The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-12-09
Following An Eloquent Address by
Bourke observation-disclosures for
Appointment of Committee to
Visit President Were Adopted
BRITISH CAN NEVER
CONQUER THE Beers
And the Interest of the World De-
mand That the Struggle Be
Fought to An End, Says the
Speaker-Great Britain Ready
to Grant Concessions

Chicago, Dec. 3-A program or pro-
test against British methods In the
South African war was carried out be-
fore an immense audience in the Audi
torium Theatre here tonight. The meet
ing was held under the auspices OF the
Chicago branch of the American
Transvaal League.
Following an eloquent address by w.
Bourke Cochran and earnest speeches
by others, resolutions for the appoint
ment of a committee to bring the SEN
timents of the meeting before the Fres-
ident were adopted.
Although an admission was charged
the funds being intended to aid the
Roers. and especially their women ana
children. standing room was at pre-
MUM. and many we're unable 10 gam
adnittance Mr. Cochran, the orator OF
the evening. was greeted with tumult
of applause He said, in part
''HoweVer men may differ about the
invasion of the South African repup-
lies, all are agreed that the restordti ,S
of peace Is In the highest degree de-
sirable. There are but two ways IN
which the war can be terminated
either the Beers must surrender, or the
EnglIsh government must abandon the
attempt to subdue them.
''It is quite generally assumed that
the resistance Of the Beers can not De
successful, and. II this De true; liey
would not be justified in continuing
a struggle which involved fruitless
loss of life and waste Of property. even
though the losses inflicted on their en-
emy were tenfold greater than what
they suffered themselves, for bloodshed
which is useless Is always indetenslDie-
But is it true that the resistance OF the
ha
Pretoria. II certainly has not been
Ruthless: It has been justified by most
important results,
II ord Salisbury's position that moth
Ing but absolute surrender would DC
considered has been abandoned, ana
today the burghers could secure al
most any terms short Of complete ana
explicit acknowledgement or their lnde-
pendence. As their resistance has not
been fruitIess, neither is their struggle
for independence hopeless. On the con-
trary. IL their resistance be prolonged
for a few months the abandonment OF
the struggle to subdue them by Great
Britain is inevitable.
This statement is not based on any
special information concerning the war
but on the. conviction that 1t will be
impossible for the government to Sc
cure the passage Of many more war
appropriations through the house OF
commons. The last budget was passed
only after immense difficulties. All
sources of taxation have practically
been exhausted and the attempt 70 En-
feet another large war loan would re-
suit In such a fall in the price OF con-
soils as would seriously jeopardize Brit
ish industries. If, then, the Boer forces
can hold the field a little longer, the at
tempt to subdue the republics must be
abandoned for lack of means to pursue
It.
THE capacity Of the Beers to main
tain the struggle is placed beyond a
doubt by the barbarity Of the methods
employed to subdue them. The English
government cannot avoid supporting
the women and children made homeless
by the destruction of the farm.
Nothing can be clearer than that
the resistance of the burghers cannot
be oppressed, and, therefore. the only
possible way to peace is the with
drawal of Great Britain from the at
tempt to subjugate the South African
republics.
1.-THE British government may pro
long the war, but cannot change IT'S
outcome. Such a result being consistent
with justice, II is in the interest or
everyone to hasten It. The real inter-
ests of England, as well as Of the rest
Of the world will be advanced by pro-
noting it.
THE pretence that the existence OF
these republics endangered British au-
thority over the rest Of South Africa
is unworthy Of serious consideration.
II republics and monarchial authority
are so hostile that their mere proximity
involves conflict between them, this
country would be justified in annexing
Canada as a necessary measure Of pro-
lection for ITS own safety.
This meeting has no disposition TO
provoke bitterness or to increase the
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