Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-03-17

Burghers to Surrender Their
Arms.
LONDON, March 16.-Lord Roberts's
success in handling the civil problems
at Bloemfontein and the manifest
equanimity with which the residents
of the capitol of the Orange Free State
accept the British occupation momen-
tarily eclipse in interest the military
situation. 1t is believed here that the
commander in chief of the British
forces in South Africa will soon push
on to Pretoria, but Great Britain is
quite content to listen for a few days
to the acclamations of the people Of
Bloemfontein and permit the troops to
enjoy a few days rest before expect
ing further success. Lord Roberts
made a quaint speech to the guards at
Bloemfontein to-day, when in the first
congratulatory words, he expressed
pride in their splendid march of 3S
miles in % hours, and gave ample as
surance of his ultimate design.
Through small mistake said Lord
Roberts, Il have not been able to
march into Bloemfontein at the head
of the brigade, as 1 intended. l prom
Use you, however, that l will lead you
into Pretoria
Gen. Gatacre is holding Bethulie, and
the whole line of the railroad south
of Bloemfontein is now in the hands
of the British, and, Gen. Brabant's
column having crossed the Orange riv-
er after forced march at Aliwal on
Sunday, and Gen. Clements's column
being across at Vanzyl the three col
umns will form an army of $4,000 to
$4,000 men, which is expected to re-
place the forces of Lord Roberts at
Bloemfontein as he pushes northward.
Just where the Beers will attempt to
oppose that march Is an important
question, but it cannot be easily an
swered until Gen. Joubert is more def
nitely located.
L
side world from Mafeking. dated Fri
day, showing that though the garrison
was in hard straights, they were buoy
ed up by the knowledge that their
plucky fight was appreciated at home.
BLOEMFONTEIN, March 16.-Gen.
Prettyman is succeeding admirably as
re he 10
proclamation to-day requesting the
burghers within radius of ten miles
to deliver up their arms, assuring them
they would be paid for the appropria
ton of their property.
Lord Roberts is about to issue fresh
proclamations, which, it is considered,
will have the effect of disarming fur
Their opposition upon the part of the
Free States.
Mr.. Collins has been appointed land
drost, vice Paphenfus, deposed, and
Mr.. Frazer will act as mayor.
Great quantities Of stores captured at
Wasser Fall have been recovered. AS
the result of Hunter and Weston's
line cutting the British have secured
twenty-six engines and the line has
been cleared to the Kafflr river.
Rumors are current that former
President Steyn is willing to surren-
der. Much unrest exists among the
Dutch population. The burghers de-
scribed the soldiers as locusts, saying
they are innumefable and of identical
color with them.
AS Lord Roberts was being conduct
ed to the town by the deputation of
officials which had gone out to meet
him, he was greeted by great crowds
kerchiefs and displaying the utmost
enthusiasm and cordially. Lord Rob-
erts first entered the market square,
thence proceeded to the parliament
house and from there to the presi-
dency. The garden of the late presi-
dents pretty house was instantly en-
tered by the crowd, (which broke out
with tremendous energy into God
Save the Queen" All stood rigid, the
civilians removing their hats. Then
the cheering was renewed.
Meanwhile Lord George Scott at
tached Lady Roberts's pretty Union
Jack, with a four-leaf shamrock and
embroidered on the corner, 70 the hal
yards and as it rose over the presi-
dency the crowd caught sight of the
grim-looking cavalry escort before
them and spontaneously roared forth
the songs Tommy Atkins" and SOL
diers of the Queen"
Lord Roberts has sent the follow
Ing dispatch to the war Office:
BLOEMFONTETN, Friday, March is.
Gen. Clements crossed the Orange
river yesterday. Repairs to tie rail-
way bridge at Norvals Pont have
commenced and it will shortly be
ready for traffic. Gen. Pole Carew
telegraphs his arrival at springfontein