Lord Lansdowne's reply is courteous but crushing. The British Government
appreciate the humane motives by which the proposal is actuated; but, inasmuch as it is made on the responsibility of the Dutch Government alone, and is un- authorised either by the Boer delegates or leaders, they adhere to their previously announced decision not to accept the intervention of any foreign Power. They will consider any request for safe conduct directly laid before them by the delegates, but they point out that all powers of government are now vested in Messrs. Steyn and Schalk-Burger, who are the proper persons to initiate overtures. If the Boer leaders desire to negotiate for the purpose of bringing the war to an
end, the negotiations must take place not in Europe but in South Africa. Lord Lansdowne's answer has been endorsed by all sane public opinion in this country, and its temperate tone has commanded respect in Holland. The Dutch pro- posals are so naive and irregular that one is tempted to ascribe them to the influence of the impulsive but generous young Queen.
