Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-15
HERO OF THE HOUR.

London, March is (4:50 a. m.)-Thc
first half Of the campaign is over. Lord
Roberts arrived at Modder River on
February Q. lie entered Bloemfonteln
on March 13. Thus, in q little over n
month, he had affected the relief of
kimberley and Ladysmith, the capture
of General Cronjc's forces and the
hosting Of the British flag in the capt.
tai of the Free State. All this has
been accomplished with comparatively
triflinE losses.
II is small wonder that he is the hero
of the hour in England. All the news
papers eulogize him and congratulate
the country. They talk of the Free
State as having passed out of exist
ence, and as being now one OF the
shadows OF history.
HEAVY FIGHTING EXPECTED.
1t is not doubted there may yet be
heavy fighting, but the genius of Lord
Roberts is looked TO for victory over all
difficulties. His grim reference to the
late" President Steyn is understood
to show that there shall be no am
biEuity as to the position assumed to-
ward the Republics The fact that Mr..
Frazer late chairman OF the Free State
Rad and leader of the opposition to
MIR. 'Steyn, came with the denutatlon to
surrender the keys, Is regarded as ex-
tremeiy significant of considerable diff
ferences of opinion among the Free
Staters regarding the war.
y GOOD AUGURY.
It is said that President Kruger hates
Mr.. Frazer on account Of his sympa-
thy with the Outlanders. The demon
strations OF the Bloemfontein inhab-
itants are also regarded rs a good
augury for the future of British su-
premacy.
1t is interesting in connection with
the rapid advance of Lord Roberts to
learn that the Russian military at
tache with the Beers who were cap
tured by the British sent the following
telegram to the Gear:
Il am perfectly amazed at the en-
ergy in action and the endurance of
the British infantry. I need say no
more"
There is Still no news as to whether
Lord Roberts has captured any rolling
stock. II he has not, then he will be
obliged TO wait until the repairing of
the bridge over the Orange river ena-
bles him to bring rolling stock up.
FIGHTING IN PROGRESS.
The British continue pressing their
advance on the Orange river. The
Beers still hold Bethulie bridge, on the
north side of the stream, but their
trenches are dominated by the British
artillery. Heavy firing is in progress,
Lord Kitchener seems to be very
successful In reducing the extent Of the
Dutch rising.
WILL DESTROY JOHANNESBURG.
New York March 15.-Montagu White
confirms the rumors that the Beers
will utterly destroy Johannesburg If
forced to do so. Pretoria could not be
defended he says, If Johannesburg were
permitted to remain.
e.. - -. ~ ~
STRONG POSITIONS.
Ladysmth, Wednesday, March IL
The Beers have been located in several
strong positions near the junction of
the Brakenesberg and the Biggarsberg
ranges. They have heavy guns in po-
sition on Pongwoni kop at Hlatikulu,
and in the Impati mountains, as we'll as
1t Gibson's farm, near Cundycleugh
Pass. General Hunter now commands
the division. Both men and horses of
the relief column are completely re-
covered and are now in the pink of
condition. The reconstruction OF the
railway from Ladysmith to Dundee is
progressing rapidly.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
London. March 14.-The following is