South Wales Daily News

BRITISH PRISONERS AT PRETORIA- CHANGE OF QUARTERS. (Renter's Telegram.) PRETORIA, Friday. The British officers at Ptetoria. were removed to-day in cabs from the Model School, where they had been confiued, to new quarters under Daspoort Bridge, in the outskirts of the town.

-T COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA £ <ew York, Saturday.—Advices from Costa Rica state that President Igleaias lias declared a dictatorship. The step is doe to the threaten irg Attitude of Nicaragua in attempting to precipitate It revolution in Costa Rica.—Central News, -1

RELIEF FORCE FROM KIMBERLEY. ADVANCE TO WARRENTON. (Reuter's Telegram.) CAPE TOWN, Sunday. A mounted force from Kimberley, which is proceeding to the relief of Mafeking, has arrived at Warrenton. The date is not stated. (Press Association War Special.) KIMBERLEY, Sunday. The Boers evacuated Windsorton on the approach of the Diamond Fields Horse. The bridge there was blown up on the 2nd inst. by Jim Holloway, the prize- fighter, who is now serving as an adjutant in the Boer forces. The advance guard of the relief force I proceeded to Warrenton after a brief rest at Windsorton. I Lord Roberts, in a despatch to the War I Office dated Bloemfontein, Sunday, says Methuen reached Warreuton on the I 16th, and was in time to prevent the I deviation bridge from being completely destroyed and to secure a pont on the Vaal. Mafeking reports all well" on the 6th of March.

PLUMER DRAWING NEARER. ) BOERS EVACUATING THE DISTRICT. (Reuters' Telegram.) LOBATSI March 12 (Via Lorenzo Marquez, March 17). The railway line is clear, and tele- graphic communication is open as far as Pitsani. The Boers at Sekwani have evacuated their laagei and retired on Bus- tenburg.. The relief of Mafeking may now be ex- j pected at any time.

14 MILES FROM THE TOWN. ATTEMPTS TO WRECK THE I RAILWAY. (Press Association War Special.) LOBATSI, March 10th (via Lorenzo Marquez, March 17). The Transvaal natives report that Com- mandant Swart, with about 150 men and one sun, intends to wreck the railway at Aasvogel Rop, but has failed to per- suade their countrymen to assist him III destroying the line further. Commandant Eloff, with a body of men, has left Zeerust for Mafeking. i A false alarm to-day caused Lieutenants Swinburn and Waffis, who were engaged on the construction train a few miles south of Lobatsi, to stop work and prepare for action. What they supposed to be a Boer com- mando, however, proved to b patrol under Colonel Bodle, who had been reconnoitring to within 14 miles of Mafeking. Colonel Bodle had found the railway uninjured, and had seen only three Boers at Pitsani. They bolted. The telegraph line had not been touched north of Pitsani.

LATEST NEWS. A REASSURING WIRE. The Liverpool Daily Post has received another private telegram which contains the latest news from Mafeking. It is from the son of a Southport gentleman now in Mafeking to his father, and is as follows Runner from Mafeking, Beira, Lorenzo Marquez, handed in at Lobatsi, 13th.— Yours. Well. Food sufficient." The first word means that a message sent from Southport in January by the same route has reached the sender of the cablegram, who is an officer in a Colonial regiment, and has been through arj previous campaign. His opinion, therefore, as to the sufficiency of food should carry comfort to those rendered anxious by recent reports.

ENEMY LEAVING VRYBURG. (Press Association War Special.) CAPE TOWN, Saturday. The following telegram has been received here from Barkly West:— Information from a good source is to the effect that the Transvaal officials have vacated Taangs and Vryburg, but that the rebels are un- willing to go into the Transvaal to fight, and are preparing to trek westwards into Damaraland on the advance of the British troops. The Hot- tentot chief, the son of Witbooi, is preparing to resist any such trek."

REPORTED RAISING OF THE SIEGE. BOER DENIALS. Telegram.) PRETORIA, Friday. An official denial is given here to the report that the siege of Mafeking ha3 been raised and the town relieved. (Through Laffan's Agency.) PRETORIA Thursday. Despatches from the north-western border describe Mafeking as beiDg surrounded by an iron cordon of troops. The Federal forces are still disputing with the greatest vigour the British advance into the Transvaal from Kimberley.

