The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-02-27
CEN. CRONJE GIVES UP.

I'VE shall not jump at the conclusion
that the war is over but that a victory
has been gained which brings the end
well in sight. Gen. Cronje no doubt sue
ceeded in delaying Lord Roberts en-
trance into Bloemfontein, but the delay
is all he has been able to accomplish.
The Westminster Gazette which is
inclined to be pro-Boer says:
Admiration for the vaIor of Gen.
Cronje is mingled with anger at the ne
cessity upon US of purchasing victory
at this cost. Let US remember Paarde-
berg if we like, but forget Majuba and
have done with the Whole train of mis-
leading associations and mischievous
ideas which gathered around that un-
happy memory"
Further details of the dramatic sur
render of Gen. Cronje at Paardeberg
are eagerly awaited. The Boer COM
mander's forces are varieusly estimated
at 4,000 to 5000. Speculation is rife as
to how soon Lord Roberts will be able
to press on to Bloemfontein, but before
he enters the capital of the Free State
he will undoubtedly have to overcome
a powerful force and take strong en-
trenchments.
The news of Gen. Cronje's surrender
was received with unbounded satisfac-
ton at Windsor. The queen immediate
" telegraphed her congra tulations to
Lord Roberts and the troops.
HOW "BOBS" DID IT.
London, Feb 27.-5:O2 p. m.-The war
Office has received the following dis
patch from Lord Roberts:
''Paardeberg, Il O'Clock Tuesday
mOrning.-From information furnished
daily to me by the intelligence depart
Cronje's force was becoming more de-
pressed and that the discomfort of the
troops and the discOrd among the lead
ers was rapidly increasing. This feel
ing was doubtless accenIuated by the
disappointment caused when the Boer
reinfOrcements which tried to relieve
Gen. CrOnje We're defeated by our
troops on February %. 1 resolved there
fore to bring PRESSURE to bear upon the
enemy. Each night the trenches We're
pushed forward toward the enemy 5
laager so as to gradually contract his
position and at the same time I bonn
barded it heavily with artillery, which
was yesterday materially aided by the
arrival of four siX-inch HOwitZers
which I had ordered up from De Aar.
In carrying out these measures a
captive balloon gave great assistance
by keeping us informed of the DISPOSE
tions and movements of the enemy. At
3 a. m. today a most dashing advance
was made by the Canadian regiment
ana some engineers supported Dy lHt
First Gordon HighlanderS and Second
Shropshires, resulting in our gaining
a point some six hundred yards nearer
the enemy within about so yards of his
| trenches when our men entrenched
themselves and maintained their posi-
tiOns till morning, a gallant deed, worthy
of our colonial comrades and which [
am glad to say was attended by COM
paratively slight loss.
This apparently clinched matters,
for at daylight today d letter signed
by Gen. Cronje in which he stated that
he surrendered unconditionally was
brought to our outposts under flag of
truce.
In my reply I told Gen. Cronje he
must present himself at my camp and
that his forces must come out of their
laager after laying down their arms.
BY I a m. 1 received Gen. CrOnje and
dispatched a telegram to you announc-
ing the fact. In the course of conversa-
tion he asked for kind treatment at
our hands. and also that his wife,
grandson, private secretary, adjutant
and servants might accompany him
wherever he might be sent. [ reas-
sured him and told him his request
would be complied with. / Informed
him that a general officer would be
sent with him to Cape Town to ensure
his being treated With proper respect en-
route. He will start this afternoon un-
/ der charge OF Major General Prettyman
who will hand him over to the general
! commanding a Cape Town.
THE prisoners who number about
5000 will be formed into commands
under our own officers. They will also
leave here today. reaching the Modder
river tomorrow when they will be rallied
to Cape Town in detachments."
The above dispatch was read both
+ in the house of lords and in the house of
commons today. The reference to the
/ Canadians evoked immense and pro-
/ lOnged cheering
Mr.. A. ]. BalfOur, the government
/ leader in the house of commons, said he
had no information relative to the Boer
/ guns.
PRISONERS NUMBER 4000
London Feb 27.-6:25 p. NIT is now