The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-15
Free State Regarded as Already Having Been
Merged Into ViCtOria's Empire.
Vctors Welcomed by the Burghers of the City-Reoic
ing in England-Queen Delighted-"!-ittle
Bobs'' Lauded-Steyn's Flight.

LONDON, March 15.-Bloem-
fontein, the capital of the Orange
Free State, is now in possession of
British forces, and the ''late" pres
,ident of the republic is fugitive.
Lord Roberts makes this announce
ment in the following dispatch to
the War Office:
'Bloemfontein, March 13, p.
m.-With the help of God and by
the bravery of her Majesty's SOL
diers, the troops under my COM
mand have taken possession of
Bloemfontein. The British flag
now floats over the presidency,
evacuated last evening by Mr..
Steyn, late President of the Orange
Free State. Mr.. Frazer, member
of the late executive government,
the mayor. the secretary to the late
government, the landrost, and
other officials, met me two miles
from the town, and presented me
with the keys of the public offices.
The enemy have Withdrawn from
the neighborhood, and all seems
quiet. The inhabitants of Bloem-
fontein gave the troops a cordial
welcome"
The above dispatch, though
dated Tuesday, was not received
at the War Office until 7:3O o'clock
Wednesday night. 1t was made
public few minutes before 9. The
delay is attributed to the field tel
egraphs not being connected with
Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
Extra papers were soon on the
streets, and the night crowds of
London at once began singing
patriotic songs and engaging in
demonstrations.
Lord Roberts's dispatch caused feeling
of great relief. The absence OF the news
eagerly looked for had provoked some ap-
prehension during the earlier part Of yes
terday that the British had met with
check before Bloemfontein. and anxious in
quiries were made at the War Office and in
the Hobbies of Parliament.
On the reception OF the news the Queen.
at Windsor Castle. the Prince OF Wales. at
Marlborough House. Lord wolseley and
others were Immediately notified. but at o
o'clock the War Office was almost deserted.
the public having given up hope Of further
news until to-day CThursday.) The appear
ance of the newspapers with the tIdings
caused great excitement along Pail Mall,
&C the service clubs and in the West End
generally. Owing to the late hour. how
ever. there was no demonstration ap-
lproaching the slightest degree those
heraiding the surrender OF Cronje and the
reiler OF Lazy
II so happened that torchlight process
sion organized on an extensive scale for
the widows and orphans fund was parad-
ing South London with bands and banners
This included body OF uniformed men
representing the British field forces, the
surrender Of Cronje and other inspiring
incidents. The route was hung with flags,
and stands were erected at numerous
points for spectators. Naturally the ap-
pearance OF the extra editions of the even
ing papers created a furore among the
paraders. who greeted the news with
cheers and singing OF the national hymn.
At Windsor the news was received with
much Joy. The Queen commanded that IL
be Immediately published. and she in
structed her equerry at the dinner table
20 send note 10 the officers OF the house
hold brigade. The battalion was called on
parade at 1o:l5 O'Clock last night Major
St. Aubyn read her Majesty's note and
called for cheers for the Queen and Lord
Roberts. The band played God Save the
Queen"
Wherever Lord Robertss dispatch was