AN ENGINEERING DUEL. CHECKING THE ENEMAS SAPPERS. THE ARMING OF NATIVES. (Press Association War Special.) MAFEKING, March 6th (via Lorenzo Margaez, March 17th), Since the 2nd instant the strategical position at the Brickfields has developed with startling rapidity. For some months past the enemy have been attempting to push forward towards the town under cover of the Molopo Brickfields. There is a good deal of uneven ground in that I direction, and the Boers have been held in check. by a small work under the command of Sergeant Currie, of the Cape Police, and manned chiefly by Cape Boys. These Cape .Boys have done invalu- able service. They combine the dash and pluck of their English fathers with the endurance they have inherited from their brown mothers. Many weeks ago the Boers' siege gan wa.s driven from its position on the sooth-eastern heights by the sharpshooters. The enemy imme diately afterwards attempted to erect a. work on the lower slopes of these heights with a view to enfilading Sergeant Currie's position, and an engineering duel thereupon commenced. The object of the enemy was to construct galleries which woald enable them to enfilade and sap our positions in the river bed. Our work, on the other hand, was directed to ma.ke good the occupation of the Brickfields, and to that end we raked the I enemy's trenches in that direction. For some days tho operations were continued from a purely engineering point of view, and there was no loss of Jife. Oa Saturday morning last it was discovered that the Boers had crossed and enfiladed one of our trenches; and it was seen that thb situation was every moment becoming more serious, so it was decided to evacuate the upper portion of this trench and build a transverse, which would enable us hold the lower position. A gang of natives was told off for this purpose, but they lost a man throngh the sharpsboofcing of enemy anddeclined to continue. „ „ Mr Hamilton, correspondent of the London Times, with the assistance of Sergeant Bell, of I the Bechuanaland Rifles, who was sent to bring in a wounded native, stuck pluckily to the trans- versa and finished it. I The enemy are now in the same trench as myself. Throughout Saturday night hand grenades were used vigorously on both sides Daring the night of Friday the enemy's big gun reoccupied its old position on the south-east height, and opened a rapid and heavy fire on our positions, rendering them exceedingly dangerous throughout the night. ¡ However, no sooner was the gun discovered in the grey dawn than the sharpshooters of the British South Africa Police and Bechuanaland Rifles movedroat towards it, and so accurate and rapid was their fire that they silenced the gun in 36 shots. Towards evening the red cross flag was hoisted over the fort, and the ambulance train removed those who had fallen. Shears were hoisted over the gun, and prepara- tions were made for removing it to a safer spot. Early on Sunday the enemy were discovered at work on a new trench. They were fired on by our, men, with the result that an interchange of shots was kept up on the east side of the town all day. A few shots came into the town, but no artillery was brought to bear upon i. Thus we were enabled to have a Sunday holiday, but it was thought unwise to organise any amusement which might have gathered a crowd. On Sunday night firing was continued. On Monday morning we solved the question as to who was to permanently possess the bone of contention in tue shape of the trench. Following upon the bombardment by hand grenades was the traditional bayonet charge. To the disappointment of the Cape Police half- breeds, who took part in the charge, the Boers decamped at the firnt sign of preparations for the hand-to-hand conflict, which however, was not accomplished without casualties. Sergeant-Major Taylor, a man of pluck and determination, was shot in the head, and died a few days afterwards while Trooper Elkington was shot on the way to the trenches by a 5-pound shell, which inflicted a ghastly wound. The unfortunate man is still alive. Corporal Warren, of the Cape Police, was wounded, while two of Sergeant Carrie's men were killed and three were severely wounded. On Tuesday there was a heavy and contiunous crackling of machine guns at a range of 100 to 300 yards, and a dull booming of grenades all throngh the night. In every other direction the enemy were quiet. We have not heard their siege gun for 48 hours. This evidently means that the gun's crew was severely handled by our sharpshooters. The energies of both sides are now concentrated upou the duel at the Brickfields. It is a source of I pride to the town that the men employed there are part of their own people and Cape Boys. The Mafeking Cape Police are a Colonial force who down to within a few days of the commence- ment of these operations were under command of Captain Marsh, one of the most experienced guerilla fighters of South Africa, who has fought in seven tough native campaigns, but as the con- tinual strain was too much for any one man he now shares the command with Captain Ashley, of the British South Africa Police, taking alternate spells of duty with him of a fortnight each. The correspondent goes on to say that the Boers are being forced back, and, regarding the complaint as to the arming of the Baraiong tribe, points out that it was only donu for purposes of defence after the Boers bombarded the native town and killed many women and children. The natives were so inflamed that they wished to go out at the point of the assegai and win or lose in one decisive moment, but this was not per- mitted. There are worse stories than can be told of Boer cruelty to natives, and loyal runners who were captured have had inflicted on them name- less horrors. Women have had their breasts cut off and mutilated in horrible fashion by native (servants of the Boers, who did nothing to ston them. It is difficult on this account to keep the natives in check, and indeed at some future time it may be impossible. Not to give them means of defence, however, would be inhuman. The message concludes by stating that the defenders still peg along patiently upon quarter rations, though they occasionally capture a few cattle. The home-made gun still bombards the enemy's trenches, and the home-made shells and fuses answer excellently. (" Times Telegram, per Press Association.) MAFEKING, March 6th (via Lobatsi, March 9). The situation in the Brickfields baa developed with great rapidity. The Boers by combined vigorous work upon this SRp, and by concentratej shelling and rifle fire, made the advanced hit! and our own supports no longer tenable. Contact was secured on Saturday morning with otlr trench under heavy shell fire, together with the employment of dynamite bombs, and oar out- posts were driven into refuge in the second clay hole; ifom which we contested the position. The Boers flew the Transvaal flag over the eap daring Sunday, and held the sap during Monday morning, when we advanced strong reinforce- ments and secured cur original position. Since then the position remains unchanged.

