Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1900-03-16

London, March 1t.--2:20 a. MIN the
absence or important news from thS
seat or war, speculation Is rife regard
ing the probability of an early peace.
PRESIDENT Kruger's appeal TO Lord Sal.
isoury Tor a cessation OF hostiiities, an
nounced on Friday, is taken as fore
shadowing that the end will soon be ir.
sight.
Inc governments views are probably
enumerated I'm the following semi-ofi-
clal statement issued last night; ''It fs
understood that the government does
not consider that the time has yet coma
Tor any authoritative statement "a to
ultimate terms OF peace, and no men,
ger OK the Cabinet has authorized any
pupnshed statement on the subject. Il
IL. or course. generally understood by
all political parties in this country. that
30 far as the South African republics
are concerned the status quo ante bell
iunn cannot remain unRltered after the
close or hostilities. Their part In the
system which involves a large measure
or political ana military independence.
wtll OF course be materially modified IA
result OF the war, but the growing
prospects OF restored peace must DO
turtner advanced before Her Majesty'B
government can either finally formu-
iate proposed terms or settlement OF
make any announcement OF their PLAN"
LONDON, March 11.-Spencer Wiilkin-
son summarized the situation In South
AFRICA Tor the Associated Press at mid
night as follows:
Tho fighting near Helpmaaker in
PROBABLY only the result OF n reconnais-
sance' ana II seems TO be premature to
assume that any movement In large
torce is In progress In that direction.
General Butler. as soon az communi-
cations ore In order. will certainly do
what he can to keep the Boer force IN
Natal engaged and TO prevent them all
from being used 10 reinforce the army
resisting Lord Roberts. expect LORD
Roberts TO strike Bloemfontein In a
day or two. AS TO Mafel1inK, II II Is not
renewed very soon the place must fall.
one, therefore. hopes u brigade was
sent up from Kimberley for it's relief
within day or two OF the evacuation
or Magersfontein by the Beers. There
has been time for such a column TO
reach Mafehing by road, but there is
no direct evidence or its existence, and
tho wish is father TO the thought
London, March 10.-Several papers
announce that the government on
Tuesday received five messages from
PRESIDENT Kruger and President Steyn.
In Dutch, asking upon what terms a
cessation OF hostilities could be brought
about. The messages surprised and do
lighted the department concerned
While their tenor was understood, Il
was found necessary TO summon per-
sons thoroughly capable OF accurately
interpreting the messages, all OF which
were filed at Bloemfontein.
The Cabinet convened on Wednesday
90 consider the messages, and IL IL be-
neved that an incorporating reply
was sent which is known 10 have
reached Bloemfontein by the same
means as the Boer cablegram reached
the government. The nature of the re-
ply was such as TO lead to IA further
but gradual retirement OF the Boer
forces.
Carnarvon. Cape Colony, March 10
General Kitchener has arrived at Vic
toria West TO organize various columns
for the purpose OF suppressing the re-
bellion which is spreading in this dis
trict. Minor lighting has occurred I'm
several directions
Boer Headquarters, Biggarsberg,
March 9.-Shots were exchanged this
morning near Helpmaalter with a small
pody or British, who retired hastily.
Scouts report that the British main
advance is coming from Ladysmith to-
wards Sundays river.
Pretoria, March 9.-The President has
returned from Bloemfontein. General
Joubert is expected here shortly. Fight
ing commenced In the direction OF
Helpmaaker this morning
jamestown. Cape Colony, March TO-
General Brabant's column left at day
break for Aliwal North.