New-York tribune., 1902-05-24
!. ". f.
GREAT OPTIMISM IN LONDON.
BELIEF GENERAL THAT PEACE Is ASSURED
THE CABINET MEETING.
CBz The Associated Rress.l

(BZ The Associated BressJ
London. May 23-The Associated Press has
every reason TO believe that peace in South
Africa is practically secured. How soon II will
be announced depends apparently more upon
the convenience of the Boer leaders than upon
the inclination of the British Government. The
private and official advices received tonight in
London from South Africa all point TO the same
conclusion. The delay is technical and to end
the long seems TO be the desire of both
British and BOer leaders. The latter however
are unable to convince all their followers Of the
wisdom of acquiescing in the terms of peace.
Information as to what occurred at to-day's
meeting OF the Cabinet is closely guarded, but
it is not likely that the Cabinet transactions
were of vital import The surmise of one well
Informed person places the sum total of the de-
Hberations of the Cabinet ministers at a de-
cision regarding points Of the peace agreement
OF entirely minor Importance Another surrnise
is that the Cabinet has merely sent a rather
mock ultimatum to South Africa. which can be
used by the BOer leaders in explanation to their
forces. Both these surmises probably contain
an element of truth. but neither In any way
affect the widespread belief in the best in
formed quarters that the end of the war has
come In fact, those persons who are best ac-
duainted with the actual details of the present
negotiations only qualify this optimistic ex-
preston of opinion by guarded reservations con-
corning the extent of the personal control of the
Boer leaders their commands Were the
Beers thoroughly disciplined force dependent
upon the action of their general officers. peace
would probably be proclaimed tonight: but
BOtha. De Wet and the other generals seem
themselves unable positively to guarantee the
degree To which their example will be followed
The delegates at Vereeniging according to in
formation in possession of the War Office, are
fairly evenly divided Consequently. extreme
precautions are exercised both in London and
Pretoria TO prevent any premature action or
report which might adversely influence the
burghers
The most pessimistic forecast heard tonight
only admits that few isolated bands OF irrecon-
cilables may be left in the field
A member of the House Of Commons who ia IN
close touch with the government said to a repre-
sentative OF The Associated Press tonight that
he believed everything settled and that
the British terms would be found Unexpectedly
liberal
The British public is still quite ignorant OF
the course of events in South Africa and there
demonstrations tonight on the London
streets, although all sides the question asked
is. rs il peace on the other hand the Stock
Exchange throughout the day was a seethinz
mass Of brokers. who eagerly bought South
African shares. while long after the closing Of
the exchange nearly thousand brokers crowd
ed ThrOgmOrtOn-st. and did a frantic curb
business on the strength OF the peace outlook.
II was reported that the bases of peace were
signed in Pretoria yesterday
The appearance of Mr.. Brodrick the Secretary
OF State for War at the Volunteer Service din
ner tonight. was watched eagerly in the hope OF
gaining an inlling of the governments private
frame of mind But Mr. Brodrick's listeners
had 10 be contented with brief and adroitly
turned reference TO the present situation. Re-
spending to the toast The Imperial Forces"
the War Secretary said:
l would go beyond my duty should enter into
details of the communications which are now
passing, and which prelude as we all hope the
surrender of the Beers.
Mr.. Brodrck then proceeded TO reiterate the
oft declared intention of the government not to
be drawn into any compromise which would
Jeopardize future peace in South Africa
Greater public interest was manifested in to-
days meeting of the Cabinet than has been the
case in any meeting since the earlier stages OF
the war, The ministers reached Downing-st
(where the Foreign Office. Colonial Office and
other government Offices are situated) from all
parts of the country, and were greeted by hun
dTeds of people anxious for some sign OF the
probable trend of affairs.
The Cabinet meeting adjourned at $40 .. M.
when The Associated Press ascertained that the
The New-York Central announces number OF