TO JOIN PLUMER. (•'Times" Telegram, per Press Association.) BULUWAYO, March 13. Col. Bodle returned to Labatsi on the 10th, having made a. reconnaissance as far south as Pitsani. A detachment of 50 Volunteers left here by train on the 10th for Labatsi. Col. White, who has recovered, also left. March 14. About 100 Volunteers from Salisbury passed through here last evening to join Col. Plnmer.

I OPENING THE ROADS TO BASUTOLAND. EFFECTS OF THE BOER REVERSES. (Press Association War Special.) MASERU, March 14th. Since the speech recently mlfode by President Kroger, in which he predicted that the war would be over in one month through the medium of intervention, the latter idea. seems to have taken a great hold on the minds of the Boers, who are clinging to the hope of finding an escape valve through the enterprise of the European Powers. The two Presidents are exerting, themselves in every way to stimulate the spirit of the burghers, and at the same time are minimising the disasters recently experienced. It is now a matter of common knowledge that when the flank of the Boer army was turned at Koodoosrand by Lord Roberts and the rout occurred President Kroger, who was in a carriage I with eight horses, met the fleeina burghers and exbortedthem tb stand fast, but ttfat on failing to rally hia men he returned in his carriage towards Bloemfontein, and made for that town at a very good pace. It has been ascertained from native sources that our forces have now reoccupied Aliwal North, and the native mind is more likely to be affected by the opening of the Aliwal route than by a string of telegrams about British successes. The reason for this is that natives have for several months been unable to get tea, coffee, sugar, paraffin, candles, and soap, and it is felt that these hardships were due to the fact that the Boers had successfully occupied all colonial roads leading to Basutoland, which has thus of course been practically in a state of investment. So soon as supplies are seen coming, however, it is apparent to the natives that the Boers have abandoned their advanced positions and ceased to assume the offensive.

BURGHERS ON THE BORDER DISMAYED. (Press Association War Special.) MASERU, March 15th. News has reached Basutoland, which is appa- rently correct, that Lord Roberts has entered Bloemfontein, and that the President with the Government staff has removed to Krousiadt. The news has dismayed the Free State burghers lining the Basutoland borders, and their Btate of mind can only be described as one of paralysis, seeing that they are now without any visible Government. (Press Association War Special.) MASERU, Sunday. The occupation of Bloemfontein by the British forces has caused the greatest consternation in the Free State district bordering on Basutoland. Tha burghers have been ordered to Basutoland, but are divided in opiuion. The majority are dis inclined to move, in spite of their patrirotism being worked upon by the Lauddrosts. Post cart* have ceased running, newspapers have stopped I publication, and the telegraphs are broken down. In fact, a state oi general confusion prevails in these districts. It is needless to add that any number of wild rumours and alarms are being circulated among the burghers. What they now require is a leader capable of guiding them in a sensible direction, instead of following a course oftnrther useless resistant

LORD ROBERTS' WORK. PATROL TO THE MODDER. I NO SIGN OF THE ENEMY. I (Press Association Special Telegram.) I BLOEMFONTEIN, Friday. I It is altogether safe to say that the resistance of the Free State to the south of Bloemfontein has completely collapsed. A patrol of cavalry has worked as fa.r north as the Modder River and found no signs of the enemy. The bridge across the Modder has not been touched. Lord Roberts has entrusted th0 management of a local paper to a committee of war correspon- dents as a means of giving the public official and other information. At the Driefontein fight, owing to the fact that I was obliged to lead woanded colleagues out of action; I missed the magnificent charge of the Esses Regiment and omitted to mention it in my despatch describing the engagement. All present state their conduct was worthy of the best tradi- ions of the British Army.

