The excellent impression made by Mr. Chamberlain's frank and courageous
speech was maintained by his plain-spoken answer to the Boer address presented to him on Thursday. Dealing first with the amnesty question, Mr. Chamberlain observed that while the Boer leaders had loyally accepted the Vereeniging terms, no mention had been made therein of any amnesty for the rebels. Here he made the excellent point that if they asked for amnesty for the rebels, they must first forgive the "hands-uppers "—towards whom, we are glad to say, General Delarey has already shown a conciliatory spirit —who had assisted the British. The exiled burghers would not be allowed to return unless they accepted the Vereeniging terms, and in regard to the burghers in Europe, each case would be considered on its merits. Here Mr. Chamberlain made the extremely pertinent suggestion that they should give a practical proof of their good faith by accounting for the money they had taken to Europe. The inclusion of the new territories in Natal Mr. Chamberlain pronounced irrevocable, but he explained that the inhabitants would get immediate citizen rights. Turning to the language question, be said that the Government would loyally abide by the terms of the settlement, but would promptly consider any alleged grievance. Finally, Mr. Chamberlain accepted the Boer invitation to visit some of the country districts. Mr. Chamberlain, in short, took his stand firmly on the terms of peace, while showing a readiness to meet any complaint in a conciliatory spirit. That attitude, we are convinced, is the only way to inspire confidence and respect in the Boers.
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