The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1902-08-22
6oTHA, DEWET AND DELAREY
TALK WITH THE KING.
CHAMBERLAIN IS REBUFFED
General DeMet Is Writing a Book on
the South African1war-To
Attend Meyers Funeral.

London, Aug. 18.-The Boer gen
erals, Botha, DeWet. and Delarey, who
reached here yesterday from South
Africa, left London today for Cowes,
Isle of Wight, to see King Edward on
board the royal yacht Victoria and
Albert.
The hour of the generals departure
from London was kept secret, conse.
quently the streets were deserted
when the three generals, accompanied
by their secretaries, but by none of
the women of their party, started for
Cowes. They were stylishly attired
in frock coats and silk hats.
Upon arriving at Southampton the
Beer generals were welcomed on
board the commander-in-chief's yacht
Wildfire by Earl Roberts and General
Lord Kitchener. They Immediately
visited King Edward on board the
Victoria and Albert and were then
taken for a trip around the fleet. They
returned to London tonight, accom-
panied by Earl Roberts and General
Lord Kitchener, who took leave Of the
Beers at Waterloo station.
His majesty expressed his warm
wishes for their futures. It was at
the kings suggestion that the Beers
took the trip around the feet on
board the Wildfire.
The reception by his majesty last
ed a quarter of an hour. The king
spoke of "the gallant and brave man
ner' in which the generals had fought
through a long and arduous campaign
and of "the consideration and kind
ness" with which the generals had
treated British wounded.
During the voyage from South Afri-
ca General DeWet did not mix much
with his fellow passengers. He was
engaged most of theatime in writing
his book on the South African war,
In common with his colleagues, snap
shot photos were constantly being
taken. of him and he was worried with
requests for his autograph until he
had to protest against the nuisance.
General Botha, on the contrary, was
extremely genial and INDUCED in all
the sports on shipboard. He was con
stantly in the smoking room, where
he played cards. General Delarey,
besides playing draughts, took keen
pleasure in discussions with British
army officers on board the steamer.
1t is said that General Botha is great
ly annoyed that his home at Vryheid
has been annexed to Natal. The pre-
mier of Natal is reported to have Of
fered General Botha a place in the
Natal ministry, which the general has
declined.
The refusal of the Boer generals
to witness the review of the fleet at
Spithead or see King Edward caused
great e%xultation in the continental
press and undoubtedly upset the plans
of Colonial Secretary Chamberlain.
Mr.. Chamberlain had appeared ex-
tremely anxious that the generals
should not see any newspaper repre-
%sentatives before their visit to King
Edward and he accordingly caused in
structions to be issued that no report
ers be allowed on board the Wildfre
CIR the Nigeria, while very unusual
restrictions were placed on all report
ers.
The general impression is that Cen
eral Botila and his companions de-
clined the invitation to witness the
review and see King Edward because
it came direct from Mr.. Chamber
lain; but on receiving the kings per-
sonal invitation for Sunday, they read
lily accepted.