The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-05-14
IN BRITISH POSSESSION.


IN BRITISH POSSESSION.
The Occupation of Kroonstad Places
the whole of the Free state.
London. May l3.-4A m.--Ths situ-
alton at the seat OF war in South Africa
is as satisfactory. from the British
view point. as the most sanguine friend
could have hoped . week ago. The 90.
cupation Of Kroonstad practically pisoss
the whole Orange Free State In British
possession. IL 10 evident from Lord Rob-
rts's last despatch that the disistegra-
tion has commenced. The Free Statsrs
are scattering to their homes, while the
IransSaalers have gone northward, de
elining to hght longer in the Orange
Free State. what little Resistance this
former still are likely to make, seems
20 be osntsring ct Lindlsy, whittier
President Stsya has transferie ed his gov
srnment. 1t Is evident that the strategy
Of Lord Roberss and the rapidity OF
his advance nave bewildered and dis
heartened the boers, as their resistance
|
has been slight. The only point where
they seriously attempted TO check the
| advance, seems to have been on the Brit
ish right, where they defended with some
vigor two kopjes which eventually were
carried By tine East Laucashire and Sus-
sex, the Beers finally retreating, leaving
a group Of gamers dead on the top Of
one Of the hills. Tns only point in the
Free State where the Beers seem in any
force. except at Lord Robertss front.
is on the southeast, whsrs Generals Run
die. Campbell and Brabant are holding
them In check west OF Fioksburg and
Lady brand, and are gradually pushing
them back, as well as effeotually defeat
Ing all their efforts to break through and
threaten Lord Roberts's communications.
There is no further news re- arGing the
advance of tue relief columns TO Mafe-
king, but 1t is possible that Lord koberts's
successes will result In forcing the Beers
to abandon the siege.
Pretoria advices state that the Beers
supply OF smekeless powder is exhaust
ed and that all attsmpts to manufacture
a fresh supply have tesn unsuccessful.
A despatch from Cape Town dated May
IL, says that Lord Strathcona's horse
have gone to the front. and that Lord
Castlstown has been appointed commits
sioner OF the Wepensr distriot.
GERMANY SURPRISED.
Berlin, May ls.-The occupation Of
Kroonstad BY Lord Roberts. without re-
Isissancs, has caused the greatest surprise
here. The military expert Of the Lokai
Anzeigsr finds an explanation In the fact
that many Beers have deserted. be says;
"Lcrd Rohsrts's advance was splendid
ly executed. II 10 worthy to be placed
with the Ksndahar expedition. The situa-
tion IL now changed 80 greatly in favor OF
the British that ths fats OF the Trans
yaal Beers Is settled.
President Steyn's movement east ward
is Interpreted ss confirming the rumor
Of biakering between the TranAvaalers
and the Free Statsrs.
| MURDERED BY NEGRO.
Augusts, Ca, May 13.-Alsok Whitney,
aged 20, q society leader and . popular
young man, was shot and killed on q
street car tonight by Gus Wilson, . negro
in dispute about o seat in the car.
Much excitement prevails but there 10
not much fear Of Iynching.
RUMORS OF FIGHTING IN NATAL.
London, May 1.-THE Standard pub-
lished the following from Durham. dated
Sundays "There are pefsistent rumors
here OF heavy fighting in Natal. A Rsd
Cross train left last night for the north. -
SPIRIT WASN'T MILLING.
London, May IA despatch TO the
Times from KEoonstad, dated Saturday.
saysi stIt is reported that President
Kruger intends moving to Lydenhurg as
soon as he is Joined By President Stsyp.
Who left yesterday with General BothA.
The country between Boschplatts and
Erocnstad- might have been effectively
held IL the spirit had bsen willing"
/ BoERS IN LAST STRAITS.
London, May 14.-Ths Lourenzo Mar
ques correspondent Of ths Times, tele-
graphing sunday, says'
"It is rumored that the Tranevaal raad,
} In secret session, has resolved to order all
residents. irrespective OF nationality, to
assist In the defepss OF the rep1blic, In
accordance with the terms OF the amended
military laws.
"Ths Beers recognize that they are now
!, at the last extremity and all sorts and
conditions OF men are being eommsn-
deered.
"The merchants here have protested
against the stoppags Of q consignment
OF clothing and ccrnsd beef, Of which the
J latter was purchased In America.
"U. 8. Consul Stanley Hollis. whose
ympathies are notorious, is said to have
remonstrated against what he called