Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1902 — PLEAS OF BOERS FAIL [ARTICLE]

PLEAS OF BOERS FAIL

Demands of Burgher Generals Refused by England. A British parliamentary paper gives a full report of the recent conference between the colonial secretary, Joseph Chamlx-rlain. and the Boer generals, Botha, De Wet and Delnrey. As a result the Boers gained practically nothing. Prior to agreeing to the interview which the Boers asked for Aug. 20. the colonial secretary requested a list of (he subjects which it was desired to discuss aud the generals forwarded a list of subjects, including the following: tiomplete amnesty for the Boers. A yearly grunt to all Boer widows and orphans and inn lined burghers. Equal rights for the English and Dutch languages In the schools and courts. That equal rights with the British be conceded to hurghers complying with the terms of surrender. Including the right to return to South Africa. Immediate release of ull prisoners of war. Reinstatement of the officials of the late South African republics or compensation for their loss of office. Compensation for all losses occasioned by the British troops by the use. removal, burning or destruction by other means of ull private property. Reinstatement of the hurghers la the ownership of their furnm confiscated or sold under the proclamation of Aug. 7, 1901. Compensation for the use of the properties of burghers taken by the British authorities. Payment of the lawful obligations of the late South African republics, including those Incurred during the war. Rescission of the decision to add a portion of the Transvaal to Natal. Granting an extension of time for the payment of all debts due by the burghers to the late governments of the South African republics. Mr. Chamberlain, in replying, expressed great surprise at the number and character of the proposals, pointing out that the conditions agreed on at Wereeuiging were duly accepted by the burghers and the British government and that They could not be reoiiened, nor could proposals rejected at that time lie again discussed. If the interpretation of the agreement was oiien to question his majesty’s government would endeavor to remove all doubts.