The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-06-21
ELERKSDORP FALLS.
Surrendered to British by a Son d
Gen. cronje.

London, June 16.--Ihe war Office is
sues the following dispatch from Lord
Roberts:
Pretoria, Resfcency, June l4--Klerks-
dorp surrendered on June to an armed
party sent on By Hunter
Kitchener reports that the Beers att
tackled a reconstruction train early this
morning few miles north OF Rhenoster
river. He sent out mounted troops and
drove off the enemy before they could do
damage. One man was killed and ii
wounded, including two officers.
"a messenger from Klcrksdorp reports
that Cronje, who commanded there, de-
termined to surrender as soon as he knew
for certain that Pretoria was in our pos
session. Fills example has been copied
by many in the neighborhood The court
house is now said to be fun of arms"
An Important Position.
BY the peaceful occupation Of Klerks-
dorp, announced by Lord Roberts, the
British have gained strategic position
of some importance, as the town is not
only the terminus of another railroad
to Johannesburg, but IT is within easy
reach Of the Kroonstad-V ierfontein
railroad
The Cronje who surrendered the
place is son of the famous Gen.
Cronje, now a prisoner at ST. Helena,
The son was prominent during the
siege of Mafeking.
Dispatch from Roberts.
Another dispatch from Roberts is as
follows:
Pretoria, June 15.--As / telegraphed
yesterday from one of our outposts, 10
miles east of Pretoria, the Beers evacu-
ated their position during the night of
June H. They had paid so much atten-
ton to strengthening their TANKS that
their center was weakly held, and as
soon as this became evident, on June r.
directed Ian Hamilton to attack. He
moved against Diamond hill with the
Suffolks, Derbyshires and City imperial
volunteers, supported on the left by the
guards brigade under lingo Jones.
ut was grand, seeing the way our men
advanced over the difficult ground and
under a heavy fire.
The casualties I am thankful to say,
were less than 100 a very small number,
considering the natural strength of the
position which had to be carried.
Our seizure Of Diamond hill caused
the Beers to feel they were practically
surrounded, and this resulted in their
hasty retirement. They were being fol-
lowed yesterday by some of our mounted
corps"
Fresh Fighting Expected.
London, June 16.--Lord Roberts dis
patches leave affairs east of Pretoria
with the Beers withdrawn to new posi-
tions Tuesday. News of fresh fighting
is expected at the war Office, but none
came Friday night.
Gen. Rundle's patrol had sl1irmish
with Boer videttes again Wednesday.
Some wonder is expressed here as to
what he is doing with three divisions.
1t is assumed by some that Gen. Butler
will move into Orange River Colony
and cooperate with Lord Methuen and
Gen. Rumble in bagging President
Steyn and his 1000 or 5000 followers.
Maj. Gen. Baden-Powell has been
appointed to the rank of lieutenant
general.
Steyn the Stumbling Block.
The Lourenzo Marques correspond
emit of the Times says:
"It appears that Steyn, and not Kru-
ger, is now the stumbling block In the
way of the surrender of the burghers
Shortly after the British entry into Pre-
toria Mr.. Kruger proposed to reopen tho
peace negotiations. Mr.. Steyn, bearing in
mind that his former advice was secuted,
demurred to this, and pointed out that,
according to the treaty between the re-
publics, neither could conclude peace
without the other. Mr., Kruger, equally
unwilling to incur the charge of breach
Of faith, had to continue the war Moth
ing further Is known regarding the ru-
mored peace negotiations, but 1T is mat
ter of notoriety that Mr.. Kruger favors
peace on almost any terms, but dislikes
personally to take an initiative that
would involve unconditional surrender"