p. 21 | A Long Struggle Closed

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 10, 1902

A Long Struggle Closed

THE following is a summary of the terms of peace between Great Britain and the Boers in South Africa:—

The burgher forces in the field to lay down their arms and hand over all guns, rifles, and ammunition of war in their possession or under their control, desist from further resistance, and acknowledge King Edward VII as their lawful sovereign.

All burghers outside the limits of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, and all burgher prisoners of war at present outside South Africa, on duly declaring their acceptance of the position of subjects of his Majesty, to be brought back to their homes as soon as means

of transport can be provided, and means of subsistence assured.

The burghers so returning not to be deprived of their personal liberty or property.

No proceeding, civil or criminal, to be taken against any burghers surrendering, or so returning, for any acts in connection with the prosecution of the war.

The Dutch language to be taught in public schools of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, where the parents desire it, and to be allowed in the courts of law for the better and more effectual administration of justice.

Possession of rifles to be allowed in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony to persons requiring them for their protection, on taking out a license.

The military administration of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony to be succeeded at the earliest possible date by a civil government, and, so soon as circumstances permit, representative institutions, leading up to self-government, to be introduced.

The question of granting the franchise to natives not to be decided until after the introduction of self-government.

No special tax to be imposed on landed property in the Transvaal or Orange River Colony to defray the expenses of the war.

A grant of £3,000,000 ($15,000,000) to be made by the British government for the purpose of restocking the Boer farms, and providing for the support of those left destitute by the war until they can again renew their normal occupations. All notes and receipts duly issued in return for valuable considerations, to be regarded as evidence of the war losses sustained by those to whom they were first given. Loans to be made by his Majesty’s government without interest for two years, and afterward bearing interest at three per cent, to individuals not foreigners nor rebels.

The treatment of Cape Colony and Natal rebels to be determined by the colonial courts in accordance with the laws of the colonies, and British subjects from other countries who have joined with the Boers in the war to be tried by the laws of that part of the empire to which they belong.

The rank and file of the Cape Colony and Natal burghers who have been in arms against Great Britain, to be required to sign a document before the resident magistrate of the district in which they surrender, acknowledging themselves to be guilty of high treason, and to be punished therefor by disfranchisement for life.

All Cape Colony rebels who have held official positions under the British government, to be tried for high treason before the regular courts of the country, or such special courts as may be afterward constituted, and to be punished according to the court’s discretion; provided that in no case shall the punishment consist of the death penalty.

Natal rebels to be dealt with according to the law of that colony.

Thus the Boers have parted with their independence, and their territory has been absorbed into the British empire. Aside from extinguishing the nationality of the conquered people, Great Britain has dealt generously with them, and it is to be hoped a policy of good will will be adopted on both sides, with a view to the speediest possible effacement of the scars of war.