Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1900-03-30
PEACE In SIGHT.
Taken as Foreshado wing that the
War I'm the south frican Repub-
lies WIZ Soon End-An Uneompro-
misipg Reply

London, ynt. .'"' in IN.
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 Sal
lsoury for a cessation OF hostilities, an
nounced on Friday, is taken as fore
shadowing that the end will soon be in
sight.
Inc governments views are probably
enunciated in the following semi-offi-
clal statement issued last night: 1T is
understood that the government does
not consider that the time has yet come
for any authoritative statement as to
ultimate terms of peace, and no MEM
Der OF the Cabinet has authorized any
published statement on the subject. 1t
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 bell
lum cannot remain unaltered after the
close of hostilities. Their part in the
system which involves a large measure
Of political and military independence.
will of course be materially modified as
ItSull OI the war, out the growing
prospects of restored peace must be
further advanced before Her Majesty's
government can either finally formu-
late proposed terms OF settlement or
make any announcement OF their plan"
London, March 11.-Spencer Wilkin-
son summarized the situation in South
Africa for the Associated Press at mid
night as follows:
The fighting near Helpmaaker is
probably only the result of reCOnnaiS-
sance, and il seems to be premature to
assume that any movement in large
force is in progress in that direction.
General Butler as soon as COmmuni-
cations are in order. will certainly do
what he can to keep the BOer force in
Natal engaged and to prevent them all
from being used to reinforce the army
resisting Lord Roberts. / expect Lord
Roberts to strike BlOemfOntein in
day or two. AS to Mafeking, if 1t 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 Magersfontein by the Beers. There
has been time for such column to
reach Mafeking by road, but there is
no direct evidence of it's existence, and
the wish is father to the thought.
London, March 10.--SeVeral papers
Tuesday received five messages from
President Kruger and President Steyn,
in Dutch, asking upon what terms
cessation of hostilities could be brought
about. The messages surprised and de-
lighted the department concerned.
While their tenor was understood, it
was found necessary to summon per-
sons thoroughly capable of accurately
interpreting the messages, all of which
were filed at BlOemfOntein.
The Cabinet convened on Wednesday
to consider the messages, and it is be-
lieved that an uncompromisng reply
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 further
but gradual retirement Of the Boer
forces.
Carnarvon, Cape Colony, March 10
General Kitchener has arrived at VIC
toria West to organize various columns
for the purpose of suppressing the re-
bellion which is spreading in this dis
trict Minor fighting has occurred in
several directions.
Boer Headquarters, Biggarsberg,
March 9.-ShOts were exchanged this
morning near Helpmaaker with small
body of British, who retired hastily.
Scouts report that the British main
advance is coming from Ladysmith to-
wards Sundays river
Pretoria March 9-The President has
returned from BlOemfOntein. General
Joubert is expected here shortly. Fight
ing commenced in the direction OF
Helpmaaker this morning.
jamestown, Cape Colony, March 10
General Brabant's column left at day.
break for Aliwal North.