Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 February 1902 — REJECT PEACE TERMS [ARTICLE]

REJECT PEACE TERMS

BRITISH DECLINE GOOD OFFICES OF HOLLAND. Will Brook No Mediation of a European Power—Are Ready to Treat for Peace With Boers in the Field and Only in South Africa. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the British government, has rejected the overtures for peace in South Africa made by the Netherlands. The full text of the correspondence between the Secretary and the Dutch minister in Log-on was given to the press of Britain and Holland simultaneously. Lord Lansdowne’s reply to the communication of the Dutch minister makes it conspicuously plain that no mediation on the part of any European power will be brooked. The British government will only enter into negotiations for peace with the Boers in the field and only in South Africa. It is now said that the retirement of Lord Salisbury from office will be coincident with the end of the South African war. The St. James’ Gazette claims to have the highest authority for saying “the premier has fixed the restoration of peace in South Africa as the appropriate moment to resign office. If the war is ended Lord Salisbury will retire at the conclusion of the present parliamentary session, but it is his present intention to retain his post until peace is accomplished. The British press is unanimous in applauding Lord Lansdowne's dignified and courteous rejection of what is regarded as a rather ingenious attempt on the part of the Dutch government to draw Great Britain into making peace overtures to the Boers. The London Daily News, representing the pro-Boers, while regretting that the offer of the Netherlands government was rejected, is fain to admit that the reply of Lord Lansdowne is irreproachable in style and temper. Opinions in The Hague differ concerning the action of Dr. Kuyper. Many persons think the Dutch premier was ill advised in making the proposal feeling his ground. The papers recognize the courtesy of Lord Lansdowne’s reply and indicate that efforts toward mediation will be renewed at a more favorable period. Mr. Fiseher, Dr. Leyds and the other Boer delegates attended a conference at the residence of Mr. Kruger in Utrecht. The British pursuit of Gen. Dewet has been successful to the extent that his last gun has been captured and Commandant Wessels, one of his principal lieutenants, has been routed. Lord Kitchener sent the news in a dispatch from Pretoria.