The news from South Africa shows that while the number
of Boers in the field is steadily diminishing by casualties, captures, and surrenders, the temper of those remaining under arms is more revengeful and murderous than ever. President Steyn and General Botha have refused to negotiate on the basis of surrender, De Wet's movements are now animated solely by a desire to do damage to property, and on the other hand Lord Roberts has been driven to adopt more drastic measures for the punishment of treachery. After General Burton's successful action at Frederickstad on the 25th, three Boers were court-martialled and shot for firing on our men after holding up their hands in token of surrender, while General Hunter has burned down Bothaville and a number of farms, from which we had been treacherously assailed, between that town and Kroonstad. General Rundle has been engaged in clearing the country between Vrede and Harri, smith, and has regarrisoned Bethlehem, while General Paget has made a great haul of twenty-five thousand cattle near Pienaar's River on the Pietersburg Railway. As a set-off fifty cavalry were ambushed between Springfontein and Philippolis, and an outpost of ninety men captured at Geneva Siding. The troops were subsequently released, but a mail train was "held up" and looted. The Canadian regiment has been given a great welcome on its return, and Lord Kitchener, bidding farewell in Lord Roberts's name to a number of Australian troops at Pretoria, declared that their magnificent spirit and fighting qualities had excited the admiration of all with whom they had been associated. Praise from Lord Kitchener, as even Mr. Hales will admit, is praise indeed.
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