The National tribune., 1902-01-30

enterprising fellow has constructed an
oven of clay, and bakes kind Of Dutch
cakes which are greatly in favor as q
supplement to the regular camp fare. He
sells them at q penny each, and does
thriving business. Another man has n no.
tion store, in which he sells souvenir post
cards. writing-paper and other little things
which are needed by the prisoners in car
rying on their home correspondence. He
sells small ivory elephants, too, and these
are purchased to be sent to wife or
mother or swa theart in the TrRnSvaal rs
a souvenir of the exile in Ccylon.
Three young fellows got together and
formed 4 partnership for mending shoes
The British authorities will furnish only
so many pairs in a given time, and when
these are ,orn out the prisoners are very
glad to have them repaired. The enter
priSins Snoemakers do "A rushing business.
and probably will soon find it necessary to
seek larger quarters for their shop. which
mt present is in a rickcty tent rugged up
from odd bits of canvas and cOfTcG-haGs.
The most prosperous shops in appearance
are those in which groceries and canned
goods are sold. The prisoners enjoy such
luxurics as canned vegetables and fruit.
and q great deal of money is spent to
obtain item. Some American canned
meats are to be found on the shelves of
these prison stores, and an American
brand Of baked beans Is one of the IA
voritc lClicacicS in the camp.
These unwilling guests of the Singha-
lcse Government vary in age from 10 to
10 years, but the majority of them are
over 30. 1t is a pathetic sight to OBJ
serve the old men of go and 10 seated
silently in the shade, thinking. doubtless
of their wives and families so many thou
sand niles away. Few seem to have any
complaint to make of the treatment they
receive or express a desire that the war
may end quickly in favor of the British,
so that they may return to their homes.
All admit that peace is still far off but
they would rather remain prisoners in
Ceylon for the rest of their lives than see
Gen. De Wet surrender
There are many famous men among the
prisoners. There are Gen. Joubert. Gen.
Olivier, and q number of other high Off
GERS. They are accommodated in special
huts, and are frequently allowed to 20 out
on parole. There are also son ana a
nephew of President Kruger and a brother
Of President Steyn, who have thrown in
their lot with the rank and file of the
prisoners. Naturally, they are treated
with great respect, and when the two
Generals walk down Ladysmith Street
every hat is raised in salute.
The comfortable state of the prisoners
at Diyatalawa is due. TO the interest of
Sir West Ridgeway in their welfare. As
Governor of CeylOn he has been able to
bring about every necessary reform, and
he is more popular among the Beers than
any other official. There was n move
ment on foot last year to have him sent
to South Africa as High Commissioner
in place Of Lord Miner; and more than
one prisoner asserts that if that had been
done the war would now be over. as the
Governor understands the BOer character
better than any other British statesman.
When the history of the prison camps is
written he is sure to receive great credit
for his work. 1t isn't often that IN Off
cial in his position is able to please both
the prisoners under his charge and the au-
thOriticS at home.