New-York tribune., 1900-05-25
THE END DRAWS NEAR.
OFFICIAL. OPINION IN LONDON THAT PRE-
ToRIA WILL FALL BY JUNE Is.


Icopyr1eht: 1900: BY The New-York Trtbune.l
TBy CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.1
London, May %. 1 a m.-The retreat Of
Botha's forces from the Rhenoster to the Vaal
serves TO convince military men that the end of
the war is rapidly drawing This is with
out doubt the official view. although nobody
connected with either the War Office or the
Headquarters Staff is willing to be quoted to
that effect The date for the occupation of Pre-
toria which is usually named among officials is
June 15. 1t is assumed by them that there will
be no delay either in the passage Of the Vaal or
in the occupation Of johannesburg. since Cen
eral Roberts, with his superiority of numbers
and his strength of mounted force. turn the
Beers out of every defensive position which they
may attempt to hold. They expect to see the
British flag flying over Johannesburg by the
end of another week, and Pretoria under siege
early in June
- General Roberts himself has been too wary to
make any forecasts respecting the duration Of
hostilities. The officials may have reasons of
their own for concluding that there will be peace
at the end of three weeks. but they are not neg
lecting TO send out reinforcements from Eng
fresh levies and details for stiffening the bat
talions and cavalry squadrons at the seat of
war.
Another matter which is discussed in official
circles with increasing interest is the Dutch re-
snonsihilitv for indemnities The Colonial Office
IS looking into this subject, and the experts are
calculating already the proportions which the
two republics contribute to the bill OF dam
ages from Cape Colony and Natal, and to the
British expenses for the war. South Africans
are not agreed upon the financial aspects Of the
problem and upon the most practical method Of
distributin, the burdens of costly war on the
basis Of population. The State Railway in the
Orange Free State is an available asset, but the
TransvaaI railways are nominally owned by
private corporation and cannot be seized by the
British Government. Land taxes levied upon
the Beers will yield little when they are inpov-
erished and the only adequate resource for the
payment OF a large indemnity is the mining ter
ritory of the Rand. General Bothas declara-
ton. quoted yesterday. that he would lead a
commando for the prevention OF the destruction
OF the mines, was wise and timely Why should
the only goose in Dutch Africa that can lay
golden eggs be killed?
There was no official news from the front yes
terday. and press dispatches received at mid
night merely added color and defniteness to
retreating TO the Vaal followed by General
Robertss cavalry. and there were signs of de-
moralization ana discomfort both in the Free
State and in Natal. The story of the successful
ambuscade Of Bethunes troopers the only
fringe Of light in the darkness settling down
upon Pretoria like black cloud. General Rob
erts's battalions were certainly advancing rap
idly toward the VaaI. and Buffers army seemed
20 be the point of moving, especially as the
l9Oere Nek were wa
Sir Thomas Upton was the happiest man in
the Queens dominion last night and American
appreciation OF mis- fine. sportsmanlike qualities
explained his good hunor The banquet at the
Hotel Cecil. at which the loving cup from
America was presented. revel of inter
national good feeling John n. Beach made the
Introductory speech, in which Upton was trans
formed from a rival yachtsman and foe into a
friend and brother, and the loss of the race into
q conquest Of the affections Of the American
people Nothing could have been heartier than
Mr. Beach's description Of this gift represent
ing Americas good will. and not single far
thing secured through personal solicitation. Mr.
Choate followed this tribute with a graceful
speech in his happiest vein. Other speeches were
made by Judge Lttler and others, and Sir
Thomas Upton himself was not so completely
overcome with modesty as TO be Silent. Among
the guests were the Lord Mayor Of Belfast. Sir
Robert Mcconnell. the Earl Of Clanwilliam.
Charles Russell, ex-senator Warner Miller, J.
f1erpont Morgan. Consul-GeneraI Osborne Gov
ernor Voorhees, of New-Jersey and a score Of
prominent Americans.
The most noteworthy Of the charities,
the National Bazaar opened by the Prin-
o'NEILLs GREAT SALE OF HATS
befO baV