The Globe-republican., 1902-06-19

The following letter descriptive of
The Boer delegates appearance,
mode of life, and views on peace-has
come from special correspondent in
Pretoria:
AS a matter of fact from first to
last. while Scha1k Burger, the vice
president, and the rest of the Trans
Vaal government. with the exception
of Reitz, were in favor of peace on any
or no terms, and Louis Botha shared
their views, Steyn, De Wet and De
1arey 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 were willing to sue for peace
on the understanding that tn cir rights
should be restored to them at the ex-
piratiOn of fixed period etc. All that
was brushed aside and the delegates
after a while, with some disputation
among themselves, settled down to
draft less Objectionable terms. But
Brer BOer is a quaint com pound, sus-
piciouS, 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 a 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 1ittIo 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 special interest upon any
topic except in the matter of politics.
home and foreign. Officers and civil
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 1 thought it. There is
something more seriously wrong than
ordinary cold and Inflammation A
local medical man was called in and
is prescribing for him. Within few
minutes of their arrival each party
was conveyed to temporary resi-
dence.
Sentries were placed at the gate
ways of their abode. The soldiers in
question were drawn from the escort
guard of honor 1t was conceded
that the Beers could see whomsoever
they wished, or go where they wil1ed.
in company of an officer. The only
understanding was that the delegates
unless by express consent, should not
discuss politics or the war with their
visitors Scores of female relatives
and a few of the sterner sex could be
seen walking about daily in the garden
lOunging upon the verandaS and
balconies chatting with the BOer lead
ers. Delarey had visits from his
daughter. who resides with her hus-
band in Pretoria, we'll as from old
burgher friends Doubt and suspicion
cIouded the Boer generals mind as
they did those of his colleagues, de
stroying frankness and easy inter
course
And yet Delarey and the others
were anxious to know what the true
situation of affairs was, What chance
there was for assistance from abroad
and how much the English would con