Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1900-06-07
BRITISH FLAG
OYER PRETORIA.
Troops Of Lord Roberts Occupy The
BOer Capital.
ENGLAND is CELEBRATING.
Occupation of the City Regarded as Vir
tual Ending of the War and the Bri'
tons Go Wild With Enthusiasm.

London, June Sit was announced
verbally at the War Office this afternoon
that Lord Roberts entered Pretoria at
O'Clock, South Africa time.
London, June 5.-At two O'Clock this
afternoon, almost eight months after the
declaration of war, Lord Roberts entered
Pretoria.
While the commander-in.chief of the
greatest army Great Britain ever put in
the field was fulfilling the promise he
made to the Guards at Bloemfontein to
lead them into the capital of the Trans
vaai, England was celebrating the event
with the widest enthusiasm. Throughout
the length and breadth Of the country the
news spread like wild-fre. Based upon
the recollection ofrecent European wars,
when the occupation Of the enemy's capl-
tai signl6ed the end of hostlities, Lord
Roberts terse telegram was universally
taken to mean practically the finish of the
war, which has tlied Great Britain's mill
tary resources as they were never tried
before.
In London the Mansion House and the
War Office almost instantly became the
centres for jubiant throngs. Flags again
appeared as if by magic, and the traffic
had to be diverted through other streets
Joyful throngs thundered cheers and sang
"God Save the Queen" hats holsted from
thousands of heads were waved in exult'
ant hands and shimmered like a coal-bed
in the sun.
TIE UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.
London, June 5. LII p. m.-The War
Office has received the following from
Lord Roberts
"Pretoria, June 5.--l2:55 p. m.-Just
before dark yesterday the enemy were
beaten back from nearly all of the posi-
tions which they had been holding, and
Ian Hamilton's mounted infantry followed
them to within two thousand yards of Pre-
toria, through which they retreated hasti-
ly. De Llsle then sent an officer with a
flag of truce into the town demanding its
surrender in my name. Shortly before
midnight l was awakened by two officials
of the South African Republic, Sandberg
military secretary 20 Commandant General
Botha, and general officer of the Boer
army, who brought me letter from Botha
proposing an armistice for the purpose Of
settling the terms of surrender.
81 replied that would gladly see about
it, but that was not prepared to discuss
any terms, as the surrender of the town
must be unconditional. asked for re-
ply by daybreak, as l had ordered the
troops to march on the town as soon as it
was light.
"In his reply Botha decided not to de-
feud Pretoria, and that he trusted women,
children and property would be protected.
At la. IN. today, while on the line OF
march, was met by three of the principal
officials with flag of truce, stating that
they wished to surrender the town.
"It was arranged that Pretoria should
be taken possession of by Her Majesty s
troops at O'Clock this afternoon.
'Mrs. 3otha and Mrs. Kruger are both
in Pretoria. Some few of the British pris'
oners have been taken away, but the ma
iority are still at Waterfall. Over hun
dred of the officers are in Pretoria. The
few have seen are looking well.