-York tribune., 1901-03-10
PROGRESS TOWARD PEACE.
NO AUTHENTIC NEWS OF KITCHENER
BOTHA NEGOTIATIONS
HOW THE BURGHERS MAY BE TREATED IF
DE VETS CAPTURE LEADS TO UN-
CONDITIONAL SURRENDER
Copyright; 1901: BY The New-Yari< Trtbune)
lRY CARLE TO TIE TRIRrNE.l


London, March 10. 1 a m.-There were many
rumors in the air last night respecting the ne
gotiations between General Botha and Lord
Kitchener. but there vas ~ Authentic news
The British Government has been consulted, but
Sir Alfred Milner is Lord Kitchener's political
adviser, and is in position TO settle the terms
Of amnesty and peace. The outlines OF these
terms which published based upon con
lecture. and the statement that General Botha
has communicated the conditions Of peace 10
Delarey. De Wet. Steyn and other Boer leaders
still in arms is incredible. a fortnight at least
will be required before there be a general
consultation among the Boer generals and
meanwhile there will be daily rumors from Pre-
toria and Cape Town. The fact that Botha and
Viljoen have been willing TO discuss with Lord
Kitchener the terms OF surrender offers strong
warrant for the hope that the end OF the hope
less conflict is in sight. But those most con
versant with the character Of the leaders, be
lieve that Delarey, Steyn and De Wet will offer
resistance to any proposals made by their col
leagues Even those most scepticaI respecting
the results Of Lord Kitchener's diplomacy are
convinced that the capture OF De Wet would
end the war. since the Transvaa Beers would
then be at liberty to make the best terms pos
sbe. The reinforcements have not been
stopped. and there no signs at the War Of
fee that anybody in authority is king for the
immediate collapse of the Boer cause.
The Kaffir market was not affected by the
peace rumors. While there is no belief among
the South Africans here that the British Govern
nent will agree to pay any indemnity 10 the
burghers still under arms prisoners of war
it is considered probable that something may be
done TO assist them if there is a full and un-
conditional surrender. For example there might
be the distribution among them of the captured
sheep, oxen and horses and also OF food supplies
The country is impoverished, and large num-
batants are now under guard at vorious posts.
Whenever peace is made a temporary ar
caring for a considerable part of the population
and Sir Alfred Milner will naturally be anxious
to empty the fortified laagers and distribute
the burghers and their families among the viii
lagos and farming regions, where they set
tie down and become self-supportng. There is
no likelihood that the burghers will be bought
off or pensioned but wise administrator like
Sir Alfred Miner will seek to remove discon-
tent by a distribution of the captured supplies
and stock At home the least reasonable among
the pro-Boers have been making a dead set
against Sir Alfred Miner in the last fortnight
but he occupies a unique position as a peace
maker who has contrived to command the
support and sympathy Of the Dutch in Cape
Colony and understands more clearly than any
body else the difficulties and dangers of the
transition period of relations which must
follow the close of the IamentabIe war