The Washington times., 1902-06-03
NEGOTIATIONS THATLED
TO YIELDING OF BOERS
(Continued from First Page.l

leaders contained in mis- telegram of
April IL. seeing that the meeting was
arranged at their request, and that they
must have been aware of the repeated
declarations of the government that no
proposals could be entertained based
on the renewed independence of the two
South African states.
Former Terms Renewed.
However" continued Mr.. Brodrick.
1--WE are, as we have been from the first,
anxious to spare the effusion of further
blood and to hasten the restoration of
peace and prosperity to the countries
afflicted by the war and you and Lord
Milner are therefore authorized TO refer
the Boer leaders to the offer made by
you 90 General Botha more than twelve
months ago. and to inform them that
although the subsequent great reduction
In the strength OF the forces opposed
to us and the additional sacrifices
thrown upon us by the refusal of the
offer would justify us in imposing far
more onerous terms, we are still pre-
pared, in the hope of a permanent peace
and reconciliation. to accept general
surrender on the lines OF the offer, but
with such notifications in detail as may
be agreed upon mutually. You are also
authorized to discuss such notifications
with them and to submit the result for
our approval.
This was communicated by General
Kitchener TO the Boer representatives ON
the morning of April II. The Beers
asked for an armistice TO enable them
TO consult with their burghers, which
General Kitchener refused on military
grounds, but he promised facilities for
them TO hold their meetings
A Commission Named.
Lord Milner impressed on them the
necessity for coming back with definite
powers and a determination 10 make
paarn at once which they promised to
do. On May IL General Kitchener tele-
s-aphed TO MI BTodrick that he had
received the following telegram from
ecilalkburger and Steyn.
I'VE have the honor TO communicate
70 your excellency that as the result OF
the burghers assembling here commits
sion has been appointed by our govern
ments TO negotiate with your eScellency
with the view TO finishing the present
war This commission consists OF Louis
Botba. Christian De Wet, Hertzcg, De
isrey. and SmutB. II your eXeellency is
agreeable to meet this commission we
request you VIII appoint time and
place OF meeting"
Terms Unacceptable.
After consultation with Lord MIL
.er. General Kitchener sent the follow
ing reply;
81 hive the honor to acknowledge your
communication, and should be Glad TO
be informed II the commission you an
pounce have plenary powers 10 agree 10
Terms fer a cessation of hostilities. II
SO. Lord Milner and ] will arrange to put
a train at their disposal directly they in
form him when they wish to start"
on May is Schalkburger and Steyn an
swered General Kitcheners inquiries in
the affirmative On May ~ General /
Kitchener ielegraphed that the meeting |
took place at II 30. and the Boer com
mission made the following proposals:
First, we are prepared TO surrender /
our independence Us regards foreign re-
Ietfons. second we wish to retain self |
government under British supervision;
third we are prepared to surrender n |
part OF our territory.
Terms Unacceptable.
Lord Miner and General Kitchener re-
fused 20 accept these terms as The basis |
for nproiiniionf. -ns they differed essen
TALLY from the principles laid down by
the British government. After a long
liscussion nothing was decided. and it