Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-11
Rush Of Applicants for English
War Loan Has Commenced.
VIEWS of GREAT BRITAIN
a scmt-Onlcial Statement Bnsod Upon
Messages From tile Presidents of tho
South African Republics Tho Queen
Departs From London-Tho Rebellion
Spreads in the Capo Colony More Re-
Inducements for Lord Roberts Rumors
ofFighting.
tBy Telegraph to v,rs,r,an-Pnot.,


London, March 11-2:2o n. MIN the
absence Of important news from the
seat of war, speculation is rife regard
ing the probability of an early peace.
President Kruger's appeal to Lord
Salisbury for a cessation of hostilities.
announced Friday. Is taken as fore
shadowing that the end will soon be in
sight.
The Governments views are probably
enunclated in the following semi official
statement issued last night:
ut IS understood that the Govern
ment does not consider that the time
has yet come for any authoritative
statement as to ultimate terms OF peace
and no member OF the Cabinet has au-
thorized any published statement on
the subject. II Is, Of course, generally
understood by all political parties in
this country that. so far as the South
African Republics are concerned. the
status quo ante bellum cannot remain
unaltercd after the close of hostiltties.
Their part in the system, which In
volve q large measure OF political and
military independence, will or course
he materially modified as a result of
the war, but the growing prospects OF
restored peace must be further adj
vanced before Her Mnjestys govern
ment can either finally formulate pro-
posed terms of settlement or make any
announcement of their PLAN"
MEsSAGD REPLIED TO.
London, March 1O.-Several papers
announce that the Government Tues
day received five messages from Presi-
dent Kruger and President Stcyn, in
Dutch asking upon what terms a ces-
sation of hostilitIes could be brought
about. The messages surprised and de-
lighted the department concernd. While
their tenor was understood, it was
found necessary to summon persons
thoroughly capable of accurately inter-
preting the messages, all OF which were
filed at Bloemfontcn.
The Cabinet officers convened We'd
nesday to consider the message, and it
Ia believed that an uncompromising re-
ply was sent, which Is known to have
reached Bloemfontein by the same
means as the Boer cablegram reached
the Government. The nature of the re-
ply was such as to lead to q further,
but gradual, retirement OF the Boer
forces.
THE SITUATION SUMMARIZED.
London, March 11.-Spencer WillSin-
son summarized the situation in South
Africa for the Associated Press at mid
night as follows:
probably only the result of recon-
noiesance. and it seems to be premature
to assume that any movement in large
force is in progress in that direction.
General Butler, as soon as communl-
cations are in order, will certainly do
what he can to keep the Bocr force in
Natal engaged and to prevent them all
from being used to reinforce the army
resisting Lord Roberts. 1 expect Lord
Roberts TO strike I3loemfontein in a day
Or two. AS to Mafeking. if it Is not
relieved very soon the place must fall.
One, therefore, hopes a brigade was
sent up from Kimberley for its relief
within a day or two of the evacuation
OF Magcrsfontcin by the Beers. There
has been time for such a column to
reach Mafeking by road, but there is
no direct evidence of its existence. and
the wish is father to the thought
a LIGHT SKIRMIsH.
Boer Headquarters, Biggarsberg,
March 9.-Shots were exchanged this
morning near Helpmaaker, with n
small body Of British, who retired
hastily.
Scouts report that the British main
advance Is coming from Ladysmith to-
wards Sundays river.
MORE FIGHTING.
Pretoria, March 9.-The President
mas returned from Bloemfonteln. Cen
erdl Joubert is expected here shortly.
Fighting commenced in the direction
Of Helpmaaker this morning.
London. March 10.-The rush OF appl-
cants for the war loan commenced Mt
the Bank of England and the various
other banks where prospectuses were
obtalnable Immediately after they were
opened to-day, and steady stream of
people continued throughout the day.
All sorts and conditions Of persons were
present-silk hated financiers, fine
ladies. farmers clerks. governesses and
thrifty representatives of nil classes
They appeared anxious to stuff their
money into Britannia's pockets, and Il
Is estimated that the war loan was
over-subscribed within two hours after
the time of the opening of the banks.
REBELLION SPREADING.
Carnarvon, Cape Colony, March 10
General Kitchener has arrived ct Victo-
ria West TO organize yariouc coIu,rns