400 FREE STATERS YIELD. ¡ Bloecnfontein, Friday.—Up to the present 400 'I Free Staters have surrendered here in response to Lord Roberts's proclamation.—Renter. i

RAILWAY STOCK II TAKEN. MANY ENGINES SECURED. (From Our Special War Correspondent,) j BLOEMFONTEIN, nday, 8.20 a.m. Twenty railway engmes and a truckload of I shells were captured when Bloemfontein was occupied. i The shells were made at Pretoria to fit cap. tared British guns. The enemy took a quantity of rolling stock to the north before the occupation. (Press Association War Special.) j CAPE TOWN, Saturday. j The rolling stock captured at Bloemfontein consisted of 25 locomotives, including 17 of large class, 13 carriages, eight brake vans, and 124 short waggons. At Edeabsrg two engines and 30 waggons were I found. Five trains with troops have left Bloemfontein for Norval's Pont. The line is reported to ba practically uninjured.

BURGHERS GROSSLY DECEIVED. LYING REPORTS OF THE FIGHTING. (Press Association Special Telegram.) BLOEMFONTEIN, Friday. I From many conversations which I have bad with Dutch and English inhabitants it is easy to I see that the resistance of the Free Stats is prac- tically aõ an end. I was informed to-day by a ¡ person whose opinion is worthy of the greatest credence that three-fourths oi the Pree'statfr* «»w Tb, « £ £ £ poor whites, who have nothing to gain by the poor whites, who have nothing to gain by the continuance of the war. Perfect order prevails in the town. When Lord Roberts entered many shops were barri- caded with galvanised iron. The barrica»des have now all been removed, and shopkeepers are reap- ing a rich harvest. General Pretyman has arranged for the con- tinaance of the municipal markets, and ha.s issued a proclamation inviting farmers to bring their produce to the military market. Lord Roberts's proclamation has been posted np everywhere. A number of burghers sent a deputation to Mr Fraser asking wha.t course they should follow. He ad\iaed them to return quietly to their farms. A newspaper correspondent, who returned yesterday from Kimberley, reports that many farmhouses have been reoccupied by their ownera,who are now only anxious to know to whom they should send their bill for cattle which they have lost. The newspapers published here en the day of our entry contain tying official accounts of the lighting at Driefontein. They aay that the Boers put out of action IS guns, which.they were aaaHe l to remove owing 1;0 lack of licrsea. < The British inhabitants declare that tha Gov. j ernment published official reports of the lighting which even the burghers allowed were grossly inaccurate. A photographer displayed in his wiudows a Boer photograph of the British dead on Spio n Kop, but I am informed that no photographer was ever allowed to make a picture of the Boer dead. Undoubtedly the whole of the burghers have been grossly deceived by Mr Steyn and his Government. Nobody except the field cornets of each commando had the faintest idea of the ter- rible losses snstaiuedin the many fights. The system of taking the roll call after an action is absolutely unknown among the bnr- gher force. Many burghers now lying in their graves are supposed by their relatives to be pri- I soners in Ca.pe Town. There is certain to be a sharp outcry whea tho full extent of the Boer losses is known. Many Government officials remain here. The railway employees—the majority of whom are French and German—cut the telegraph line while Mr Steyn was receiving a message from General Grobler We learn that the enemy failed to destroy the road bridge at Bethnlie. The engineers ex- pect to construct a temporary bridge across the Orange River in ten days. Telegraphic communication with the outside world baa not yet been restored.

GRIM PROCESSION OF VICTORS. THE MARCH INTO BLOEM- FONTEIN. ENTRY OF THE 6TH DIVISION BLOEMFONTEIN, March 15 (Via Kimbariey, March 16). To-day amid the cheers of the inhabitants the 6th Division marched through the town, present- ing a scene never to be forgotten. Their cam- paigning in South Africa has been rotigh. The extreme alternations of heat and cold, rain and drought, have left their marks on the soldiers, and climbing rocks and S kopjes, wading streams, and sleeping on the open veldt have made the present force one of the readiest and handiest that has ever left England. To-day's procession had none of the pomp and I panolpy of war every man looked what be was— a soldier and a fighting soldier. The main road which enters the market square I makes a deep dip, and this permitted a view of the long dingy yellow line which represented the I division. Some of the regiments possessed a, few pipers, who played merrily others were preceded by buglers, shrilly blowing instruments which showed signs of the wear and tear of war. Bearded men formed the great majority. All were browned with the African sun, and all marched with the swing pecaliar to men who have accomplished a difficalt task and emerged victors. Every regiment was received with a oheer. The gallant Welsh, who havo bean somewhat thinned in the last two engagements, were headed The gallant Welsh, who havo bean somewhat thinned in the last two engagements, were headed by the regimental goat, who seems to have thriven on the hard fare necessitated by the campaign. With keen interest the spectators watched the grim procession of victors, each of whom deserves, dtapite his age, the title of veteran, sidco each has faced death. Many bystanders rushed ont to shake hands wi ie men or distribute cigarettes, tobacco, and loaves among them. The artillery received an ovation, but people at home WQuld never have recognised the smart batteries which left England in the war-worn horses which dragged the guns through Bloem- fontein. Altogether the scene, even to those who had accompanied the troops during the campaign, was one to arouse considerable emotion, he comrades of the troops, who as military po ice kept the route clear, could be heard shout- mg inquiries after their wonnded friends, and the replies aroused the interest and sympathy of the crowd. f -r To-morrow the Highland Brigade will enter the own, and the inhabitants seem determined to give them a friend iu reception.

