The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1902-09-13

colonial secretary, Joseph Chamber
lain, and the Boer generals, Botha,
De Wet and Delarey, Prior to agree
inc to the conference, which the Beers
asked for an August 20, the colonial
secretary requested list of the sub
jects which 1t was decided to dis
cuss, and the generals forwarded a
list of subjects, including the follow
ing:
The Generals Requests.
Complete amnesty to the rebels.
A yearly grant to all Boer widows
and orphans and manned burghers.
Equal rights for the English and
Dutch languages in the schools and
courts.
That equal rights with the British
be conceded to burghers complying
with the terms of surrender, includ-
ing the right to return to South At
RIGA.
The immediate release of all pris-
oncrs of war.
The reinstatement of officials of the
late South African republics or com'
pensation for their loss of Office.
Compensation for all loss occa-
stoned by the British troops by the
use, removal, burning or destruction
by other means of all private prop
erty.
The reinstatement Of the burghers
In the ownership of their farms con-
fiscated or sold under the proclama'
ton of August 7, 1901,
Compensation for the use or the
properties of burghers taken by the
British authorities.
Payment of the lawful obligations
Of the late South African republics,
including those incurred during the
war.
The rescission OF the decision to
add portion of the Transyaal to Ma
tai
Granting an extension of time for
the payment of all debts due by the
burghcrs TO the late governments OF
the South African republics.
Mr., Chamberlain Surprised.
Mr.. Chamberlain, in replying, ex-
pressed great surprise at the number
and character of the proposals, point
ing out that the conditions agreed on
at Nereeniging were duly accepted by
the burghers and the British govern
mcnt, and they could not be reopened,
nor could proposals rejected at the
time be again discussed. IT the IN
depreciation of the agreement was
open to question, his majesty's gov
crnment would endeavor TO remove
nll doubts.
Compared with America.
Mr.. Chamberlain compared Great
Dritan's treatment of the Beers win
the treatment of the south by the
north after the civil war in America,
saying
81 rccolect very well the civil war
in America and ! appeal to that be-
cause that stands out as u case III
which, more than ever before, or, IN
deed, ever since, the victor, the con-
oueror, showed mngp0nimous and
generous feeling to the conquered.
There was good reason for this, be-
cause they were brothers OF the
same race, the same religion, the
same everything. It was civil war,
but even in that case, the northern
side, that Is TO say, the victorious
side. made no provision whatever,
either by way of grant, pension or
allowance to the people who had
been wounded, to the side that had
been conquered, They gave them
their lives and their liberties, and
after a period Of ten years gave them
votes, but did not give them any
money compensation. But we have
gone step beyond that because we
have contributed, IN addition to all
our own enormous expenses, very
large sum 10 relieve those who are
really destitute in our new colonies
We have done more than | think was
expected and we have done all that
we can afford TO do, and | think II
would be undesirable for the generals
60 press us any further In this mat.
ter either now or In writing"
Desire For Future Pence.
Proceeding, Mr., Chamberlain recip-
rocated the desire expressed by Gen.
Botho that they should all live In
pence in future In South Africa.
1--WE want in this country" said the
colonial secretary, ito forget and
forgive, because If you think, Ms you
well may, that you have something to
forgive, we also think we have u
great deal TO forgive
Mr.. Chamberlain concluded with
saying that the government would be
glad Of the cooperation of men like
the generals, who had Loyalty accept
ed the new situation, As they want
ed South Africa to be happy abds
Ing place for all, he felt sure that II
the burghcrs met the British half
way they would find them quite M
pood friends In the future as they