The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-21
Steyn's Reply to Roberts's Warning
Against Misuse of White Flags
Regarded as Impertinent.
GEN. KITCHENER AT PRIEsKA
UNOPPosED BY EITHER FREE
SKATERS OR TRANsVAALERs.
Latter Fled and the Former surrend-
cred Their Arms - Salisbury
Scored by President Kruger.

LONDON, March u, 4:50 a. m.-While
there IS a lull in the military operations
the present surroundings of the war show
interesting developments. The Colonial Of
fice has telegraphed to Cape Town the text
OF the proclamation concerning the destruc-
ton OF property. This will not be pub
lished in London until after it's promulga-
tion In South Africa, but 1t is known it
will convey an intimation that any wanton
destruction of British property during the
war will be regarded warranting
claim for compensation and as justifying
levy on private property should the re-
sources of the Transvaal Republic prove
inadequate.
The fact that the proclamation is issued
by the Colonial Office is regarded as a Sig
nificant indication that the republics will
be administered as crown colonies. In this
connection IT is understood the leaders of
the opposition in Parliament now admit
that no other settlement is possible, since
the republics insist on their demand for
absolute independence. In view of this the
efforts of the Liberals will be confined 70
securing in the settlement the best treat
ment for the Dutch population, including
security against their disfranchisement.
A correspondent of the Daily News at
Bloemfontein. telegraphing Monday, March
10, says: 'I learn from johannesburg that
II is not true that the mines have been
flooded or otherwise damaged. beyond the
fact that the machinery is suffering from
disuse. My informant declares that the
whole story was fabricated to court SYM
pathy."
II is becoming regarded quite a set
tied matter that should the war be ended,
as is now hoped. before June. the govern
ment will dissolve Parliament and appeal
to the country on the basis of a successful
South African policy. Should the war drag
on dissolution will be postponed until next
spring. In any event one of the foremost
planks of the government platform will be
army reorganization.
There is no further information as to the
movements of Sir Alfred Miner. 1t is re-
garded as certain. however, that he has
gone to Bloemfontein to arrange for the
temporary administration of the Free
State.
Mr.. Steyn's reply to Lord Robertss
charge of the misuse OF flags of truce is
commented on as impertinent and ridicu-
lous. and Lord Roberts's course in closing
a useless discussion is commended as wise.
Indications from Natal seem to show that
General Buffers forward movement will
not be long delayed.
The government has decided that Major
General Sir Frederick Darlington shall
command a colonial force OF 5000. including
the $500 men Mr.. Chamberlain asked from
Australia which Will be stationed on the
northern Transvaal border. to prevent
Boer retreat or an incursion into Rhodesia.
A statement comes from Pretoria admit
ting that the Boer loss during the war ex-
ceeds 1000.
No fresh news has been received from
Mafeking, but Pretoria dispatch. dated
March Is, asserts that Colonel Plumer has
not been able to advance south of Lobatsi.