DID NOT WAIT. EXODUS OF LIGHTING BURGHERS, (From Our Special War Correspondent.) rp. BLOEMFONTEIN, Friday, 10.55 a.m. T e burghers are disarming and hundreds of rifles are being surrendered. an Australian officer rifles are being surrendered. an Australian officer capture at Busbar*, was found in hospita: here, The other Rensberg prisoners had been sent f cn to Pretoria a week ago. The captured British were exhibited in the Market-place, but otherwise were kindly treated. Op to the last the Government ridienled the reports of British victories, and the Republicans' defeats were represented as successes, but when the thunder of French's guns was heard there was an exodus northward of the fighting burghers with their wives and children in open tracks. The disarmed burghers have been released on parole. Six obsolete cannon were found in the fort.

THE COMMANDER'S THANKS. A RECORD TO BE PROUD OF (Press Association War Special.) BLOEMFONTEIN, Wednesday. An Army Order was issued this evening by Lord Roberts, in which the Commander-in-Chief says :— On February 12sh this force crossed the boun- dary of the Free State three days later Kimber- ley relieved. On the 15th day the bulk of the Boer Army, under one of its most trusted generals, was made prisoner, on the 17th day uews came of the relief of Ladysmith, and on March loth, 29 days from the commeasement of the operations, the epjjital of the Free State was occupied. This is a record of which any Army wonld be proud-a record which could not have been achieved except by earnest, well-disciplined men, determined to do their duty whatever the difS- culties and dangers. Exposed to the extreme heat of the day, I bivouacking under heavy rain, marching long distances, often on reduced rations, all ranks have displayed endurance, cheerfulness, and gallantry which are beyond all praise." Lord Roberts adds that he desires especially to refer to the heroic spirit with which the wounded have borne their sufferings. No word nor murmur of complaint has been uttered. The I anxiety of all when succour came was that their comrades should be attended to first."

¡ DEFENCE WORKS ON THE VAAL. ENEMY ENTRENCHING. (Exchange Company's Telegram.) CAPE TOWN, Saturday, 6.45 p.m. The Boers are entrenching at Vaal River. A strong imnrassion, however, prevails that the war is virtually over.

IN NATAL. PBEPARING FOR THE NEXT MOVE. TRYING THE FREE STATE) PASSES. (Press Association Special Telegram.) LADYSMITH, Friday. Cavalry patrols from Lord Dundonald's brigade have thoroughly reconnoitred the Free State border from Basutoland to the De Beers Pass. The energy were discovered in force at Van Reenen's, Tintwa, and De Beers passes. A skirmish, occurred at De Beers Pa.ss between the South African Light Horse and the enemy. Two of our men were wonnded. The enemy retired. Rapid progress is being made with the reeon- struction of the Harrismith railway line. I have had an interview with the Kaffir chief. Amtalkawnd, who resides near Botha's Pass, Newcastle. He is now returning from Estcourt with cattle. He states that his head kraal which until recently ha.d been respected, has now been burnt by the Boers, aad the other residences in the district have been destroyed. The enemy are showing a. vindictive spirit under defeat. Supplies are now more plentiful, and ths hotels ale reopening. One ambulance was upset in crossing the Klip River yesterday, and ten mules were drowned. On the 28th of February a German ambulance attached to the Boer Army was found near Mod- der Sprnit, having been abandoned. The doctors in charge were unable to move for want of trans- port. They were brought into camp, and afforded everv facility to attend the wounded Boer prioo'iers. The latter are now convalescent. The transport was supplied, and the ambulance was sent back to the Boer lines under a flag of trace. Mr Hewitt, a. British subject and all Eng- lishman, who was attached to the ambulance as doctor, was permitted to return.

