23 NOVEMBER 1901, Page 13

OUR SOUTH AFRICAN HEROES.

rTo THE Eprros OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Snour appreciative reference in the Spectator of Novem- ber 9th to the services rendered by Majors " Karri " Davies and Wools-Sampson has made a welcome break in what bore: the appearance of a "conspiracy of silence" in this country about those who have distinguished themselves, not as Pro-Boer, but as Pro-British Colonials. Why not add the name of another prominent Reformer, the American, Major Seymour, who organised, led, and died at the head of that exceedingly useful body, the Railway Pioneer Regiment ? And, as a further suggestion, three men who have striven for peace,—the old voortrekker, Paul M. Botha, who was buried only a short time ago with military honours at Kroonstad ; Piet de Wet, less notorious, but of more conspicuous bravery than his brother Christian, who fought until further fighting was only disastrous and then worked to secure peace; and the Rev. Charles Murray, of Graaff Reinet, who stands almost, if not altogether, alone in the Dutch Reformed Church of the Colony in his strenuous efforts with the Dutch peace party to save land and people from further ruin P—I am, Sir, &e.,

G. G.

[We were not attempting to enumerate all the South Africans who have done knight's service for the Empire, or we should have recorded such names as those mentionml by our correspondent, and that of Major Seymour, the American, at the head of them. We cannot for one moment agree that there has been a "conspiracy of silence," or anything approaching it, in regard to Pro-British South Africans. On the contrary, we have again and again heard British-born men, soldiers and civilians, speak with enthusiasm of Major " Karri " Davies and Major Wools-Sampson. The two men are not of the kind easily " puffed " or "boomed,"—if it rained gilt spurs from heaven, their feet are of such a shape that not one would be found to fit. But that is not the fault of their admirers here.—En. Spectator.'