Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1900-03-30

GENERALS ROBERTS AND BULLER
STILL INACTIVE.
Great Interest Attached to the Fate Of
johannesburg Reported Com
su1fatiOn Between Secretary Hay
and German Am bassador Won HoI.
1eben as to Urging Both BeIIiser-
ents to Leave the City Alone.

London, March 2-..4:30 a. r1.-WhiIe
there is lul1 in the military opera
tions the political surroundings show
interesting developments. The Colonial
Office has telegraphed to Cape Town
the text of the proclamation concern
ing the destruction of property. This
will not be published in London until
after it's PRONUNCIATION In South Africa,
but it is known that it will convey an
intimation that any wanton destruc-
tions Of British property during the
war will be regarded as Warranting a
claim for compensation and, as justi-
flying levy upon private property,
should the resources of the Transvaal
Republic prove inadequate. The fact
that the proclamation is issued by the
Colonial Office is regarded as a signfi-
cant indication that the republics will
be administered as crown colonies. In
this connection it is understood that
the leaders Of the opposition in Parlia-
ment now admit that no other settle
ment is possible since the republics in
sist upon their demand for absolute
independence. In view of this the eff
securing in the settlement the best
treatment for the dense population, in
Guiding security against their disfran-
chisement.
It is regarded as a settled matter
that should the war be ended, as is
now hoped, before June. the govern
ment will dissolve Parliament and ap-
peal to the country on the basis of a
successful South African policy. Should
the war drag on dissolution will be
postponed until next Spring. In any
event one Of the foremost planks of
the government platform will be army
reorganization.
There is no further informa tion as
TO the movements Of Sir Alfred Miner.
1t is regarded as certain, however, that
he has gone to Bloemfontein to arrange
for the temporary administration Of
the Free State.
The reply to Lord Roberts reply to
the use of the flags of truce is COM
rnenlcd upon as impertinent and
ridiculous and Lord Roberts course in
closing a useless discussion is COM
mended as wise
Indications from Natal seem to show
that General Buffers forward move
ment will not be long delayed.
The government has decided that
MdJOT-Genefdl F1eueT1Ck CdTTIuS-
ton shall command a colonial force of
5000, including the 2500 men Mr. Cham
berlain asked from Australia.
London, March 2O.-Generals Roberts
and Butler are still inactive, pending
developments at the theatre of war.
Considerable interest is attached to
the fate of Johannes burg. Commenting
on the reported consultation between
Secretary Hay and the German Am
bassador at Washington, DR.. Won Hol-
1eben, as to a proposition that both
belligerents be urged to leave
johannesburg alone, the Pall-Mall
Gazette says: This time DR.. Leyds
has, as we may without imprOpriety
assume, put about the tale to the effect
that the German Ambassador at
Washington and the American consul
at Pretoria are cOncOcting a little
scheme of German intervention. That
is really a glorious yarn and one which
shows to what desperate straits the
enemies of this country are reduced.
Just imagine a government which has
formally declined all outside interven-
ton permitting Germany to dictate the
course of Lord Roberts march to Pre-
toria. The German Foreign Office
knows better than to invite the snub it
would infallibly receive if it ventured
to whisper so preposterous proposal
in Downing street.
The War Office has received the fol-
lowing dispatch from Lord Roberts,
dated Bloemfontein, Tuesday, March
goth: Kitchener occupied Prieska yes
terday unopposed. The rebels sur
rendered their arms. The Transvaalers
escaped across the river. Mr.. Steyn is
circulating a notice by means of dis
patch riders in reply to my proclama-
tion to the effect that any burgher who
signs a declaratiO that he will not
fight against us again will be treated
as a traitor and shot. The Bloemfon-
tein people are affording us every as
sistance in the matter of hospital ac-
commodatiOns. We have consequently
been able to arrange for beds. Thirty
three prisoners were taken to Prieska,
200 stands of arms and some supplies
and explosives. The Beers have begun
to surrender on the Basutoland from
tier.