BETHUNE'S FLYING COLUMN. A FOUR HOURS' FIGHT. (Central News Telegram.; DURBAN, Saturday, 2.25 p.m. Details have now reached here of the doings of Betknne's flying column, which was sent through the Greytown district to locate tbe positions of the enemy in the Biggarsberg and to blow up tbe Waschbank railway bridge, and thus prevent the Boers from retreating by tha.t route. A party of Volunteers was sent forward with dynamite to destroy the bridge, but heavy floods greatly retarded their progress, and when they reached the desired spot they found that the enemy had already made good their escape, taking their guns with them. The column went on in pursnit, and came up with the Boers beyond Pomeroy. Here the enemy was found entrenched. Oar men opened fire at long range, and moved forward to attack. The Boer position was fully disclosed, though their defence was a very half-hearted business. The firing lasted for four hours. The British losses were very slight. The operations of tho column were not altogether unsuccessful, as though it failed to capture the guns by destroying the bridge, the location and strength of the enemy in Biggarsberg were fully revealed. It is credibly reported that General Lacas Meyer, who succeeded Joubert in the Boer com- mand in Natal, has thrown up his post and gone home to his farm. Other commandants and field cornets are fol- lowing suit, It is much doubted whether President Kruger's influence can stay the increasing demoralisation in the enemy's rants.

BOER REPORTS. BIGGARSBERG POSITION IMPREGNABLE. (Press Association War Special.) BOER CAMP, Glencoe, March 15 (via Lorenzo Marquez, March 16). General Botha addressed two commandoes last night, and the enthusiasm of their response testified to his great popularity. The retirement of the Boer forces from the Tugela has resulted in rapid recovery in many cases of fever caused by confinement in the trenches. A new system of trenches, abatis, and defences along the Biggarsberg has now been completed, and it is said to render the position impregnable. (Through Laffan's Agency.) PRETORIA, Thursday. Despatches from the Natal front report all quiet there. There are no British troops within 20 miles of Glencoe. The Biggarsberg has been formidably en. trenched, and the eastarn passes into the Free State have been strongly fortified. Despite their recent reverse, the patriotic enthusiasm of the burghers still runs high, and the rally to tb8 Federal flag is remarkable.

SWAZILAND HORROR. I MORE MASSACRES BY THE (U.EEN. (Renter's Telegram.) LEBOMBO (Swaziland), March 12. The killing off continues. Sixteen kraals have been wiped out since the new moon, women and children alike being massacred. Two Boers have arrival at Lebombo with their cattle, horses, sheep, aad coats. Others are reported to be on-the way.

:08 7- COLONIAL JUDGESHIPS. II The Queen has been pleased to give directions for the appointment of Sir William John Ander- son, chief justice. of the Colony of Honduras, to oe chief jastiee of Trinidad and Tobago, a.nd foi appointment of Mr Walter Llewellyn Lewis. M.A;, lenior provisional judge of Trinidad, to be chief justice of the Colony of Honduras. Mr Uewi. is the eldast son of the Rev. John Lowis, lenby, and wets formerly on tbe South Wales Circuit.

JOINING FORCES. A DESPATCH FROM LORD ROBERTS. REBELS SURRENDER WITH GUNS. The following telegram from Lord Roberts was issued by the War Office at 11 p.m.:— BLOEMFONTEIN, Sunday, 4.5 p.m. The Guards Brigade returned yesterday from Norval's Pont. Several burghers laid down their arms to General Pole-Carew at Eden- burg and other places. The officer commanding at Belmont reports that some deserters have come in with a Maxim and a 9-pounder gun. Another 9-pounder has been brought in to the officer commanding at Coles- berg-road Bridge. A cavalry brigade has gone to Thabaucha iu order to reassure the inhabitants in that part of the country and distribute copies of the proclamation laying down the conditions under which burghers will be allowed to return to their homes. This proclamation is being eagerly sought after. The English mail was despatched from Bloemfontein by rail yesterday, and to-morrow the regular railway service with Cape Town will be resumed.

