Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1900-03-22

Roberts-"Bobs" the Hero of the
| Hour in England Intense En-
thusiasm Prevails.
London, March 16. - The war office
has received the following dispatch
from Lord Roberts announcing his oc-
cuparcy of Bloemfontein:
] "Bloemfontein, March 10, s p. H.
BY the help of God and by the bravery
of her majesty's soldiers, the troops
under my command have taken pos
session of Bloemfontein. The British
flag now flies over the presidency,
evacuated last evening by President
! Steyn, late president CO the orange
| Free State. Mr.. Frazer. member or
the late executive government; the
mayor, the secretary of the late gov
eminent; the landrost and other Of
fcials met me two miles from the town
and presented me with the keys of the
public offices. The enemy have with
drawn from the neighborhood, and all
seems quiet. The inhabitants OF
Bloemfontein gave the troops cordial
welcome"
The above dispatch, though dated
Tuesday, was not received at the wal
Office until 1880 p. m. Wednesday. 1t
was made public few minutes before
10. The delay is attributed to the field
telegraphs not being connected with
Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening. En-
ira papers are already out on the
streets and the night crowds of London
are singing patriotic songs and engag-
Ing in demonstrations.
Hoistcd the White Flag.
London, March 1G.-A dispatch to the
Daily Chronicle from Bloemfohtein,
dated Tuesday evening, says:
'Bloemfontein surrendered at 10
o'clock to-day 1t was occupied at
noon President Steyn, with majority
of the fighting burghers, has fed
northward. Gen. French was within
five miles of the place at 5 O'Clock
Monday afternoon. He sent a sum-
mons into town, threatening to bonn
bard unless it surrendered by a. N.
Tuesday. A white flag was hoisted
Tuesday morning and a deputation OF
the town council, with Mayor Kellner,
came out to meet Lord Roberts at
Spitz kop, five miles south of town.
making a formal surrender of the
place. Lord Roberts made state
entry at noon. He received a ire
mendous ovation. After visiting the
public building he went to the official
residence of the president, followed by
q cheering crowd who waved the
British flag and sang the British ma
tional anthem. They were in condi-
ton of frenzied excitement. On Mon
day afternoon, previous to the surren-
der, there had been a little SHIPPING and
Smelling, 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
Roberts the Hero OF the Hour.
London, March 16.-The first half Of
the campaign is over. Lord Roberts
arrived ut Modder river on Feb. 9. He
entered Bloemfontein on March Is.
Thus, in little over a month, he has
effected the relief Of Kimberley and
Ladysmith, the capture of Gen.
Cronje's forces and the hosting Of the
British flag in the capital of the Free
State. All this has been accomplished
with comparatively trifing losses. 1t
Is small wonder that he is the hero Of
the hour in England. All the new5pa-
pers eulogize him and congratulate the
country. The talk Of the Free State
as having passed out existence as being
now one Of the shadows of history.
It is not doubted that there may yet
be heavy fighting, but the genius Of
Lord Roberts is looked to for victory
over all difficulties. His grim reference
to the ''late" President Steyn is under
stood to show that there shall be no
ambiguity as to the position assumed
toward the republics. The fact that
Mr.. Fraser, late chairman of the Free
State raad, and leader of the opposition
to Mr.. Steyn, came with the deputation
to surrender the keys, is regarded as
extremely significant of considerable
difference of opinion among the Free
Staters regarding the war. 1t is said
that President Kruger hates Mr.. Fras
er OH account Of his sympathy with the
Uitlanders. The demonstrations Of the
Bloemfontein Inhabitants are also re-
garded as good augury for the future
Of the British supremacy.
Advance Being Pushed.
London, March 16.-The British con-
tinue pressing their advance Oil the Or
ange river. The Beers still hold Beth
ulie bridge, on the north side Of the
stream, but their trenches are dom.
mated by the British artillery Heavy
firing is in progress and there has been
some skirmishing. Lord Kitchener
seems to be very successful in reducing
the extent Of the Dutch rising.
Fight to the Death Says Kruger.
New York, March 16. - A disDatch