As we have elsewhere argued, the signs all indicate that
the Boers are sincere in their acceptance of the peace, and its necessary consequence, an obligation of loyalty to the British Crown. Lord Kitehener, who is a keen and cool diplomatist as well as a great organiser, certainly takes this view of their attitude, and has expressed it in an admirable letter to Generals Botha, De Wet, and Delarey, a letter which, as written by a conqueror to his foes of yesterday, is, we believe, unique in history. Lord Kitchener writes :—" Now that the surrender of the arms in the hands of the burghers in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony has been completed, I desire to place on record my high appreciation of the un- flagging energy and unfailing tact with which you have facilitated the work of my Commissioners. I recognise how much it is due to your exertions that the burghers have dis- played everywhere such a loyal spirit in accepting the change of Government that has taken place, and I can inform you that the manner in which the burghers have come in has greatly pleased his Majesty the King and deeply interested the British people. who are heartily anxious to welcome them as fellow-citizens. I feel confident that a new era of com- plete reconciliation between all races has now dawned in South Africa."
