The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-06-05

AaQAA0Ag - lAAl ~ ffeso esA@Ac
verbally at the war Office this after
noon that Lord Roberts entered Pre-
toria at 2 O'Clock, South African time.
London. June Sat o'clock this af-
ternoon almost eight months after the
declaration Of war. Lord Roberts enter
ed Pretoria. While the commander-in-
chief of the greatest army Great Brit
ain ever put in the field was fulfilling
the promise he made to the guards at
Bloemfontein, to lead them into the
capital of the Transvaal, England was
celebrating the event with wild en-
thusiasm Throughout the length and
breadth Of the country the news spread
like wildhre. Based on the recollection
Of recent European wars, when the oc-
cupation of the enemy's capital signi-
fed the end of hosulities. Lord Roberts
terse telegram was taken universally to
mean the practical finish of the war
which has tried Great Britains mill
tary resources as they were never tried
before
In London the mansion house and the
war house Office instantaneously be-
came the centers for jubilant throngs
Flags again appeared as if by magic
and Traffic had to be diverted through
other streets. Hatless and cOatless men
and boys ran through the city alleys to
see for themselves the bulletins an
nOuncing the good news and staying to
join the thunder of cheers or add their
voices to the joyful throngs singing
God Save the Queen" Hats hoisted
from thousands of heads were waved
in exultant hands and shimmered like
u coal bed in the sun. Old men on
top Of the Omnibuses and aldermen
from the windows of the mansion house
encouraged crowds to still further eff
forts. The premature report of the
fau of the Beers stronghold did not
seem to have taken the edge off today s
celebration. Lord Roberts Six Miles
Spruit dispatch was hardly printed by
the extras" before the union jack of
the war office was hauled up the flag
staff and the British chief message was
passed from mouth to mouth, Pre-
toria is occupied"
Those who had had a chance to read
Lord Roberts account of the resistance
encountered yesterday were at that mo-
fierce fight before the city was oc-
cupied and We're wondering at the
Beers capabilities to make such a de-
termined stand when Pretoria was
hemmed in on all sides. The pressure OF
Gen. French north OF the Boer capita-
came as a surprise and explained the
commander-in-ch chiefs retriever anent
the position of the energetic cavalry
leader 1t was evident that Lord Rob
erts delayed attacking until all his col.
umn We're ready 10 cooperate. but ever
when Lord Roberts wired last nigh
that this was accomplished there seem
ed a possibility of some fighting, 81
when the next momentous dispatch wa
given out it came as a surprise.
NO LOSS OF LIFE.
Judging from Lord Roberts phrase
ology, the occupation of Pretoria wa
not accompanied by any loss of life
What has happened to the Boer force
which so insistently opposed the Brit
tsh advance at Six Miles Spruit ca
only be surmised, but presumably the
have got away for the present at an
rate.
The latest press dispatches from
representative Of the Associated Pres
at Pretoria. dated June 8, quote Geners
Botha as saying. $50 long as We ca
still count on our thousands Of willin
Tuen we must not dream of retreat {
throwing away our independence"
General Botha, 1t is added, annulle