The St. Louis Republic., 1902-01-17
RUMORS THAT BoEfS
MAY SUE FOR PEACE,
Rotterdam Report That England
Will Be Approached by Kru-
ger Representatives.
WANT TO ARRANGE TERMS.
In Sharp Debate in Parliament
Salisbury Intimates Uncondi-
tional Surrender Would
Not Be Demanded.
SPECIAL BY CABLE

SPECIAL BY CABLE
Brussels, Jan. ia Rotterdam corre-
spondent teIegrapbs that the Executive
Committee Of the South American Repuh-
lies held a meeting at The Hague on Tues
day.
he IS informed on high authority that
after hearing q report from one OF the lead
ing members OF the committee, who had
been IN communication with Mr. Kruger
the previous day, IT was unanimously de-
cideG to approach England with view 10
arranging terms OF peace.
A member OF the committee said that II
the demand for unconditional surrender was
withdrawn there would certainly be peace
before the END of the month. 1t was stated
that Doctor DeKUyper. the Dutch Premier.
had Just returned from London. whittier
he had gone 10 sound the British authori-
ties as to the probable results of direct
approach by the committee on lines that
were indicated
He was assured on high authority that
the most careful consideration would be
given to any proposals that might be made.
LONDON STOCKS BOOM.
London. Jan. ia strong belief pre-
that negotiations for peace had been re-
opened between the leading Beers and the
British Government
South African stocks rose In sympathy
with the reports
The exact nature OF what was going on
was no. known, but a representative of
the Associated Press learned that leading
Beers had indirectly approached the Gov
ernment, protesting against the appropria-
tion of farms In the Transvaal and Orange
River colonies by British settlers. which
system is now being rapidly pushed, and
that strong influence had been brought to
bear on the Boer leaders 10 save at least
a vestise Of property for their followers
Whether what passed to-day between the
Beers and the British Government can be
termed peace negotiations, Or what will be
their result, can only remain speculation
Cor the present. The Stock Exchange evil
IDENTIFY takes a hopeful view OF the out
come.
LIBERALS CRY FOR PEACE.
SPECIAL BY CABLE
London. Jan. ls-Earl Spencer. the act
ing Liberal leader IN the House of Lords,
speaking this evening on the Boer war.
deprecated policy OF unconditional sur
render and asked the Government to ex-
the war.
The Marquis OF Salisbury Prime Min
lister, said it was impossible to say what
would be done in the future. for they
could not tell what was yet to happen. He
asked whether having defeated their en-
emy in the field. they were TO say on what
terms they would grant peace without first
being asked .. =
When the Beers sue for peace" he de-
clared. I'VE will tell them, but until they
do 81 the less We say about peace terms
the better
Snlisbury's IntfmatiOn.
Lord Salisbury continued by defending
martial law in South Africa, and urged the
opposition TO remember that they were not
dealing with the question 10 whether or
rot they could make out good case against
the Government. The Premier said that
they should not allow their eagerness to
improve their position-make them forget
The issue-whether or not Great Britain
should be victorious in the war. He re-
minded the opposition that wrong settle
ment now would impose grave difficulties
and embarrassments upon the nation for
many years to come.
Replying 10 the Premier, Lord Rosebery
said that he favored passive policy Of
peace which would receive overtures when
made, and that in this connection he wished
to know the truth of the rumors concern
ing the visit to London Of Doctor De Kuy
per. the Premier of Holland. Had Doctor
De Kuyper brought any overtures? he
asked.
Not, so far as know" answered Lord
Salisbury.
Have any overtures been received from
the Boer leaders in Europe?" asked Lord
Rosebery.
To this question Lord Rosebery answered:
No"
Mr. Chamberlain's Speech.
The House Of Commons debated the mo
ton for an address Of thanks in reply to
the Kings speech Sir Henry Campbell
Bannerman. the Liberal leader, declared
that the most urgent question was the pos
sibility Of peace in South Africa. He be-
.ieved In establishing British military su-
periority. but not in a policy Of subjuga-
tion. Honorable members behind him. he
said. believed that J. settlement should be
made by the assent of those living in South
Africa and not by force.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt GiberaD. by
attacking the institution of martial law in
the Cape Colony and by accusing the Gov
ernment OF grossly unconstitutional con-
duct in advising the Ministers of the Cape
Colony not to summon the Cape Parlia-
ment, brought UP Mr.. Chamberlain, the
Colonial Secretary. who was in a most
militant mood.
Mr.. Chamberlain declared that Sir Will
liam Vernon Earcourt ought TO have placed
q question Of such vast Importance in the
form of amendment. Hs proceeded to
justify absolutely the action of the Cape
Government. MIR. Chamberlain said that he
did not care a scrap for legal opinions on
one side or the other; that the Government
had TO deal with an emergency. and that it
had followed the universal practice of ali
countries. He said, also that the Govern
ment of the Cape Colony should ask Par
lament to indemnify their acts.
Redmond in the Debate.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt asked.
'When will that be done?"
Mr.. Chamberlain retorted, When is the
war going to end?" daughter and cheers
John Redmond chairman of the Irish
Parliamentary party): BY the next general
election
In the course OF his speech, Mr.. Cham
berlain protested against the suggestion
that he should overrule the Privy Coun-
Gil. when MI. Redmond interjected: Hear,
hear! You ought to be King"
Amid laughter, Mr.. Chamberlain replied:
THAT is very good of the honorable gentle
man, but that is not my ambition"
Irish Members Act
The Irish members held their usual sos
sion to-day and decided to move amend
ments to the address in reply to the speech
from the throne, condemning coercion, the
South African war, the concentration
camps in South Africa and the financial
relations between Ireland and Great