Renter's. Pretoria correspondent wires that it is stated that the majority of the Transvaal delegates, including the members of the so-called government, are in favour of peace, while those of the former Orange Free State, except a few influential men, desire independence. The latter element is believed to be so strong as to render the conclusion of peace on the terms already discussed very doubtful.
2nd Muy.
Six Boer delegates, chosen from the conference at. Vereeniging, consisting of members of the two former State 5 governments, with Generals De Wet and Delarey, have arrived at Pretoria, where Lord Milner has also arrived.—Reuter.
23rd May.
The Cabinet is called for a meeting to-morrow.—Reuter.
The Cabinet Council summoned to-day was owing to dispatches received from Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener.
The "Daily Chronicle" is informed that peace is practically assured, the basis of it being the acceptance of the British terms.
The " Daily Mail" understands that practically an ultimatum has been presented to the Boer leaders by the Government of Great Britain, the result of which is expected to be an acceptance of the terms offered Reuter.
24th May.
Reuter learns that the discussion of the terms of peace at Pretoria is nearly concluded. The chief points are already settled, but the details are referred to the consideration of the British Cabinet. The delegates on receiving the reply of the Cabinet will return to Vereeniging, where the definite decision of the Boers will be made—Reuter.
25th May.
The Cabinet Council met for two hours yesterday, after which Mr. Chamberlain had an audience with the King, and subsequently the Ministers left town.
The " Standard " understands that the Boer delegates have advanced no demands involving the sacrifice of any vital principle of the terms offered by the British, and it would appear that all claims for independence have been abandoned.
The question of granting an amnesty now virtually rests with the London, 25th May.
Nothing authoritative has yet transpired concerning the peace negotiations. Telegrams from South Africa indicate that the points referred to London concern (1) the period that is to elapse before autonomy is granted; (2) the use of "taal ""—the Boer dialect—in schools, and (3) the duration of the disfranchisement of the Cape Colony rebels—Special service,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.