The Jennings daily record., 1902-06-26

The following letter descriptive of
the Boer delegates-their appearance,
mode of life, and views on peace-has
come from a special correspondent in
Pretoria:
AS a matter of fact, from first to
last, while Schalk Burger, the vice
president, and the rest of the Trans
vaal government, with the exception
of ReitZ, We're in favor of peace on any
or no terms, and Louis Botha shared
their. views, Steyn, De Wet and De
larey were for demanding impossible
conditions. OF that, however, anon.
The first protocol set out: That
whereas Great Britain was responsible
for the war, etc, and by force Of arms,
etc., they We're willing to sue for peace
on the understanding that their rights
should be restored to them at the eX-
piration OF a fixed period etc. All that
was brushed aside and the delegates
after a while. with some disputatlOn
among themselves, settled down to
draft less Objectionable terms. But
Brer Boer is quaint compound, sus-
Dicious and slow to move in any ap-
proved common sense direction. Like
nearly all primitive peoples, he has no
fear of asking too much, but con-
slant dread of seeking too little. He
goes on the principle that arrange
ments and concessions are the out
come of entirely low, selfish motives
on the part of the other side.
The delegates evinced little surprise
during their railway journey at the
evidences OF the resumption of indus
trial pursuits in all directions, as if
there was neither war nor unrest in
the country In conversation they be-
trayed no special interest upon any
topic except in the matter of politics,
home and foreign. Officers and civili-
ans who in kindness tried to engage
them in a chat found it dull work and
gave up the attempt. On the railway
journeys they read little, passing the
time for the most part in smoking,
talking to each other, and drinking.
Poor Mr. Steyn was more down on
his luck than any of the others on the
way to Pretoria. He was nervous and
| out of sorts. and as he stepped out
| of the train his hat fell off more than
once But his eyesight is very bad
worse than l thought it. There is
| something more seriously wrong than
| an ordinary cold and Inflammation.
| local medical man was called in and
is prescribing for him. Within few
| minutes of their arrival each party
was conveyed to a temporary resi-
| dence.
Sentries were placed at the gate
ways of their abode. The soldiers II
| question were drawn from the escort
or guard of honor. 1t was conceded
that the Beers could see whomsoevel
they wished, or go where they willed
in company of an officer. The only
understanding was that the delegates
unless by express consent, should no
discuss politics or the war with thei,
visitors Scores of female relative!
| and a few of the sterner sex could b'
seen walking about daily in the garden
| or lounging upon the verandas ant
balconies chatting with the Boer lead
ers. Delarey had visits from hi
daughter, who resides with her hus
hand in Pretoria, as well as from oil
burgher friends. Doubt and suspicion
clouded the Boer generals mind a
they did those of his colleagues, de
stroying frankness and easy intel
course.
And yet Delarey and the other
were anxious to know what the tru
situation of affairs was, what chanc
there was for assistance from abroad
and how much the English would col