NEWS OF THE WEEK.
ON the whole, the war news tends to be better this week, and we note that the able and trustworthy correspondent of the Morning Post at the front states in Friday's issue that " marked progress has been made by the British forces in the last five months," that "there are indications that the struggle cannot be prolonged, and the British everywhere are confident and hopeful. The enemy are being harassed ener- getically and continually. Johannesburg is beginning to assume its normal appearance." At the same time, in a telegram from Lord Kitchener, published also on Friday, come indications that the Boers still in the field are growing demoralised, and are failing to conduct the war with ordinary humanity. A force of twenty Yeomen were compelled to surrender on July 28th by two hundred Boers. "Alter surrender Boers made native BC011tS hold up hands and shot them in cold blood. After- wards shot one wounded Yeoman, Trooper Finch ; remainder were released. Reason for shooting Finch, Boers said they thought he was Cape boy." It is also stated that Kruitzinger announces his intention to shoot all natives in British employ, whether armed or unarmed, and that many cases of cold-blooded murder of natives in Cape Colony have recently occurred. If the Boers carry out their threats, as we fear seems possible, they will know what to expect at our hands. Clemency to rebels is a debateable point, but not to murderers, whether of black or white men.
