The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-08
BEFORE PRETORIA FELL.
Reign of Terror and Rapine I'm the
Boer Capital.

tseiSn OF Terror and RnDine in the
BOer Capital.
LONDON, Aug 7.--Stories are arriving
from Pretoria of the vicious and lawless
conditions that existed there just previous
to the British occupation. Mob rule was
the only rule in the place. and looting and
general rapine were unrestricted and wide
spread. The city was in a state OF tur-
MOL unprecedented even in the several
crises through which it has passed, and its
falling SO easy prey to Lord Roberts and
his host was no doubt mainly due 70 the
utter confusion that prevailed in the town
for the week or two previous.
Everybody was. dissatisfied. The officials
| appointed by the Government were unable
10 enforce their authority, the committee
of peace and order had no control ever the
public, the burghers clamored for food and
clothing without avail mounted men rush
ed hither and thither without leaders. the
Official quarters were all deserted, the Gov
eminent yaluables were moved away to
Middelburg and other places. the President
left the town and his wife to look after
themselves, and chaos reigned supreme
throughout the city and it's suburbs
General Botks became the man of the
moment. but beyond getting struggling
parties of the best of the fighting Beers
to 90 out and help him oppose the ad-
vance OF the British upon the capital. he
was able TO do little. When the members
OF the Government closed their doors and
smut up business 4 committee Of townsmen
was appointed. but as things had become
very serious and its composition was not
happy one it was powerless: in fact. the
meetings were SO badly attended that alb
solutely nothing could be done. Tie
Durgher from the veldt. who had gone 20
the 'front.' and returned to his farm only to
ma MS family openly revolving at the situ-
ation IN which the war had placed them
went to Pretoria to demand food and
money from the President.
But his honor had already deserted the
headquarters of the State and had taken
away all the available treasure with him
so the man from the countryside started
10 carry out his idea of independence by
taxing what he could get on his own ac-
count. He and hundreds of his fellows
VINO, without the slightest organization.
were yet of the same mind, came to a
sudden determination to have a share of
the provisions which they knew to be
stored by the Government and merchants
IN various parts of the town They how
ever, so far recognized what was left of
constitutional law and order as to go to
the acting head of the War Department
ana demand some of the spells of war.
BENG denied they replied that they would
help themselves.
me word then went around and footing
began IN real earnest. AS in other psrts
SO in Pretoria, the women PLAYED mosi
conspicuous part in the depreciation. The
Dig Government sheds near the railway
station were burst open and cases of pro-
VISIONS were taken away by all who we're
able to carry them. Those who were nm
able to get first eutrarce through the front
doors made openings in the sides. and even
the roofs OF the sieds, and soon nothing
put Wreckase was lett. Naturally the raid
ers did not confine their attention to Gov
eminent provisions, but took whatever
tney could find on the properties of mer-
chants and private individuals. The Iarg
est firm of Government contractors vera
among the first to receive the patronage
oil the ooters. who took from their stores
merchandise of all descriptions. including
large quantity of liquors.
Their prevailed a state of terror,sn,
Peaeeao ply disposed citizens became stricken
with panic and were ready to welcome anv
chanee in the condition Of affairs that was
last leading to anarchy. To add to the
confusion report was brought into the
city that there had been revolt of the
British prisoners at Waterfall. The SOL
dlers threatened to break out and follow
the example OF the Boer raiders, but the
guards brought them to their senses by fir
iIis off 5-ifies in the air till thew were able
10 communicate news of the impending ma
ture to those left in authority at Pretoria.
Inen lew lovers OF law and order ar
ranged Tor a public meeting. which toolr |
place at the Grand Hotel This happi'y led
to beneficial results. One of the CHIEF
measures taken was the removal. on Aae |
proposal OF Mr.. De Soma, the acting chief /
OF the War Department. of the Bosr guards
ana the placing Of the British prisoners
under the charge Of their own officers (
twenty-four of whom were summoned to /
attend the meeting. The British officers /
consented to be put on parole and 10 be re-
spohslble for the safe-keeping of their men
rifles anu
This arrangement worked admirably. the |
men properly behaving themselves until !
the arrival of Lord Roberts. when thew |
were handed over TO him, subject to the |
usual under such circumstances /
Meanwhile the city continued In verv
enervescent condition until the roar ~ /
cannon betokened the advance of the Britt |
sh outposts. The forts had been pre-
Elousiy dismantled of all guns except those |
quilt in the mason work The artillery
had all gone either to distant eommandos
Or 10 assist General Botha in preventing
LORD Roberts from marching into the cap |
tai without some opposition There were |
neither men nor guns left |
= Tie place to withstand the lombard |
nent, so that when the British got |
through or around Botha's brave band of |
defenders they took possession of Pre- /
oria without any serious opposition. There
vas nothing to stand against the heavy ar
illery OF Lord Roberts. and as the shells
aiiiri into the place were damaging prop
'rty and endangering the lives of men
women. and children, the burgomaster.
icttns on the advice of number of lead
ng reopie, sent out to say that the city
would be surrendered unconditionally.
A JAPANESE VISITOR.