25 AUGUST 1900, Page 2

Dr. Clark's letter to President Kruger, dated Novem- ber 14th,

1899, is not a very important document, except in three respects. It shows that Mr. Chamberlain by no means took np a non possumus attitude in regard to the arbitration proposal, and, in fact, only asked that a majority of the arbitrators should not be Pro-Boers. Dr. Clark also discusses with our potential enemy the question whether it would be wise or not to "seize all the passes," but on the whole advises against the proposal. Dr. Clark ends his letter by suggesting a scheme by which, "if war should now begin," he can communicate through Dr. Leyda and Mr. Montagu White. "I shall keep them acquainted as far as possible with the trend of feeling here, and they will be able to send on any information they may think desirable to you. If you want to communicate with me at any time, you will be able to do so through them." We must leave the House of Commons and the proper authorities to decide how far Dr. Clark was justified in making these preparations for com- municating information.