Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1902. Declaration of Peace.

Manawatu Herald, 5 June 1902, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1902. Declaration of Peace.

The news received on Monday that peace had been arranged was thankful news, for though we had been led by the cablegrams to expect terms would be settled, yet the knowledge that diplomacy had prevailed over bloodshed was sufficient to gladden even the most sluggish heart. One extract from the London Times stating that the dissensions existing in Cape Colony, and the control by the Afrikanders of the Parliament, will prove a fatal bar to a permanent peace will necessarily cause much disquiet, but though trouble may arise in that Colony yet in the annexed territories of the Orange River and the Transvaal we believe little trouble will arise, for the inhabitants have been brought forcibly ■ to understand Britain’s might, and the behaviour of our troops wili have given all a better insight into the English mind than yea sof text-books. It has been proved, and testified to by the Boer leaders, that soldiers will fight to the death when the occasion demands but when finished, if only for an hour or two are ready to extend help and compassion to their foes in misery. On the other side the close contact with the Boers have enabled officers and privates to understand the best of»the enemy’s characteristics and .many have been witness and partakers of kindness at their hands. There should be no crowing over a fallen foe, for the Boers have made a wonderful fight, carried on (with exceptions, which may be instanced on both sides) with great skill and ability and consideration. Brave foes make excellent comrades and we feel certain thp.t now the fight is o’er each eid6 will be glad to grip the hand in friendship which previously gripped the rifle to slay. Great Britain will be a gainer by this war, not simply in possessions, but having as subjects such brave and skilful fighters as the inhabitants of the annexed territories. Some may wish to argue, can they be trusted, but this we have already done in Africa and again in India. These men, misled as they have been in the past by political schemers, will make a most wonderful addition to the Empire, more especially after they have once again experienced the fairness of Britain’s dealings. With such a dependency of stout hearts and loyal subjects situated half-way on the road to India makes our possession of that empire far safer than previously, and the money the war has cost is but a bagatelle when compared with tha immense advantages which we honestly believe and earnestly hope will follow,