This decision was received by many with unfeigned thanksgiving. Though all were weary of war, of the ruin and sacrifice involved, they yet preferred to suffer and endure rather than run the risk of a magnanimous compromise which would "shame the living and cheat the dead," which must assuredly be regarded by the Boers as a demonstration of weakness, and might eventually bring about a recurrence of the terrible war drama that is now drawing to a close. Patience and pluck and determination are needed--they will be required for some months to come--but the end is in view. The bold, dogged, and doughty enemy will have to learn the lesson that the British are equally bold, dogged, and doughty--that they mean not only to have, but to hold, that which they have earned by a vast expenditure of blood and treasure; to maintain the avowed policy of the British nation, to establish British suzerainty from the Cape to the Zambesi, and make South Africa "indisputably and for ever one country under one flag, with one system of Government, and that system the British." The lesson once taught, the vista will grow clear. Into the newly acquired territory will be introduced the true meaning of the word Justice; of the phrase "liberty and equality for all white men." Then, slowly--by infinitesimal degrees, perhaps--but surely, will liberty and equality develop into fraternity, and the stalwarts who, like ourselves, have passed bravely through the fiercest ordeal of Manhood, will, with us, work shoulder to shoulder to bring about an era of prosperous peace and abiding amity. LONDON, _March 1901_. FOOTNOTES: [18] See vol. iv. p. 177. BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF NOTABLE PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN[19] ABBREVIATIONS K.G. Knight of the Garter. K.T. Knight of the Thistle. K.P. Knight of St. Patrick. G.C.B. Knight Grand Cross } K.C.B. Knight Commander } of the Bath. C.B. Companion } G.C.S.I. Knight Grand Commander } K.C.S.I. Knight Commander } of the Star of C.S.I. Companion } India. G.C.M.G. Knight Grand Cross } K.C.M.G. Knight Commander } of St. Michael and St. C.M.G. Companion } George. G.C.I.E. Knight Grand Commander } K.C.I.E. Knight Commander } of the Indian C.I.E. Companion } Empire. G.C.V.O. Knight Grand Cross } K.C.V.O. Knight Commander } of the Royal Victorian C.V.O. Commander } Order. M.V.O. Member 4th or 5th Class } D.S.O. Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. A.D.C. Aide-de-Camp. V.C. Victoria Cross. =Abinger= (4th Baron).--James Yorke Macgregor Scarlett. Late Captain 3rd Battalion Queen's Own (Cameron Highlanders). =Acheson= (Viscount).--Archibald Charles Montagu Brabazon, D.L. for County Armagh. Lieutenant 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards.