Before the Boers are sent back to their country, they are called u to take an oath of allegiance to the British Goverament. In Bellary, however, there are som) four or five hundred prisoners who abso-lately refuse to take the oath, and prefer to remain.in captivity. They are described as being the sweepings and scum, not only of South Africa but of several other countries. Apparently they find an idle life, with no compulsory work and ample ford, far more congenial to their tastes than being sent back to a country where they own no property, perhaps have no kindred, and where they certainly cannot earn a livelihood without having to undergo hard work. What to do with them? The answer to this question, Is now puzzling the heads of the Madras Government. Lord Ampthill, however, appears to be partial to drastic measures, and it is cafe to assume that he will be able to contrive some measures calculated to make their lives a burden to them.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.