AT BETHULIE. I SPRINGFONTEIN OCCUPIED. IMPORTANT CAPTURES. (Central News Telegram.) BETHULIE, Friday, 12.55 p.m. General Gatacre, after taking possession of this town, worked continuously until the r bulk of his force had been got across the Ii Orange River, after which he gave them a short rest. Within 12 hours the mounted troops and the Horse Artillery batteries were pushed northward, The few armed burghers still in the field in this neighbourhood fell back as our men rapidly advanced until we reached and occupied Springfontein Junction, 30 miles from the river. The cavalry and mounted infantry y remain at Springfontein pending the arrival of the troops of the general divi- sion, which resumes the march to-morrow morning. We have captured 25 railway trucks and one locomobive, which will be utilised for transport. We have also secured a number of waggons full of ammunition. General Gatacre's proclamation exhort- ing the Free Staters to lay down their arms aad guaranteeing them protection in their peaceful avocations is having an almost magic effect. Burghers for a considerable distance around are trooping in and surrendering in droves their arms and ammunition. It is beyond question that the Free State reistance has utterly collapsed, in this dis- trict at any rate.

AVOIDED AN ACTION. (From Our Special War Correspondent.) BETHOLIE BRIDGE, Friday, 10.25 a.m. Captains Hennessy, of the Cape Police, and Turner, of the Scouts, reached Springfontein last night, and took possession of two engines and 40 trucks. They captured eight man of the Transvaal commando, and brought everything back to Betbulie. They saw the rearguard of the Boers with waggons, but the enemy got away, as the two officers thought it unwise to open are and bring on an action. The burghers are disconcerted at the reported annexation of the I ±ee State by the Transvnal. Three Colonial rebels who had gone into the Free State as paid substitutes for the burghers have been arrested and sent back to their farms until called np for judgment. Others have surrendered. 10.40 p.m. The telegraph is open from here to Bloem- fontein.

THE SURRENDER. PURSUIT OF THE ENEMY. (Central News War Correspondent.) BETHULIE BRIDGE, Friday Evening. The occupation oE Bethulie by General Gat- acre's forces was very skilfully effected. acre's forces was very skilfully effected. Early this morning the British troops com- menced the crossing of the Orange River, the advance guard consisting of scouts, Cape Mounted Police, and mounted infantry. This foroe, with sections of the Royal Scots, the Derbyshires, the Royal Irish, and tho Northumberland Fusiliers, soon occupied positions on the northern bank, the crossing having been effected without oppoei- tion. The advance to Bethulie was across an open plain, affordiDg very little cover to the troops, but no sign of the enemy had been seen, and under cover of the 74th, 77th, and 79th Batteries of Royal Artillery General Gatacre's force moved forward rapidly in extended order. Oar advance had almost reached the town, and still there was no sign of the enemy, At this moment a party was issuing from Bethulie in our direction, and this turned out to bd a deputation of the inhabitants, headed by the chairman of the municipality. The deputation, which was displaying a white flag, met the advanced British troops at the town boundary, and intimated that no defence of the town was contemplated. This incident, however, did not delay in the slightest the British advance, and Bethulie was promptly occupied. It was discovered that the Boers had Bed during the night, and a force of mounted infantry was I immediately despatched in pursuit, The 79th Royal Artillery Battery was then brought across the river under the escort of a mounted section of the Berkshire Regiment. The 74th and 77th Batteries remained in position commanding the river, while the remainder of General Gatacre's troops were crossing. It is expected that the whole of this force will be in Free State territory within 24 hours. The reconstruction of the railway bridge will commence immediately. It appears that the damage is not so serious as was anticipated, the piers being practically intact. The Boers left behind them a considerab quantity of ammunition, which has fallen into our hands.

SMART SCOUTING. (Press Association War Special.) BETHULIE, Saturday- The occupation of this portion of the Free State by General Gatacre has be?n completely established. The main camp is situated two miles beyond the pretty little town of Bethulie, with which telegraphic comyrinnication was opened to-day. Although five spans of the great railway bridge were wrecked it is thought thai the piers ware not i damaged and "that they will be repdoir-ed much more quickly than wa.s anticipated. The road bridge, a strong and solid stmeture, j is untOGched| save for several holes due to receive ( dynamite, which, thanks to General Gatacre's ) promptitude, were never inserted. ) The British invasion has caused great fear | among the Dutch population, who are fleeing terror-stricken in all directions. Their apprehen- sions are laughable, but not without a touch of pathos. They have adopted many precautions, one of which is the hoisting of a large white flag over bouses or stores, General Gatacre is conducting his operations with great energy, and does not al!ow the grass to grow under his feet. His scouts declare that the country right up to Springfontein is clear of the enemy, and that the column will probably reach that important junc- tion to-day. I Telegraphic and railway communications are open with Springfontein. Some 40 waggons and two engines left by the Boers in the hurry cf retreat were most pluckily captured by Capt. HenesBy, of the Cape Police, and Capt. Turner with bis scouts, who not only brought a train here, but also ofcaght some Trausvaalers and made them prisoners. Five rebels were also captured yesterday with iftSRAt Quantity of ammunition -botw? cwrts. General Gatacre's succesafal operations, result- ing in the seizure of the eminently important junction of Springfontein, are practically dne to the mounted troops, whose rapid movemeat- have completely nonplussed the enemy, most of whom in order to avoid capture have quietly trekked to their farms.

