Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-05-31

London, May 29.-ROberts is now
within one days march of Johannes
burg. Gen. French and Gen. Ian Ham
ilton fought the beers from noon until
evening Monday, with what result is
not known here. W. J. Whigham, in
special to the Daily Mail, says: The
Generalization of the Transvaal is re-
markable. Panic and confusion pre-
vail everywhere Every one is weary
of the war and full Of fear as to the
coming of the British. Operations
were being carried on for encircling
Pretoria with telegrahpic communica-
tons Fourteen points in the line OF
defenses were connected with head
quarters and with the states artillery,
but this apparently was the only de-
fensiye measure adopted. There were
no other visible preparations. Not
much gold is likely to be found in the
treasury. The salaries of officials and
judges have not been paid, or have
been paid only in national bank notes,
which will be worthless when Roberts
arrives. The seat of government will be
removed to Waterva Vovan, a small
station on the Delagoa bay railway
line, then if necessary, to Lydenburg.
Both Steyn and Kruger complain bit
terIy of Roberts unfair tactics, in re-
fusing to meet the beers in positions
chosen by them, and in eternally turn
ing them by flank movements. Around
Johannesburg a few trenches have been
dug, but no other steps taken for the
defense The railway line is blocked
with the refugees from the west and
southwest, who are packed like sar-
dimes in the trucks. The government
is now endeavOring to reassure the pub
lie by telling them that the British will
not outrage or plumber them but it is
too late. Previous mis-statements are
bringing their rewards. Food is very
scarce and prices rule high. The pro-
posal to lease the British prisoners of
war is due to this cause. Members of
the government and of the volksraad
express their approval of the proposal,
but President Kruger is violently OPP
posed to it. A peculiar internal ma
chine which meets with much approval,
is to be laid under the rails of var
iouS lines. The pressure of
the weight of the engine will cause
this to explode with the most terrible
effect Many of these machines are
being made at the arsenal and great
caution will have to be employed in
neutralizing them.
There has been a decided change in
public opinion which has become quite
English The burghers on command
sing God Save the Queen, and can
not be stopped. All are sick of war
fare. In the towns rabid anti-English
are less rampant People are thinking
of their poverty, and the party eager
for surrender is very influential and
includes the principal leaders at the
front The intelligent public feels that
the game is up. False news no longer
has any effect, and the lying reports
of the newspapers are universally dis
believed Although the hand of the
censor has been very heavy on all
kinds of news recently, every one be-
lieyes the worst. The government
has arranged to continue campaign
against British occupation of the two
republics on the continent of Europe,
in Great Britain and in the United
States Great efforts are to be made in
this direction, and no expense is to be
spared
The conduct of United States Consul
Hay is admirably discreet and meets
with universal praise alike from bOeI
and British sympathizers." Another
dispatch from Lourenzo Marques says:
Gen. Louis Botha is at Pretoria, urg-
ing President Kruger to arrange peace
terms A runaway burgher from
Laing's Mex passed though Heidlebror
last week. Wounded officials with
their families are leaving Johannes
burg and Pretoria for PydenOurg. Pas
seugers arriving at Lourenzo Marques
Monday from Pretoria, said it was be
lieved there that the British could no
be at the capital for month. Never
theIess there is much unrest and anx
iety."
Beers Make HaSty Flight.
London, May 90 The war office jus
before midnight published the follow
ing dispatch from Roberts: XIII
River, Transvaal.-W marched 2
miles today and are now IS miles from
Johannesburg. The enemy had prepares
several positions where they INTENDED
TO oppose us; but abandoned then
one after another as We neared them
We pressed them so hard they ha
only just time to get their five gun
into the train and leave as soon a
some Westralian infantry dasned int
it. Gen. French's and Ian Hamilton
forces are apparently engaged with tn
enemy 10 miles to our left, as firing ha
been heard since noon. The farmer
near our line of advance have bee
surrendering with arms and horses
Gen. Rumble occupied Senekal the 24tl
No report of what took place ia
reached us yet"
Krugers Warning.
London, May 29.-Morning Post
Lourenzo Marques dispatch says
Kruger has issued a public proclaim;
ton warning all people to lea1
johannesburg or remain there at IL