Peace Agreement in South Africa
On May 31 the peace agreement between the Britons and the Boers in South Africa was signed at Pretoria. The Boer officers returned to their commandos, and since that time several thousand have surrendered, and others are doing so as fast as they can be reached. There is great rejoicing on both sides that peace is now assured. The many thousands of Boer prisoners in British prison camps are jubilant over the prospect of soon returning to their families. Boer officers are urging their men to make the best of the situation, and become good and loyal British subjects. On June 7 thanksgiving services for the return of peace were held both in England and South Africa. During this war England has lost 28,434 men who have been killed, died of disease, or been permanently incapacitated. Thus has closed one of the most expensive wars ever conducted, a war which has been in progress since October 9, 1899.