New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-01
COLLAPSE OF TIE BOERS.
ITS SUDDENNESS TAKES LONDON BY
SURPRISE-CONSUL HAYS WORK
IN PRETORIA.
IN PRETORIA.
Copyright. 1860: By The New-York Tribune ]
IBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE

[BY CABLE TO THE TR1BUHEI
London. June / a. m.-The war is closing
with something like an anri-climax. but with
logical consistency. Johannesburg has been oc-
cupied without struggle. and Pretoria either
has been or win be taken without siege. The
last stage OF the march between BIoemfonteIn
and Pretoria has been hardly more than hoI-
day promenade. and President Krilger's predic-
ZION that the price would ''stagger humanity
has not been fulfilled. A brigade Of English
prisoners has virtually been released, and the
war ends without the scenes Of carnage and
despairtng Dutch vaIor which have been antici-
pated.
London was dazed yesterday by the sudden
ness OF the collapse Of the Boer defences and
the Quietness and precision with which General
Roberts had worked out his purpose Flags
We're fiuttering from housetops but there was
no reveI OF public rejoicing in the streets The
popular enthusiasm was smothered by the anti
climax OF the tame ending after an eight
months campaign filed with startling surprises
and dramatic incidents Yet there was some
thing logical in the coincidence which brought
Ian HamlIron's column within a few miles of the
scene Of Jameson's surrender when what
likely 10 prove the last battle of The war was
fought The campaign, so far as actual hostiH-
ties are concerned, has ended within gunsaot
beaten back from krligersdoTp.
AN INCOMPLETE STORY.
The story OF these closing scenes is Incom-
pleUe. and there are missing links in the official
chain. EariIton's column which was support
ing French's cavalry brigades. was confronted
on Tuesday with a Boer force strongly in
trenched among The kopjes west of Johannes
burg Hamilton attacked the position with
vigor, although It was defended with Two heavy
guns and other artillery. The Beers fought
with persistent courage. but the kopjes were
cleared before uightfau The Gordons. who
were nearly cut 70 pieces at MagersfOntein.
Showed how well they could fight by capturing
one position after another and the City I'm
perlal Volunteers. at the opposite end Of the
line, displayed equal gaIantry. Hamiltons
column after clearing the hills advanced 10
Florida on the railway between Johannesburg
and Kriigersdorp, and halted there Wednesday
night, while French was Oh the road to Pretoria,
q tew miles away. General Roberts had de-
ferred for twenty-f3ur hours his entry INFO
johannesburg, but the Seventh Division was
hot1-ng the hills north Of the city. and portion
O. i1anlton's column was guarding the western
approaches. Johannesburg was defenceless. and
tne local authorities mad arranged for the Brit
lsh occupation and protection OF the mines. The
city had been surrendered, and General Roberts
and Commandanr kraus were cooperating TO
prevent an outbreak Of violence and the destruc-
ton Of valuable property
he chief breaks IN the continuity Of this story
we're caused by the lack Of information respect
iLg Frsnchs cavalry force and PoIe-Carew's
clVlsion with The Guards Brigade Both forces
We're known 10 be moving in the direction Of
pretoria. 5ut not so rapidly as Lord Rosslyns
imagination had pictured Pretoria was at the
mercy of the advancing cavalry and infantry,
and arrangements had been made for the
fencer Il the capital and for the release Of the
BRUSH Prisoners, bur there was no official news
respecting these two events at midnight.
johannesburg had been occupied on Thursday
me British troops under General Roberts hav-
ing marched IN and The tag having been raised
over The Gold Reef City. The occupation Of Pre-
toTia IS toregone conclusion, even II it has not
occurred already.
EXPLANATIONS OF DUTCH ACTION.
There are two theories here respecting the
complete collapse Of the Dutch defence. one was
bflehy summed up by a prominent official yes
terday IN these words.
Kruger has been forced out The people Of
,1Ttofla are unwilling follow his fortunes
Iy.4seT and have taken measures TO prCsecr the
c4y against siege and devastation He has
gone 70 Lydenburg IN a final attempt to rally
l4F i7oerk N that mountain stronghold. and the
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