The evening times., 1900-05-14
The Occupation of Kroonstad.


The Occupation of KroOnstad.
The capture of the second Free State
capital by Lord Roberts without serious
fighting. in the opinion of European mill
tary experts. marks the Beginning of the
end of the South African war The Beers
had constructed an elaborate system OF
defences at Kroonstad, and If their spirit
had been equal to the occasion. could have
made rear-guard fight that would have
made British success costly. But they dis
covered in time that they were seientif-
eally fanked. and that If they did not re-
tire at once, they would be enveloped The
divisions of Tucker and Ian Hamilton. on
the right, and those Of French and Hutton,
on the LEFT, rendered the Boer position IN
tenable. The Transvaalers trekked north
ward for the Vaal. and the Free Staters.
or those Woo did not desert alto
gether divided. and half went toward
Lindiey. forty-flve miles southeast
Of Kroonstad. and the remainder
to Heiibron. where Steyn will
establish temporary seat of government
As usual. Botha managed TO carry of his
men and guns. He has probably ten thou
sand troops. II appears probable that he
will not receive any further aid from the
Free Staters, most of whom want TO Quit
lighting and submit. and none of whom
appear willing 70 take part in the defence
Of the Transvaal. This is a serious con-
sideration for the Boer commander, since
even with all the strength the Free Stat
ers could give him if they would. he would
be greatly Ogtnumbered and unable to offer
any effective resistance to Lord Roberts
|, advance. The situation has at length re-
vealed itself TO the war council at Pre-
| toria, and Kruger is reported as preparing
to remove the TransvaaI capital TO Lyden-
burg. in expectation OF the early invest
| ment of Pretoria. Roberts will rest a few
days at KrOonstad. and then continue his
march to the boundary. IL does not seem
likely that he will meet With any impor-
tant opposition south of the Vaal. or that
his crossing of that river can be much IN
peded- He appears to have the game in
his own hands. thanks to his ability TO
increase his mounted force by three or
four divisions; thus neutralizing the for
mer Beer advantage OF superior mobility
Late news from Natal confirms earlier
reports OF heavy fighting on Buffers front.
Particulars are yet wanting but it is evil
dent that the Boer position on the Biggars-
berg range has been turned HeIpmaakar
( has been taken and occupied. and the
British general expects 10 be in possession
Of Dundee today. This information would
seem TO 'indicate a successful long turn
/ movement. which, possibly, may make diff
/ feult Boer retreat by Laing's Nek.
| Rundle's and Brabant's columns are still
( pressing the Beers in the southeast of the
| Free State. The latter are reported as
/ trekking northward toward Harrismith. II
/ is possible that a division from Buffers
army may be sent through Van Reenen.s
/ Pass to attack them. Their movements
do Lot seem to interest Lord Roberts, par
| hcularly. He probably considers the de-
| tachments operating against them sufi-
| eient for all purposes. The advance to the
/ Naai will proceed without reference to the
conditions in the Thaba " Chu-Lady-
brand region.
London was excited last night by re-
port that Mafeking had been relieved. The
story has not been. confirmed. bu. it NAV
be true. IN the most favorable cireum-
stances Hunters advance could reach the
town today BadenPcwell is believed to
have only food enough to last until next
Saturday. Lord Roberts had promised him
TO raise the siege by May IS. Tie chances
seem good that the promise viii be per-
formed But it is also likel, that the
Beers viii make fight befcse allowing the
British to enter the town.