Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-18
An Unconfirmed Report Reaches
the City Of London.
THE REVIVAL OF A HOLIDAY
The Rapid pncinca,ion of the Orange Free
State Loads Great Britain to Regard
Lord Roberts MS a Statesman as Well as
strategist Doors Said to be Anxious
orreIt TIomcwurd Instead of Entering
Tho Transvaai Tho Hospital Ship
Maine.

'.......... ........... ..........
London. March lit is per-
sistently reiterated that Mafelling
has been relieved. but the War
Office has no confirmation of tho
rumor.
.......... ..,........ ...............:..
Amidst the festivities of ST. Patricll's
Day. London has been listening to-day
for the word that Matching is relieved
Ii Is remarkable that the revival of
this holiday, which puts st. Patrick's
hereafter Oh equality with Primrose
Day. has been the occa sion Of the first
real gala day since the declaration OF
war. Christmastidc was gloomy indeed
in comparison with to-day's merry
makinge, and the only fll-up needed
was the news Of the relief OF the be-
sieged Mafcking
THE HOURS HERO.
There Is much in the situation in
South Africa To justify rejoicing. how
ever. for the rapid qualification OF the
Free State leads people of Great Bril-
tain to believe that they have Il states
man. as we'll as a strategist, in the
hero of the hour. "Bobs.'
a CONTRACTION.
The Transvaal officials are said TO
have vacated Taungs and Nryburg.
but the rebels are unwilling to enter
the Transvaal being anxious 10 trek
homewar',s. No one would be much
surprised if a great spread of this con-
tngion occurred in the next fortnight.
HOSPITAL SHIP MAINE
Lady Randolph Churchill. who start
ed homcward on the hospital ship
Maine yesterday, blcs, to the commit
tee that she regards 1t as Il compli-
mcnt to the United States that the
Maine is the first ship to leave since
Ladysmith was relieved.
There were ~ officers and 1913 non
commissioned officers and men aboard
the Maine.
BOER LEGISLATORS ARRESTED.
Burghersdorp, March I7.-Comman-
dant Oliver evacuated his posltion on
a hill In front OF the Eritish during the
night. Several Beers oi his force have
surrendered.
DR.. Dewet, a member of the Cape
Parliament. and his brother, have been
arrested.
MANY KRAALS BURNED.
Iaiysmith, March l7.-Lord Dundon-
ala $ cavalry patrols reconnoitercd the
Free State border OF I5;isutoand 10 De
Beers Pass. where Il slight skirmish
occurred. In which two British were
Wounded. The Beers were also encoun-
tered in strength ut Van Rcencn's
Pass and Tintwns Pass.
Kaiiirs arriving here report that the
Beers are manifesting Il very vinfic-
tive spirit under tefeat. and that many
Nraals, hitherto respected, have been
burned
The German umbulanccs attached
TO the Boer forces were found near he
Moddcr Spruit. having been abandoned
NY the Eoers, because they were UNI
able to keep pace with the retreat
OFF FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Tendon, March 1.-THE departure Of
Lndy Roberts from London for South
Africa to-day was made the occasion
of Il popular demonstration. Among
her fellow travellers were tile Duchess
OF Teck. who has gone 10 Join her hus-
band; General Sir Frederick CARING
ton and staff, and Miss Rhodes the
latter Cecil Rhodes sister y large
gathering Of friends badc Lady Rob
erts rewell including Mr.. Frederick,
the Parliamentary Secretary of the
Foreign Office; Mr.. Wyndham, the Par
liamentary Secretary OF the War Of
flee; MIR. Newton, the Lord Mayor of
London, and ihe Duke Of Abercorn.
Lady Roberts W;is accompanied by her
Two daughters. III! in the deepest
'''p't iiitiS,' .NhV'tiS 81 NNt 'i'N ehtti ~
their saloon carriage the Lord Mayor
presented the three ladies with lunches
OF shamrock. The departure of the
tain was the signal for Il great out
burst of enthusiastic cheering and the
waving OF flags and handNcrcaiefs.
Pretoria. March II. Via LDurenZo
Marques. March lG.-'rhe United States
consul, Adclbert Hay. has not received II
reply from the United States since hc
asked for its good offices in behalf OF
the Beers towards peace.
State Secretary RcitZ has received a
dispatch FROM Washington saying The
war was the subject Of friendly negn-
tiations with the British government
and containing III expression Of the
Presidents earnest hopes for peace.
All the consuls are co-operatinS for
the general good OF the whole com
muni;y.
ST. HELENA PRISON.
Cape Town. March 1.-THE dcpar;lirt.
OF the transport with the Boer pris
oners fer ST. Hele1n has heen DELAYED
OH account OF the fact that seventy
Beers have been sick. including many
infectious cases. The authorities are
striving 10 complete the isolated hos.
pital by Wednesday. ana the rams
ports Will probably sail that day.
PROTECTED FROM HIMSEIr
London. March Ia dispatch To The
EXCHANGE Telegraph Company from
Cape Town dated to-day savS 81 hos