Barbour County Index

BANISHMENT THE PENALTY
Kitchener Makes Threat Against Those Transvaal Burghers Not Surrendered by September 15.

MUST ALSO PAY FAMILIES' EXPENSES
The Maintenance of the Dependent Ones of All Burghers in the Field Will Be Recoverable and Shall Be a Charge Upon Their Property, Removable and Immovable, in the Two Colonies.

London, Aug. 10.—A parliamentary paper has been issued, containing the proclamation issued by Lord Kitchener Wednesday in accordance with instructions from the imperial government, the governments of Cape Colony and Natal concurring. The proclamation says:

All commandants, field cornets and leaders of armed bands, being burghers of the late republics and still engaged in resisting his majesty's forces, whether in the Orange Colony, the Transvaal or other portions of his majesty's South African dominions, and all members of the late governments of the Orange Free State and Transvaal, shall, unless they surrender before September 15, be permanently banished from South Africa. The cost of the maintenance of the families of all burghers in the field who have not surrendered by September 15 shall be recoverable from such burghers and shall be a charge upon their property, removable and immovable, in the two colonies.

The reasons for this proclamation are set forth in a preamble which states that the British forces are and have been for some time in full possession of the capitals, principal towns and entire railway systems; that 35,000 burghers, exclusive of those who have been killed, are either prisoners or have submitted to British authority; that the burghers remaining in the field are isolated and without arms or ammunition, but continue to plunder or destroy property, thus keeping the country in a state of turmoil and checking agricultural and industrial pursuits and aimlessly prolonging bloodshed and inflicting ruin upon a great majority of the inhabitants, who are anxious to live in peace.

The papers comment approvingly upon the proclamation. Even the Westminster Gazette says there is no fault to find with it, nor is there any objection to make on the score of justice. It thinks, however, that it is extremely doubtful if it will have any effect in shortening the war. Most of the fighting Boers are already completely ruined and nothing distrains them owing to the devastation of the country. The Globe says the proclamation is as judicious as it is drastic and that the only question is whether it is strong enough, adding: But even the wildest pro-Boer cannot find fault with it on the score of inhumanity. It has long been obvious that such a step was imperative in order to avert ruin from the inhabitants desirous of peace.