Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-11
tBy Telegraph to virglnian-pliot.)

Wy IGitE dpH W
London. May 11.-4:05 a. m.-Mem
bers OF the House of Commons were
freely betting in the Hobbies last even
Ing that Lord Roberts would be in
Pretoria in two months The minis
terialists are building confident hopes
upon the comprehensive plans he has
communicated to the War Office. Pre-
dictions are definitely made he will en-
ter Kroonstad next Monday. and it is
believed that his advance is probably
already accommodating the vicinity of
Ventersburg. where the hill country
begins again.
Beyond kroonstad is an intricate and
difIicult country and il the Beers
should elect TO fight it is possible they
could check progress OF the British
until Lord Roberts numerous cavalry
had had time TO ride around their flank
and threaten their rear
From $1,000 TO 10000 is the highest
estimate of the Beers under the per-
sonal command OF General Botba, who
is said TO have forty-siX guns. Gene
raj Botha and General Dewet are re-
ported to have quarreed.
ROBERTS AFTER BOTHA.
Lord Roberts is pressing hard after
this force with $4,000 men and 40 guns:
and 10000 more men are easily ayaila-
BILE.
President Steyn with 10000 men. is
reported to have been east of Thaban-
chu yesterday (Thursday) noon. and a
battle was then imminent The ad-
vance troops OF General Rumble and
General Brabant were being fired on.
According TO advfces from Durham.
dated Thursday, General Buffers army
Is showing activity" but complete
news embargo is imposed upon the cor
respondents with him.
Parties OF Beers are still holding the
mountains adjacent to Springfield. New
Zealand ecouts burned the homestead
of farmer named Cireyling. in whose
house arms were found. at Deering
During concert for the relief of the
sufferers from the Begbie works explo-
sion. given Saturday at Pretoria. in the
GRiety Theatre. the doors were sud
denly closed and every man in the au-
dience was Communicated. All the
horses were taken from the convey
ances outside.
President Kruger has released the
Daily Mail correspondents, Messrs
Hallowell and Hofmcyer.
ROBERTS NEW HEADQUARTERS
London, May l0.-The crossing of the
Zand river by the British appears to
have been effected sooner than even the
most sanguine expected. and this morn
ing Lord Roberts temporary head
quarters is established in a cable cart
on the north bank of the river Though
the opposition the Federals Is Offering
shows that yesterdays report of the
abandoning of their position were i'll
founded. Lord Roberts advance force
consisting of from 10000 to 1900
mounted men. besides infantry, artii-
lery and the naval contingent. appears
to be sufficiently powerful TO overwhelm
any opposition the burghers can offer.
Even though, as reported Yesterday
fhaty In hoo t-aft FOR lN.,
from other commands and possess a
score of heavy guns, the experts be-
leve the opposition will not be pro-
longed longer than is necessary to re-
move the guns and other impediments
In the direction OF Nroonstad
Further reports from Lorenzo
Marques shows that the customs au-
thorities there. in addition to clothing
and shoes. refuse to clear corned beef
for the Transvaal, holding it as contra
band
BoERS EvACUATE zAND RIVER.
Lord Roberts announcement this
e.cning of the flight OF the Beers from
the Zand river naturally caused consid-
cradle qualification at the War Office,
where 1T Is now believed that he will
not allow the Federals enough breath
ing space to reform southwark of
Kroonstad. 1t is Just possible that
Lord Roberts transport may be in such
condition that he will be able to keep
his troops moving so rapidly as 10
drive the Beers right through Kroons-
tad without giving them time to Or
ganiZe resistance in the formidable en-
frenchments so carefully prepared at
the Valsch river. The fact that Gen
eral French and the cavalry have been
brought up to supplement General Hut
tens mounted Infantry leads to the
hone in British official circles that the
pursuit announced by Lord Roberts
may prevent all the Boer guns and con-
voy from escaping.
The action OF the customs authorities
Mt Lorenzo Marques in more closely
scrutiniz,ng consignments for the
T4Snsyaal Is liable to be a serious mat
ter for the Beers and indirectly for the
british prisoners who are likely to be
the first to feel effects OF any shortage
of food stuffs.
London. May 1O--1O:2O a. NIT is Of
fcially announced that the British have
crossed the Zand river and that the
Beers are being pushed back from their
strong positions.
WOMEN WANT TO FIGHT.
Pretoria. May President Kruger
has received n telegram from burgh-
eress asking ii the time has not ar.
rived for the formation of corps of
women. adding that she Is prepared.