The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-02-28
TRANSPORT GOT
TO LADYSMITH
Surprising News Conveyed to Lon
by a Private Letter.
DURING SPIONKOP BATTLE
Butler Said to Have Safely Dispatched
SuppllestO the GarrisOn-ReiOic-
ing Over Roberts Success.

LONDON, Feb. 2f.--'MaaJuba aveng-
td," "cronje SURRENDERED" great Vie
tory These are the expressions be-
ing shouted all over London today.
Yet there are few outward signs Of
the natural Joy Mat Lord Roberts dis
patch has really caused The capitu-
latlon OF CronJe had been looked upon
for almost as a certainty for a week
past, and now that II has come en-
thusiasm iinds itself discounted By the
anticipation. The magnitude Of the
success Of Little Bobs" is almost over
looked In the fact that IL is synchron-
Gus with the anniversary Of Majuba
hill and has wiped out dlshonor Of
10 years standing. While the after
noon papers all comment upon the hap
py coincidence. they do not forget the
splendid bravery of the enemy.
The 81. James Gazetts says:
The splendid courage Of the Beers
has not been able to Withstand any
longer the bombardment which few
modern soldiers have supported for so
many hours as they have days. The
influence OF the surrender, not only
upon the situation Of Ladysmith, but
on the whole conduct OF the war. will
be immense. II the news Of the relief
Of Ladysmith only reaches England.
and IL is quite possible this may be
the case. the cup OF national happi-
ness will be fun
Further details OF the dramatic sur
render of Cronje at Paardeberg are
eagerly awaited. Speculation is rife
as to how soon Roberts VIII be able
to press on 10 Ijioemfontein. but be-
fore he enters the capital Of the Free
state. he will undoubtedly have to over
come a powerful force and take strong
entrenchments. The news Of Cronjes
surrender was received with unbound
ed satisfaction at Windsor. The queen
Immediately telegraphed her congratu-
latlons to Roberts and the troops.
There was much more outward dis
play Of rejoicing in the provinces than
in London. The Glasgow and Liver
pool stock exchanges were greatly ex-
cited. The members sang God Save
the Queen repeatedly. and cheered for
Little Robs.' Flags were literally
displayed on the municipal and public
buildings in all the large towns.
Windsor was very jubilant at the
news, which the queen disseminated
Immediately after it reached her, and
the inhabitants seized the occasion Of
her majesty driving on her way to take
a train for visit to the wounded
South African soldiers at the Netley
hospital, to give vent to their delight
The queen, who was looking remark
ably WELL showed evident signs of
deep satisfaction. smiling coolly and
bowling in response TO the congratu-
lations and cheers greeting her on all
sides. Her majesty took quantities of
flowers TO distribute to the wounded.
All the garrison towns and naval ports
received the news with the livliest sat
isfaction, soldiers and sailors vieing
with each other in the display of de-
light.
A letter has been received from
man in the First Dragons, now in
South Africa, confirming the report
that supply transport reached Lady
smith during the engagement at spion-
kop. He says the Dragons were the
escort of the transport, which was sew
eral miles long, and adds; That is
why Butler engaged the enemy at
Spionkop. Old Butler knows what he
is doing and all are willing to follow
him in spite of his reverses,"