The evening times., 1900-05-31

LONDON. May 31.-The War Office is
prepared TO hear at any moment that the
flight of President Kruger and his Execu-
tive Council from Pretoria has been fol-
lowed by the unconditional surrender Of
the Beers remaining In the Transyaal cap
ttaI. the negotiations with the British be-
ing conducted by the leaders OF the peace
party II the capital Of the Transvaal has
not already been entered by General Rob-
erts' ferces 1t is at the mercy Of the
British.
There is practically no doubt that the
South African war is now ended and that
while detached bodies of burghers may
conduct guerrilla operations in isolated 10
calities, there will be little resistance in
force BY the Boer troops.
General Roberts dispatches show that
he has surrounded johannesburg and by
this time the Gold City must be in his pos
session.
Kruger is probably we'll on his way to
Lydenburg, II he has not already reached
that Boer stronghold.
The unofficial despatch received this
hands Of the British, and that President
Kruger. accompanied by his chief advis-
ers, h1d fed to Watervalhoven. on the
DeIagoa Bay Railroad, about $50 miles
northeast Of Pretoria WatervalhOyen is
10 miles from the border Of the TransvaaI
and only forty miles from Lydenburg, the
great Boer stronghold in the mountains.
It was at first believed that Kruger bad
gone to Lourenco Marques. in order to sail
for Holland. It is now thought that his
destination is Liydenburg.
The report is that Kruger left his capt
tai when General Roberts aJve-se guard
was within a few hours march o, the city;
that the garrison In the Pretoria forts was
first dismissed and the burghers of the
peace party afterward formed committee
OF safety to guard life and property and
to receive the British Army.
TrainIOads of Refugees.
Five trainloads of refugees from Preto-
ria are said to have reached Lourenco
Marques and others are expected. Great
quantities OF gold have also arrived at that
point, having been sent out OF the Trans
vaal.
1t is reported in Lourenco Marques that
large numbers of Beers have made ar
rangem snts to start at once for the United
States. There is also a report that many
CT tn burghers viii retire into Rhodssia
The mornings report concerning the
evacuaIOn OF Pretoria by armed Beers and
its occupation by General Roberts a6-
vance forces brought a large crowd to the
vicinity of the Mansion House
There was, however a noticeable absence
of the Wild demonstrations that have char
acterized the crowds on recent occasions
Not cheer was heard, and the people are
awaiting the official confirmation of the
newspaper reports There is a general
opinion, however. that formidable hostIli-
ties are at an end.
The War ONCE has received two
dispatches from General Roberts under
yesterdays date. johannesburg had not
been occupied by the Commander in Chief
up to the time he sent the latest adyices.
Roberts hsving entered into an agreement
with the Boer conmandart at that place
not TO take possession Of the town for
twenty-four hours. the purpose being to
avoid disorder and destruction il possible.
Acce -ding to Roberts dispatches, the
British have had considerable fghting dur
ing the past few days. sustaining some
casualties. Rundle fought the Beers near
senekal on May 2S. with some losses. Bra.
bart had two patrols cut of by the burgh-
eT= and taken prisoners.
General Roberts Dispatches.
General Roberts dispatches follow:
''Germiston. May SG-(9:50 p. ny
The brunt of the fighting yesterday
fell on Hamilton's column ] had sent
him as already mentioned to work
round the west OF johannesburg in
support Of French's cavalry which was
directed TO go north near the road
leading 10 Pretoria l have not heard
from French as yet.
"Hamiltons report which has Just
reached me states that about l o'clock
in the afternoon he found his way
blocked by the enemy, who were
strongly posted on kopjes and ridges
three miles south of the Rand. They
had two heavy guns. several field
guns, and pOmpOns. Hamilton imme-
diately attacked them. Tie GordoHs
led on the right, ana captured one ex-
tremity of the ridge. Then they
wheeled round and worked along until
after dark. clearing it of the enemy,
who fought most obstnately. The city
Of LOadon Imperial Volunteers led the
other flank, and would not be denied.
But the chief share of the action, as in
casualties. fell to the GOrdons whose
gallant advance excited the admiration
Of all Z
Hamilton is now at Florida. due
west of Johannesburg. French is a few
miles to the northeast Gordon's Cav
airy, the Mounted Infantry, and the
Seventh Division hold the heights north
Quick service 10 Kansas City via
n. < o.
And points beyond, as well a. intermediate. or
r. & O. train. leaving Washington 1905 a. m
reaching st. Louis al 1910 and Kansas Cit,
o.gO N uavr 1qI