The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-03-09

LONDON. March 9.-In the absence OF
any reports Of active engagements at the
front. il is becoming evident that the chase
of Roberts forces after Joubert's fleeing
army is likely TO be q long one. unless the
Boer leader soon seeks cover. The only
tidings today from the front is the follow
ing despatch. received this morning by
the War Office. from Field Marshal Rob
erts.
Poplar Grove. March 9.-Presidents
Kruger and Steyn were present and did
their utmost to rally their troops. The
rout. however. was complete, the men de-
claring that they could not stand against
the British artillery and such formidable
force Of cavalry
4 despatch from Poplar Grove Of yester-
days date says: The Beers retreated &c
Abraham's KraaI last night where a strong
commando Of Bloemfontein police inter-
rupted their flight. The Beers placed two
guns in position. but the place is impos-
sibIe Of defence and a hasco similar tc
that at Paardeberg is anticipated
President Kruger was at Bloemfontein
at noon yesterday and it is reported that
he pressed the engagement and urged the
burghers to make a courageous defence Of
their country. Afterward he expressed
bitter disappointment at the feeble resist
ance that had been offered to the British"
Free Staters Tire OF Fighting.
Another despatch from Poplar Grove.
dated yesterday, says: The burghers are
demanding of President Steyn that the
rb-
British. President Steyn IL not willing TO
agree TO this. but it is predicted that sub
mission will be made within a week"
It is understood from Durham despatch
rs that Sir Charles Warren's Fifth Divis-
ion Of General Buffers forces is to be
sent TO the Orange Free State TO re-eu-
force The men under Field Marshal Lord
Roberts. This would seem TO indicate
that no attempt will be made by General
Butler to force his way through the Dra-
kensberg Passes.
A despatch TO the Times" from Lou
renco Marques. dated yesterday. states
that President Kruger. in a speech TO the
burghers at Glencoe, told them that he
did not know whether arbitration or inter-
vention would bring the war 20 a close, but
10 would end quickly. He was strongly Of
the belief that the lighting would cease
within the next month.
President Kruger il is stated. reused the
spirits Of the burghers by inviting volun-
teers to accompany him. as he wished to
have shot at the enemy himself. Dur
ing the Boer retreat the railway bridges
were blown up by officials of the Meth
erlands Railway. Great secrecy is main
tained in connection with the defences Of
Pretoria. No persons are allowed TO drive
or walk on the outskirts Of the town.
Roberts Transport system.
General Roberts system Of transports is
pronounced by military experts to be as
nearly perfect as it could have been made
under the circumstances. Supplies OF pro-
visions and ammunition have been going
forward at a rapid rate and the only cause
for delay in pushing on after Joubcrt is
the bad condition Of the horses, for the ad-
vance depends almost wholly on the eff
cheney Of the mounted troops. The ex-
perts recognize in the excellent transport
system and in the wonderfully changed
mobility Of the English army, operating
in South Africa. the hand of General LorC
Kitchener. This is endorsed by letters
written by officers to their friends in En-
gland
They say that from the time that Kitch-
ener arrived at Cape Town a change was
apparent. The new commander went up
and down the lines, inspecting every de-
tail in the transport system. and visiting
the headquarters Of every division COM
mander-Gatacre. French, Methuen, and
the rest. Inefficient men were replaced
and others transferred to points where
their ability would have better play. on
GERS. dawdling at Cape Town on sick leave.
became suddenly inspired with a de ire
for active service and left for their places
with their troops. and the mo- in the
field were urged TO fresh efforts by the
WiTy COnqueror of the Soudan.
pOpE TFOsS ATTTTunF