Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-23
tBy Telegraph to virginian-Pilot)


London, May 49, $3.50 a. m.-The
Transvaal government has informed the
correspondents at Pretoria that it has
not considered and does not intend to
consider unconditional surrender, but
will fight to a finish.
The foreign consuls have been in
formed that Johannesburg will be de-
tended, and the government announces
that it will not hold itself responsible
for injury to persons or property re-
sulting from the defense measures
Pretoria dispatches Affirm that Presi-
dent Kruger. President Stcyn and all
the NEST prominent leaders OF both
republics, after u prolonged Interchange
or views, are determined to continue the
resistance. but that a minority of the
leaders advocate surrender without
terms.
Mrs. Reitz. wife of the Transvaal
State Secretary, and her family, with
the families OF other officials, have gone
TO Lourenzo Marques.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are being
cleared OF non-cOmbatants. Tho Boer
chiefs. who recognize the possibility
that they Will have to defend these
cities .lrc preparing with the utmost
haste The Boer spirit has been rising
from a low ebb, and is now ready for
O. steadfast resistance.
Nevertheless, according to the Daily
Chronicle, long messages in Dutch have
been received by the British govern
1nent by way OF Amsterdam. in which
President Kruger seeks peace. Accord
Ing to one account President Kruger
surrendcrs Internationally; according
to another he asks for terms.
There seems to be good reason FOR
believing that he earnestly endcavorcd
30 secure terms. but cable inquiries fail
to confirm the assertion that CORE
spondence has recently passed between
Great Britain and tho Transvah re-
slecting terms
Lord Roberts Is again moving The
British infantry left Kroonsrtad Monday
and headquarters was expected to leave
yesterday. The railway has been re-
stored, and the first train Is due to ar
rive to-day.
The Beers are busy blasting for gun
emplacements along the Rhonostcr
river. General pewet commands, as
General Botha is i'll.
LORD ROBERTS ADVANCE.
The advance of Lord Roberts will
probably be swift. 1t is the expccta-
ton of well informed observers here
that the Vail river, cighty-hve miles
beyond Kroonstad, will be crossed by
the end Of the week. Sir Redivers Bull
er. in general order 20 ms troops con-
graduating them on the result of their
ten day operations, says they were only
checked at Laing's Mex by a fresh COM
mando sent from the TrAnsvaal.
General Clery with cavalry br-
gade, engaged the rear guard OF the
Beers at Laing's Mex Sunday, captured
g. number or wagons and took some
prisoners Ills artillery shelled the
Mex. The Beers. in their retreat. laid
waste the territory. blew up bridges
and burned several houses, as many as
SIN In New Castle. The machinery OF
tho navigation collieries was ruined
General Butler, replying to residents
of New Castle, who represented to him
trophy said he expected to return
from Pretoria soon. Nothing new con-
corning the relief of Mafeking has come
through. All the accounts of the en-
gagement on May 1G extol the bravery
of the Canadians. Colonel Mahon's
column arrived at the rendezvous one
hour after Colonel Plumer. showing
with what accuracy the movements
were timed
Sir Alfred Miner, speaking at Cape
Town Monday before an enormous as
semblage celebrating the relief of MAIZE
king, referred TO the remarks OF n pre-
vous speaker. who condemned the
Beers as "cowardly scoundrels." He
said:
There are many among our enemies
who deserve to be honored for their he
roism. Although cases Of treachery
and barbarity have occurred, they have
to respect"
London. May 2s.-The Lourenzo Mar
CUES correspondent of the Times tele-
graphing Monday. says:
"'rhe German Liner Bundesrath has
been detained here all day for special
train from Pretoria, bringing the fami-
lies of prominent Beers. The utmost
secrecy regarding the identity is main
tanned. but it is believed that among
them are Mrs. Steyn and LIS. Reitz."
London. May 2S.-4:S0 "a. m.-The
British who are in the hands of the
Beers at Pretoria, by some extraordl-
nary means, learn OF the British VIC
tories as soon as the Transvaal authori-
ties. and they build bonfires and sing
God Save the Queen"
The Pretoria people arc apprehensive
of q rising of the prisoners, and agitate
for transferrence of the whole num-
Der to a point inside the British lines,
saying that four thousand more or less
make 40 difference.
The morning papers continue to dis
cuss at length President Mcknley's re-