The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-03-24

Hs Hurrying to the Rendezvous.
LONDON. March PA despatch from
Kimberley, dated March %. 1925 p. m,
says:
The Beers have blown up the bridge at
Kroonstad and are supposed to be retiring
from that point"
If this information is correct in its en-
tirety IL indicates a radical change in the
intentions Of the Beers. For the past
week advices have stated that Krons;ad
had been selected as the next battle point
of the federated forces. Supplies and arms
were being massed there and all of
the scattering bands Of burghers have been
making strenuous efforts to join the main
army. supposed to be under Joubert's com
mand, at that point. Hence. any abandon
y At Of KroOnstad means new develop
h.ents in Joubert's plans. 4 possible and
suggested explanation OF such movement,
provided il has been made, is that the
gathering OF British troops to the rorth
and west OF Mafeking imperils the safety
Of Pretoria and makes prudent defence
Of the Transvaal at a shorter range.
ColOniaIs Driven Northward.
The Kimberley despatch continues as fol-
lows: The Imperial Yeomanry. under
command Of Lord Chesham, marched ten
miles to the westward today and discov-
cred that the Colonial Dutch rebels are
being driven northward by General Kitch-
ener's troops. The advance from here is
being delayed, owing to the arrival
OF the additional troops. There are 500
Beers az Fourteen Streams with four guns
and sniping continues across the river"
Five thousand Beers, with sixteen guns.
in retreat along the BasutOland border
are in imminent danger Of being hemmed
IN and meeting the fate Of Cronje's army
Il is believed a force, specially despatch
ed by General Roberts. is chasing them
and that French viii head them on
Tidings OF these fleeing burghers who
are making their way northeast from Nor
walls PCnt and Betbulie, in the hope OF
sluding General Roberts. and joining the
.3oers at Kroonst3d. have been received
from different points in their progress.
Yesterday General French was reported 10
have located them TO the southclstward OF
Bloemfontein. Today word comes from
springfontein that they are in retreat
north Of Smith, aud that mounted scouts
are harassiEg them.
IL Is believed az Springscntein that a
column sent out by General Roberts from
Bloemfontein will be able % catch up
with them and round them up with the
help Of General French ami his cavalry.
u brought 10 bay. these Beers. with their
sixteen guns, will doubtless render good
account Of themselves, especially il they
can get to a good position and fo-tify
it before the two British armies sur
round them.
A Despatch From Roberts.
The War Office has received the follow
ing from Lord Roberts:
"Bloemfontein, March %. 9.35 p. n
There is no special news. The country 20
the south is settling. arms are being deIiv-
cred and the people are beginning to bring
in supplies for sale. The movements of
troops in the western district have been at
tended with good results"
This disposes OF the reported capture OF
General Gatacre.
located a commando Of 500 under Comman-
dant Vanderpost entrenched near Faure-
smith. In answer to a demand for surren-
der Vanderpost declared he would fight 70
the bitter end.
Commandant Olivier with 500 fighters
and 20 wagons has been located fleeing
in the direction OF Sand River The Basu-
tos are closely watching his movements
within ten miles Of the border. Scouts
from Springfontein entered Smithfeld on
Wednesday and captured IOO, 600 rounds OF
ammunition. They met with no opposi-
tion.
Colonel Herchmer, OF the Canadian
Mounted Rifles. is con, ,aleseeut and viii
leave Carnaryon FOR the front on SUNDAY.
Mr.. Fraser, member OF the late Execu-
tive Council. who Yves one Of the men who
surrendered Bloemfontcin to Lord Rob
erts. has been appointed Administrator Of
the Orange Free State
Sir Alfred Miner. Governor Of Cape Col
ony, has arrived al Dordrecht
Orange Free state Affairs.
despatch from a correspondent with
General Roberts army. dated at Bloem-
fontein, today. 1O:45 a. m, says:
"A first examination Of the machinery
OF the intcr7al finance of the Orange Free
State shows that the books, dealing with
investments, savings bank deposits. State
loans to farmers, etc. are in perfect order.
Both the financial and judicial systems ap-
pear to be perfectly adapted 20 the conn
try. a high British official expressed sur
prise at finding such evidences OF good
management in the little model State
where there has been so much political
and executive mismanagement The gem
eral situation is quiet.
In response TO Lord Roberts procla-
nation, the Free State Beers are stil com
ing in and surrendering their arms. Sew
eral groU:,s came in today. Rudyard Kip
ling arrived here this morning"