The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-03-18
REJOICING IN LONDON.

REJOICING IN LONDON.
London, March 1S.-(3:45 a. m. amidst
the festivities Of ST. Patrick's Day, Lon.
don has been listening today for the word
that Mafeking is relieved. 1t is remark
able that the revival of this holiday,
which puts ST. Patrick's Day hereafter
on equality with Primrose Day, has been
the occasion of the first real gala day
since the declaration of war. Christmas
tide was gloomy indeed in comparison
with today's merry markings, and the only
fllup needed was the news of the relief
of the besieged Mafeking.
There is so much in the situation IN
South Africa to justify rejoicing. how
ever, for the rapid pacifcation of tho
Free State leads people Of Great Britain
to believe that they have a statesman as
well as strategist in the hero of the
hour "Bobs."
The Transvaal officials are said TO have
vacated Taungs and Vryburg, but the
rebels are unwilling to enter the Trans
vaal, being anxious to trek homewards
No one would be much surprised if n
great spread OF this ccntagion occurred
in the next fortnight.
Lady Randolph Churchill who started
homeward Oh the hospital ship Maine yes
terday, cables to the committee that she
regards it as a compliment to the United
States that the Maine was the first ship
TO leave since Ladysmith was relieved.
There were IL officers and 1873 nom CON-
nissioned officers and men aboard the
Maine.
OUR REPLY NOT YET RECEIVED.
Pretoria March 15.-(Via Lourenzo
Marques March 16th)-The United States
Consul Adelbert Hay, has not received a
reply from the United States since he
asked for it's good offices in behalf of the
Beers towards peace.
State Secretary Reitz has received a
dispatch from Washington, saying the
war was the subject OF friendly negotia-
ticns with the British Government and
containing an expression of the Presi-
dents earnest hopes for peace.
All the consuls are cooperating for the
general good of the whole community
LADY ROBERTS GOES TO AFRICA.
London, March 17.-The departure of
Lady Roberts from London for South At
RIGA was made the occasion of a popular
demonstration. Among her fellow travel
lers were the Duchess of Teck, who has
gone to join her husband. General Sir
Frederick Darlington and staff; and Miss
Rhodes, the latter Cecil Rhodes sister.
a large gathering of friends babe Lady
Roberts farewell. including Mr.. Brod-
erick, the Parliamentary Secretary of
the Foreign Office; MIR. Wyndham, the
Parliamentary Secretary OF the War
Office; Mr.. Newton, the Lord Mayor Of
London, and the Duke Of Abercorn.
Lady Roberts was accompanied by her
two daughters, all in the deepest mourn
ing. Shortly after they entered their
saloon carriage the Lord Mayor presented
the three ladies with lunches of sham
rock. The departure CT the train was tho
signal for a great Cutburst OF enthu-
siastic cheering and the waving of flags
and handkerchiefs.
DUNDONALD's SKIRMIsH.
Ladysmith, March 16.--(Friday.) Lord
Dundonald's cavalry patrols reconnoiter-
ed the Free State border of Basutoland
to DeBeer's Pass. where slight Skin
mish occurred, II which two British were
wounded. The Beers were also encoun-
tered in strength at Van Reenan's Pass
and Tintwas Pass.
Kaffirs arriving here report that the
Beers are manifesting very vindictive
spirit under defat and that many kraals
hitherto respected have been burned.
The German ambulances attached TO the
Boer forces We're found near the Modder-
spruit, having been abandoned by the
Beers, because they were unable to keep
pace with the retreat.
OLIVER BEATS A RETREAT.
Burghersdorp, March Commandment
Oliver evacuated his position on a hill
in front of the British during the night
Several Beers of his force have surren-
dered.
Dr. Dewet, a member of the Cape Par
lament, and his brother. have been ar.
rested.
TRANSPORTS SAILING DELAYED.
Cape Town, March 1.-THE departure
Of the TRANSPORTS with the Boer prison
ers for ST. Helena has been delayed on
account of the fact that seventy Beers
have been sick, including many infectious
cases. The authorities are striving to
complete the isolated hospital by We'd
nesday and the transports will probably
sail that day.
TRANSVAALERS ONLY TO GO.
London, March IA dispatch 10 the