New-York tribune., 1902-03-25
ARMISTICE IN AFRICA.
NEGOTIATIONS FORECAST IN THE
TRIBUNE TEN DAYS AGO.
STOCK MARKET sTIFFENED-To CELE-
BRATE THE KINGS BIRTHDAY
OK MAY 90
Copyright, 1902: BY Tn, Tribune Association)

Street was more tNeef1ul IMAM IN many DAYS.
Nr Brodrick miniTnized tn Importance of the
Hspatches which the censor had allowed to pass
promptly out of Pretoria hut was not wholly
,uccessfuL His explanation that Mr. Schalk-
burger had been armed with safe conduct for
the purpose Of consulting President Steyn
seerned TO imply that General Kitchener and
Lord Milner had not emerged from the back
ground, and that peace negotiations between the
British and Boer camps had not been resumed
formally and in earnest. The impression pro-
suced the members by the studiously mod
crate and cautious statement was that he might
have said good deal more and that the pros
pect Of peace was more hopeful and clearer
than the ministerial statement indicated Three
reasons could he assigned for this belief-hrst
the captured correspondence between the Boer
leaders proved several months ago that Acting
President SChalkhurger was making strenuous
effort 10 induce Mr.. Steyn to consent TO sus-
pension OF hostilities, secondly. Lord Lansdowne
in the correspondence with the Netherlands
Government contended that the quickest method
of arranging a settlement would be direct COM
nunicsrion between Kitchener and Schalk-
burger and Steyn; thirdly, that the belief that
peace negotiations were in progress and the
end Of the in sight has been current in The
Hague for a fortnight among the Boer refugees
The last point was emphasized in my dispatches
Of the family of Mr.. Kriiger's private secretary
for South Africa. and the secret understanding
that he would Join them speedily. The new peace
movement was accurately forecast in The
Hague q fortnight ago. and Mr.. Kruger's secre-
tary quietly arranging for his departure for
South Africa
The Daily Chronicle learns that the inter
view between the Boer delegates and General
Kitchener al Pretoria was Of the briefest and
most formal character Mr.. Schalkburger and
his colleagues simply reporting themselves TO
the British commander in chief and then pro
ceeding southwark to Kroonstad. The exact
place Of meeting between Steyn and De Wet and
the Transvaal representatives has not devel-
oped, but, unless altered II is TO be somewhere
IN the Reitz district. where the members of
the Free State executive have long found shelter.
While negotiations in progress there will
be a complete cessation Of hostilities. All Of
fensive operations against De Wet, Delarey
and Botha will be hung up. end the three princi-
pal Boer generals have on their part agreed TO
observe bly, the armistice. 1t is believed
that the delegates before committing themselves
% second meeting with General Kitchener will.
first Of all, acquaint General Botha with the re-
Eult Of their mission to the Orange River Colony.
Mt Balfours speech in presenting the Educa-
tion bill was adroit and flexible. without having
the note Of personal conviction. While he dealt
conprehensively with the entire subject of
primary and secondary education. he was un-
able to conceal the real nature Of the measure
as a compromise which would excite much hos
tility and fail to satisfy either the patrons of
the voluntary schools or consistent educational
reformers The best point in the measure is the
unity Of direction for all educational mechanism.
under the control Of the authorities of town and
district, London being excluded from Its opera
ton The most artificial feature Of the measure
the method Of dealing with voluntary
schools and preventing the recurrence OF de-
rominational wrangling. The bill is not likely
to become law this year. and will be with
drawn ultimately for repairs.
The Kings birthday is in November, a period
Of the year very unsuitable for such a brilliant
military function as the trooping OF the coors.
and the announcement that the day is to be
officially celebrated this year on May 30 gives
much satisfaction The celebration Will mark
the beginning Of the coronation festivities as
many royal and other distinguished personages
from abroad will. i is expected, have arrived
by the end of May IN readiness for the great
ceremonies Of June pc and y. Ministerial ban
quets in honor Of the sovereigns birthday this
year Will be a much grander scale than
hitherto and the town houses OF the several
members OF the government are likely 10 be
scenes Of much gayety on the night Of May 30
John Wanamaker IS making a brief visit to
London Rumors have connected him with i'm
portant business enterprises but he is reticent
and does not confirm them.
The building occupied by the American EN-
bassy will be in the hands Of decorators and
painters for several weeks in preparation for
the coronation. J. M
Mr.. BRODRICK MAKES A STATEMENT.
BoER CHIEFS WHO VISITED PRETORIA
WERE ON A PEACE MISSION
London March 24-In the House of Commons
to-day the War Secretary. Mr.. Brodrick an
nounced that fortnight ago Mr.. Schalkburger
intimated to Lord Kitchener his desire TO have
granted him a safe conduct through the British
lines and back, in order TO Mr.. Steyn with
reference to the possibility of peace proposals
Lord Kitchener with the consent Of the govern
nlent, had acceded 10 the request.
The announcement Of the War Secretary was
received with cheers
In dispatch from Pretoria, made public to-
night, Lord Kitchener gives his usual weekly
total OF captures. etc. but does not mention