Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-05-14
PRACTICALLY OVER.
Fall of Kroonstad a Great
Blow to Beers.
Disheartened and Discouraged by Rob
erts' Maneuvers and Advance.
Free Statcrs Move Capital to LindIey-Tifed
and Sick OF War.

London. May III a. M.-"The war
! is practically over" says the Daily
Chronicles Kroonstad correspondent.
and in less definite terms, this is the
view to be gathered from all the cor
respondents. They picture the Beers
as utterly demoralized and dishearten-
ed by Lord Roberts Unexpectedly rapid
advance and by his facile turning Of
the carefully prepared positions of the
Beers.
There was practically no fighting
and there are no further details to give
respecting the occupation of Kroon-
stad. The correspondent of the Daily
Telegraph says: THE Union Jack was
hoisted in the market place by Mrs.
/ Lockhead. the American wife of
Scotchman. Most of the horses of the
| Beers are in wretched condition, but
President Kruger declares he win con-
tinue the war"
| 1t appears that the Beers at KroOn-
| stad had been reinforced by 5000 men
from Natal. last Friday. and that al
together 10000. with 20 guns, trekked
| from Kroonstad on the approach Of
Lord Roberts
The Beers made an Intellectual stand
| at Boschrand and had elaborate en-
trenchmcnts in front of Kroonstad.
which offered great facilities for rear
guard action. Their only anxiety. how
ever. appears to have been to get away
safely with all their guns and conveys,
which again they have successfully ac-
complished The few stores they were
unable to carry away they burned.
President Steyn is represented as
having been frantic with rage and as
having kicked and cuffed the burghers
after vainly imploring them to continue
the fight
Lord Roberts after a march which is
regarded as worthy of being ranked
with his famous march to Kandahar.
has thus covered another stage of his
campaign. stage which, although sue
cessful and without the mistakes and
misfortunes that characterized the
early stages. leaves the Boer forces
quite intact, not having lost a gun and
having lost very few men.
! Experience has taught the critics to
be chary of accepting reports of Boer
Generalization. The Times says: The
signs point to military breakdown on
the part Of the Beers: but after eXper-
fences Of the past, we cannot accept
the reports Of decentralization without
reserve. The game OF war must be
strictly placed out to the end
Lindley. the new Free State capital.
IS - miles southeast Of Kroonstad, half
way to Bethlehem, and was probably
selected as a convenient rendezvous
for the commanders now retiring be-
fore Gen Brabant and Gen. Rumble in
the Thaba N'Chu district. Brabant has
occupied Hoepellok, half way on the
road from Thabpa N'Chu to Lady
brand.
There is not word Of news regard
ing Gen. Buffers movements or from
the far western side. Nothing is known
therefore of the program Of the Mafe-
king relief column.
A dispatch to the Times from Kroon-
stad. dated Saturday Says: 1T is re-
ported that President Kruger intends
moving to Lydenburg as soon as he is
Joined by President Steyn who left.
yesterday, with Gen. Botha. The coun-
try between Boschplatts and kroonstad
might have been effectively held if the
spirit had been willing
The Lourenzo Marquee correspondent
Of the Times telegraphing, Sunday,
says: 1t is rumored that the Trans
wall Rdad in secret session. has re
solved TO OrQer all residents, lrTeSpeC-
tive of nationality to assist in the de-
fence of the republic, in accordance
with the terms of the amended mill
tary laws The Beers recognize that
they are now at thelast extremity and
all sorts and conditions of men are be-
ing Communicated.
The merchants here have protested .
against the stoppage Of a consignment
of clothing and canned beef. Of which
the latter was purchased in America.
United States Consul Stanley Hollis,
whose sympathies notorious IS
said to have demonstrated against what
he called Interference with American
trade"
Berlin. May 13.-The occupation OF
Kroonstad by Lord Roberts without
resistance has caused the greatest sur
prise here. The military expert of the
Lokal Anzeiger finds an explanation In
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