The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-03-15
EngIard's Flag Flies Over
BIO0mfOntein.
SURRENDERED TO ROBERTS,
South African War Considered
More Than Half Over.

Roberts Reference to the 'sLate"
President Steyn Is Looked on as
an Indication of the British Policy
'BObs" Made His Entry to the Free
State Capital in State-Great Re-
lief and Enthusiasm in London.
How the Surrender of the Town
Was Received.
London, March IA, 9 p. m.-It is officially
announced that Lord Roberts has occu-
pied Bloemfontein and that the British
flag is flying from the top of the Capt.
toll
The following is the text of Lord Rob
erts dispatch to the war office announc-
ing his occupation of Bloemfonteln:
"Bloemfontein, Tuesday, March 19, s p.
m.-By the help of God and the bravery
of Her Majestys soldiers, the troops un-
der my command have taken possession
of Bloemfontein. The British flag now
flies over the presidency, evacuated last
evening by Mr.. Steyn, late president of
the Orange Free State.
Mr.. Frazer, member of the late execu-
tive government; the Mayor, the secretary
of the late government the Landrost and
other officials met me two miles from the
town and presented me with the keys to
the public offices.
The enemy have withdrawn from the
neighborhood and all seems quiet. The
inhabitants of Bloemfontein gave the
troops a cordial welcome"
The above dispatch, though dated Tues
day, was not received at the war office
until 7:3O p n., Wednesday. 1t was made
public a few minutes before o'clock. The
delay is attributed to the field telegrapls
not being connected with Bloemfontein on
Tuesday evening. Extra papers are al
ready out on the streets and the night
crowds of London are singing patriotic
songs and engaging in patriotic demonstra-
tons.
Roberts Entered in state.
London. March ia dispatch to the
Daily Chronicle from Bloemfontein dated
Tuesday evening, March 1S, says:
"Bloemfontein surrendered at 10 o'clock
to-day. II was occupied at noon. Presi-
dent Steyn with a majority of the fighting
burghers has fled northward.
tTtn tTencn WIS MlNillh llNC AhAi~7 "a
the place at O'Clock Monday afternoon.
He sent a summons into the town threat
ening 10 lombard unless it surrendered by
4 a M, Tuesday. A white flag was hoist
ed Tuesday morning and a, deputation of
the Town Council, with Mayor Kellner 90,
came out to meet Lord Roberts at Spitz
kop, five miles south Of the town, making
a formal surrender of the place.
Lord Roberts made a state entry at
noon. He received a tremendous ovation.
After visiting the public buildings he
went to the official residence of the Presi-
dent followed by cheering crowd who
waved the British flag and sang the Brit
ish national anthem. They were in
condition of frenzied excitement.
"On Monday afternoon previous to the
surrender there had been little sniping
and shelling. but the enemy then retired.
Lord Roberts has his headquarters at
the Presidents house and there are many
Of the British wounded in the building.
The railway is not injured"
Great Relief in London.
London, March 1l-Lord Roberts dis
patch caused feeling of great relief.
The absence of the news eagerly looked
for, had provoked some apprehension dur
ing the earlier part of the day, that the
British had met with a check before
Bloemfontein, and anxious inquiries were
made at the war Office and in the lobbies
of Parliament
On the reception of the news, the Queen
at Windsor Castle, the Prince of Wales
at Marlborough House, Lord Wolseiey
and others were Immediately notified, but
at o'clock the war office was almost
deserted, the public having given up hope
Of further news until tomorrow (Thurs-
day.
The appearance of the newspapers with
tdngs caused great excitement along Pail
Mall at the service clubs and
in the West End generally. ow-
ing to the late hour, how
ever, there was no demonstration ap-
preaching in the remotest degree those
which heralded the surrender of Gen.
Cronje and the relief of Ladysmith.
II so happened that a torchlight pro-
cession, organized on an extensive scale
for the widows and orphans fund. was
parading South London with bands and
N""HeiS' lnls mcluuSd pouy OF UNI
formed men representing the British field
forbes, the surrender of CrOnje and other
inspiring Incidents. The route was hung
with flags, and stands were erected at
numerous points for spectators. Natur-
ally the appearance OF the extra editions
OF the evening papers created furore OF
enthusiasm among the paraders, who
greeted the news with cheers and the sing
ing of the national anthem
The News at windsor.
AT Windsor the news was received with