Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1900-06-04
ROBERTS FINDS OPPOSITION.
Bocrs Active aud Numerous. but the
Field Marshal Says Little.

Bocrs Active and Numerous. but the
Field Marshal Says Little.
London, June 4-Lord Roberts still
keeps the British public in state OF
mystification concerning his operations
looking to the occupation of Pretoria.
Several communications from the field
marshal have been posted at the war
Office, but none of them gives any satis-
factory mention Of the Transvaal cap
ital. Londoners have about decided to.
quit speculating and await clarifying
dispatches from the British command
erin chief.
II would seem that there Is some
truth in the Boer report that Lord
Roberts main line Of communication
has been interfered with near the
vaal river. The field marshal shows in
his dispatch to the warofIlce that tele-
grams addressed to him by his generals
In the Orange Free State have been
delayed owing to the interruption of
the wires. and 1t is suggested that fear
for the safety OF his communications
may have considerably retarded his
movement to Pretoria. The Boers are
proving Unexpectedly active and nu-
merous south OF the Vaal and east of
the Orange Free State railroad. north
OF BlOemfontein on the Iadybrand
road. Apparently only the timely ar
rival OF relieving force from Gen.
Rundle's command saved Spragg,s yeo-
manry from serious difficulty near
Lindley while strong and determined
commandos are operating over the ex-
tent of country reaching from Heilbron
to Ficksburg.
The war office yesterday gave out the
following rather incomplete message
from Lord Roberts. dealing as it does
with not very recent events: Orange
Grove, June 2.-Johannesburg is quiet.
The people are surrendering arms and
ponies. Only three Boer guns We're left
in the fort. The Queenslanders cap
tlfed, May 30, a Creusot, with eleven
wagons of stores and ammunition.
Commandant Botha, of Zoutpansberg,
his field cornet and 100 prisoners were
taken in the fighting around Johannes
burg, some belonging to the foreign
contingents and the Irish brigade.
Owing to the interruption of the tel
egraph lines l only today received a
report from Col. Spragg that his bat
talon OF imperial yeomanry was at
6 tackled between Kroonstad and Lindley
on May 20. Casualties to follow. The
shops In Johannesburg are being
4 opened. and there seems to be a general
feeling OF relief at the peaceful occupa-
tion OF the town.
The proclamation announcing the
annexation of the Orange Free State
was made known at Bloemfontein or
May rs by Gen. Prettyman mllitary
q Sigoyernor). The troops under Gen
Kelly-Kenny formed a square, the roy.
al standard was foisted, the troops sa,
luted, royal salute was fired and this
queen was cheered The name Orange
River Colony was we'll received
Received report yesterday tha
Il four prisoners had ESCAPED from Pre-
+ toria."
Meanwhile 1t appears that the inhabi
tants Of Pretoria are harassed by al
sorts OF imaginary stories attributini
savage intentions to the conquerin,
troops, and many touching and dramat
Is scenes are said to have been wit
messed at the capital. where farewell
are hourly taking place between thos
who choose to remain in the city ant
those who deem 1t wise to depart
Many prominent citizens. whose activ
ity in connection with the war ha
brought them under the ban of Lor,
Roberts proclamation. have becom
refugees. and they are expected toiden
!, tify themselves with the campaigl
which President Kruger. according t
reports. is preparing to direct from tn
h Lydenburg hills as a base. 1t Is said
" however. that some OF these offender
think further resistance useless. an,
are already on their way to places o
safety outside their own country.
Rebellion In Cape Colony shows sur
pristng signs Of life. altho the Londo
papers declare the recent development
there possess no general significance
Gep. Butler seems to be having NOR
e or less trouble with the ..dlsorganixe
rabble" that opposed him at Lalng'
nek. but Iondoners cherish the hop
that something may come OF his flank
~ movement directed against the Bo
- IN q vr5Asid