Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1900-02-27
The Brave Boer General .Capitu-
Iates on Anniversary of the
Battle of Majuba Hill.
HAD FOUR THOUSAND MEN
With Such Small Numbers His
Defense Was Almost a
Victory.
GREAT REJOICING IN ENGLAND

received the following dispatch from
Lord Roberts:
"Paardeberg. Feb. o. 7:45 a. m.
General Cronje and all of his force
capitulated at daylight and are now
prisoners in my camp. The strength
of his force win be communicated
later hope Her Maiesty's govern
ment will consider this event salts.
factory, occurring as it does on the
anniversary of Majuba."
London. Feb. 27--"Majuba is aveng-
Cd" "Cronje surrenders,' "a great
British Victory" These are the ex-
pressions being shouted all over Lon
don today. The magnitude of the
success is almost overlooked from the
fact that it synchronized with the an
niversary of Majuba Hin and wiped
out the dishonor of nineteen years
ago. While the afternoon papers all
comment upon this happy incident
they do not forget the splendid BRAY
cry of the enemy.
Further details of the dramatic sur
render of Cronje are eagerly awaited.
The Boer commanders forces are var
iously estimated at from 1000 to
5000 Speculation is rife as to how
soon Roberts will be able to press for.
ward to Bloemfontein, but before he
enters the capital of the Free State
he undoubtedly will have to overcome
a powerful force and take strong en-.
trenchments. The queen telegraphed
her congratulations to Lord Roberts
and the troops.
London. Feb, 27, 4:3S p. m.-Secre
tary of State for War, Marquis Of
Lansdowne, announced to the House
of Lords this afternoon that the pris
oners captured with Cronje numbered
about 5000. Cronje will be sent to
Cape Town.
London, Feb. 27-There3 was more
outward display of rejoicing in the
provinces than in London. Flags
were librally displayed on public build
ings in all large towns. Windsor was
very iubilant. The inhabitants seized
the occasion when the queen was driv
ing through the town to take the
train to visit the wounded South Afri
ca soldiers in Netley hospital, to give
vent to their delight. The. queen
smiled and continually bowed in re-
sponse to the congratulatory cheers.
A letter has been received from a
man in. the First Dragons, now in
South Africa, confirming the report
that assupply transport had reached
Ladysmith during the engagement at
Spion .Kop. He says the Dragons
were an escort to the transport, which
was seven miles long, and adds;
THAT is why Butler engaged the enc
my at Spion Kop; old Butler. knows
what he is doing and all are willing
to follow him in spite Of his reverses. F"
London, Feb. 27-5:02 p m.-The
war office received the following dis
patch from Lord Roberts: s3
"Paardeberg, Tuesday morning. II
a. M: From information furnished
daily to me by the intelligence depart
ment, it became apparent that Gen
eral Cronje's force was becoming more
depressed and the discontent of the
troops and discord of their leaders
were rapidly increasing. This feeling
was doubtless accentuated by the dis
appointment caused when the Boer re
inforcements; which tried to relieve
Cronje. were defeated by our troops
on Feb. 23d. I resolved. therefore. to
bring pressure to bear upon the
enemy. Each night the trenches were
pushed forward toward the enemy's
iaager so as to gradually contract his
position and at the same time 1 bonn
barded it heavily with artillery, which
was yesterday materially aided by the
arrival of four six-inch howitzers.
whichsI ordered up from De Aar. In
carrying out these measures captive
balloon gave great assistance by keep
ing us Informed of the dispositions of
the movements OF the enemy. At 8
a. M, today the most dashing advance
was made by the Canadian regiment
and some engineers. supported by the
First Gordon Highlanders and the Sec
ond Shropshires, resulting in ouI
gaining a point some six hundred
yards nearer the enemy and within
about eighty yards of his trenches
where our men entrenched themselves
and maintained their positions til
morning. The gallant deed was worthy
our colonial comrades, and which
am glad to say was attended by q
comparatively slight loss. This <ap-
parently elinehed matters for at day
lisht today a letter signed by Genera
Cronie. IN which he stated he had sur
rendered Internationally, was brough
to our outposts under flag Of truce
In my reply I told Cronje he must pre-
sent himself at my camp, and hi
forces must come out Of their laagel
after laying down their arms. By 7 a
N. I received Cronie. and dispatches
telegram to gou announcing the fact
IN conversation he asked for kind
treatment at our hands: also, that hil
wife, grandson. private secretary, ad