The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-06-07
Beers Surrender.

After war of more than two and halt
years, the Beers have given mp their unequal
struggle to maintain their republics and in
dependence, and hereafter will acknowledge
| the sovereignty of King Edward. Great
Britain year ago refused to accept a'9y terms
except unconditional surrender. The pro-
longation of the war, the sacrifice of soldiers
and the increasing debt and war taxes caused
unrest in England, and the British modified
considerably the demands upon the Beers.
The articles of peace were signed on Saturday
and announced in Parliament ON Monday.
The great rejoicing throughout England was
very marked and enthusiastic, for the British
public had tired of the most important war
the empire has had for many years.
The Beers we're granted rifles and pistols
for defense from neighboring peoples; $l5,
600, 600 for restocking and rehabilitating their
homes; loans of money for two years without
interest; no tax is to be laid upon their
lands to defray expenses of the war; military
rule is to cease as speedily as possible, and
self goyernment to be establshed the Dutch
language is to be taught in the schools and
allowed in the courts; the prisoners deported
are to be returned; burghers of the Transvaal
and Orange River Colony are not to be pros
ecuted for their connection with the war; the
death penalty is not to be inflicted upon the
Dutch in Cape Colony who aided the Beers.
The war has lasted two years seven months
and twenty days, having begun October IL,
1885, The cost to the British included q $3.50
lives lost, according to official reports up to
April l, 1902-the latest official figures. Since
that time there has been little fighting and the
figures have not been greatly changed. The
wounded and prisoners bring the total up to
about 100000. The estimated financial cost
of the war to Great Britain is $1,000, 000. 900.
The Beers lost independence, 1000 to TO-,
600 killed and Is, 600 in prisoners. The Brit
ish troops engaged were about 100000 and
the number actively in the field since January
/, 1900, was 225, 900. The total Boer strength
was 80, 600.
The Beers made heroic struggle against
great odds of men and money, and proved
themselves great in strategy and courageous
and resolute in battle. Had they been given
any encouragement and sympathy they could
have held out longer and obtained better
terms. Every nation turned deaf ear to
their appeals, even the United States, the
greatest of republics, from whom they had
right to expect at least sympathy, refused to
receive the Boer ENJOYS except as citizens
and then with icy Brightness. Not only did
the Republican Administration at Washington
stihe every resolution of sympathy with the
Beers in Congress, but the Administration
stood idle and witnessed the destruction of
two republics and allowed British officers to
maintain establishments for the purchase and
inspections of horses, mules and supplies in
this country. There was no sympathy for
sister republics at Washington, no desire for
their perpetuation, no love of republican
form of government manifested No, the Nc
Kinley and Roosevelt Administrations were
engaged in conquests and imperialistic pro-
grams. with no care for the welfare of re-
mn blios