Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1900-03-24
THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.
ROBERTS WORK HALF DONE.
Free Stnters Observation-Disclosures
ers Sent to the Island of 50. Helena
Some Boer Positions Impregnn-

Il.
London, March l9.-Amidst the fcstiv-
tiles of St Patrick's day, London was lis
tening for word that Mafeling is relieved
1t is remarkable that the revival of this
holiday, which puts st. Patrick's here
after on AN equality with Primrose day,
has been the occasion of the first real gala
day since the declaration of war Christ
mastide was gloomy, indeed, in compar-
ison with today's merrymaking.
There is much in the situation in South
Africa to justify the joy, however, for
the rapid pacifcation of the Free Staters
leads Englishmen to believe they have
a statesman, as we'll as a strategst hero,
in "Bobs."
With railway communication open to
the Cape and the morale of his army at
its highest England is now ready to trust
the commander-in-chief to complete the
remainder of his task in his own way,
confident of his ultimate success
The Transvaal officials are said to have
vacated Laing's and Vrybug, but the
rebels are unwilling to enter the Trans
vaal, being anxious to trek homeward.
No one would be much surprised if a
great spread of this contagion occurred
in the next fortnight.
Lady Randolph Churchill, who started
homeward on the hospital ship Maine,
cabled to the committee that she regards
it a compliment to the United States that
the Maine was the first ship to leave since
Iadysmith was relieved. There were II
officers and 1873 commissioned officers
and men aboard the Maine.
The peaceful conquest of the Orange
Free State progresses 50 evenly that it
is now believed that there will be little
or no fighting until Lord Roberts reaches
the Vaal river When the move comes it
will doubtless be accomplished with the
secrecy and swiftness which have charac-
terized all the British advances since Lord
Roberts assumed command. In the mean
while the fate of Mafeking remains UNI
known. The revolt of the Cape Dutch
in the northeast seems to have its back
broken, and it is likely General Kitch-
ener will soon resume his place beside his
chief.
The lull that let's the British troops in
the Natal and the Free State recuperate
brings no rest to the engineers and trans
port service.
Girord, the young Canadian officer who
rules supreme over the railroads, is now
putting his system to the most severe
test in an endeavor to pour supplies from
Cape Town to Bloemfontein.
DIR. Leyds, who disappeared from Brus-
sells, according to a Globe special, is be-
lieved to have come to London, but noth'
| ing is known here about his arrival. II
seems scarcely likely that he would jump
! into the lions mouth, and the energetic
Boer representative is more likely to be
heard of at one of the European capitals
1t has been decided to send only the
Transvaalers to st. Helena, the authorities
finding it difficult to prevent conflicts be
/ tween the Free Staters and the Trans
walters.
Colonel Schiol, who was captured in
Natal in the early part of the war, has
special sentry at his door to prevent
| him from doing himself bodily violence
Captain johnson and Third Officer Boil
tege of the steamer Mashona, captured
by a British cruiser, and subsequently
released, were drowned in a gale last
night. Four others were drowned, and a
boats crew from the Cheshire is missing
Strong at Van Reenan's Pass.
Ladysmith, March l9.-Lord Dundon-
AIDS cavalry patrols reconnoitered the
Free State border of Basutoland to the
Debers pass, where a slight skirmish oc-
Cured, in which two British were wound
ed. The Beers were also encountered in
some strength at Van Reenan's pass and
Tintwas pass.
Kaffirs arriving here report that the
Beers are manifesting a vndictive mood
owing to their defeats and many kraals
heretofore respected have been devas-
tated.
A lumber of ambulances attached to
the Boer forces were found near Modder
Spruit, having been abandoned by the
Beers because they were unable to keep
pace with the retreat. They were brought
into camp, where the wounded were cared
for. Transports were subsequently sup
piled and the ambulances were sent to
the Boer lines.
BurGhersdOrp Bereft of Beers.
Burgersdorp, March l9-Commandant
Oliyeier evacuated his position on the hill
in front of the British during the night.
Several Beers of his force have surren-
dered. DR.. Dewitt, a member of the Cape
parliament, and his brother have been ar
rested.
Nearer to MafeI<ing.