The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-05
MoNTAaU WHITE TALKS.
Doors to Peace Negotiations Not
 Closed.

Chicago, Feb. 4-Montagu White. rep resentive of the Boers in the United States. commenting on the unfavorabie action of the British Government, said:
 The reply of Lord Lansdowne does not close the door to peace negotiations. but simply points out that these should be concluded in South Africa and not in Europe. It must. however. be understood that a condition precedent to any effec- tive negotiations, the British authorities in Europe and the Boer leaders in the field must be placed in communication with one another. President Steyn will not be party to a settlement without the consent of President Kruger and vice versa The offer of the delegates to pro- ceed to South Africa to confer there and then return. involving a delay of at least three months, is convincing evident that the Boer situation Is much better and more hopeful than the news from British sources would lead one to believe.
 With regard to the statement that the plenipotentiaries have no letters of cre- dence later than March, 1900, this does not in Ae least imply that their powers are invalid, for these remain in force un- til cancelled. They are in constant com munication with the leaders in the field that is. as constant as the means of loco motion will permit for the mails and ca- ble are entirely in British control. The refusal of the British Government to ac- cept foreign intervention Is wholly ir- relevant to the question. The Dutch Gov ernment would not after the lapse of two years and three months. have approached the British Government with peace pro- posals until the latter had first signifed it's consent. Tthis is we'll establishd principle in diplomacy. The action of the British Government Is not a real refusal but on the contrary. very indirect en- couragement to the friends of peace to persevere in their efforts to bring about an equitable settlement. The situation is very hopeful, and reiterate what have said so often and what convincedly be- lieved, that no country could use it's moral influence in a more friendly and effective way to bring about an end of this terrible war than the United States of America"
 Referring to the resolution offered In Congress by Representative Cochran in- viting President Kruger of the South African republic to visit the United States as the guest of the nation. Peter Van ylissingen, treasurer of the Chicago branch of the American Transvaal League today said:
 If the resolution is adopted it will have a powerful influence for good ip the peace negotiations now pending. Receiving President Kruger in his of- ficial capacity would be notice to the world that the United States does not look upon paper annexations as final while there Is an effective force in the field. To thus show our friendship for the Boers would have a great moral in fiuenceAi in Great Britain where the masses are fooled into believing that the sym pathies of the people of this country are with England la the war. shatter this belief, and you remove the main support of Chamberlain and his adherents. The proposition for an appropriation of 2seoO to cover expenses ia very necessary, as President Kruger today Is . poor man.