POLE-CARE WS MARCH ARRIVAL AT NORV AL-8 PONT (Renter's Telegram.) VAN ZYL, Friday, 6.15 p.m. Communication is opan between Bloemfontein and Norval's Pont. A train has just come down with General Pole-Carew and some Grenadier Guards. It is reported that 300 Southern Free Staters have returned to their farms. The com- mando which was lately operating round Norval's Pont, and which is said to be from Philippolis is perplexed as to it.3 future action. Contractors for the army ineat supply left here by cart for Bloem- fontein this afternoon.

SUBMISSION OF 800 FREE STATERS. (Press Association War Special.) BLOEMFONTEIN, Saturday. 7 p.m. General Pole-Carew haa returned here itom Springfonteip, where he effected a junction with General Gatacre. At Edenburg the Landdrost surrendered, and was reinstated. Eight hundred Free Staters sub- mittfed and promised to deliever up their arms.

CLEMENTS' COLUMN. ADVANCE INTO THE FREE STATE. VAN ZYL, Friday. General Clements' force has advanced a con- siderable distance into the Free State, Careful scouting failed to disepver any trace of the enemy, who appears to have withdrp.wn from our front. The baggage was sent across the Orange River this morning.-Reuter.

AUSTRALIANS AT THE FRONT. (Press Association War Special.) VANZYL (',ia Cape Town), Friday. The second Victorian contingent, now forming I part of the left flank of General Clements' column under Major McCracken, v-ith the Berksbires and a battery of artillery, advanced from Coles- berg on Sunday and assisted in the reconnaiB- sance in force on Monday, coming under a slight rifle fire. They crossed the Orange River on the pontoon bridge yesterday. Adjutant Salmon, of the Victorian Mounted Rifles, brother of the Victorian Commissioner of Customs, died last night of enteric fever, to the grief of the entire regiment, with whom he was highly popular. Major Edwards has arrived to take command of the Colt gun. The Victorians led the Australians over the pontoon bridge. General Gatacre, standing at the approach to the bridge, inspected the regiment, who presented an imposing appearance. I The troops afterwards bivouacked in Free State territory. I Colonal Price, who broke some of his ribs by falling in a si nit, has recovered. The Australians are elated at reaching the Karroo grass country.

THE OPERATIONS AT ALIWAL NORTH. OLIVIER'S COMMANDO RETREATING. ARREST OF A CAPE M.P. ('"Times" Second Edition, per Press Association.) ALIWAL NORTH, Friday. Olivier with his commaudo has retired towards Rouxville. Rebels are deserting and coming here to sur- render, when they are dismissed to their farms. Mr De Wet (the member for Wodehouse) and his brother have been arrested on a charge of t treason. The rebels blame Commandant Olivier for the I presence of children in his laager. He told the parents that our Government would either deport, ¡ or shoot all who were taken prisoneIs or surren- dered.

BURGHERSDORP IN FREE COMMUNICATION (Renter's Telegram.) BURGHERSDORP, Saturday. Three trains arrived here from Aliwal North amid great rejoicing. Three hundred rebels have surrendered here, and it is reported more are coming in.

LOYAL DUTCH BITTER AGAINST REBELS. ¡ (Press Association War SpecisL) I BURGHERSDORP, March 12. The rebels in this district continue to surrender, Dormeiil s commando have sent for the police to come and accept their surrender. They a,ppea,r to be afraid of CommiLndant Olivier, and I threaten to shoot him if he comes here. A Ladygrey message states that a large num- ber of rifles have been stacked on ths Hera hel- La.dygrey border. The ownership of them has not been tr 0 Two hundred rebels have surrendered i-o the jnstice of the peace there. At Barkly East 250 rebels have surrendered their riSes and a quantity of ammunition. Herschel is well guarded. The loyal Dutch are very bitter against the rebels, and request that they may be severely I punished.

WESTERN REBELS. LOYAL COLONISTS ALARMED. (Press Association War Special.) VICTORIA WEST, Saturday. The postmaster of Vosburg has arrived here. His office has been taken over by the Boers and rebels, who refused to give him a receipt. The wire has been cut between here and Vosburg. Refugees are arriving here daily from Ken- hardt, Vryburg, and other neighbouring districts. It is rumoured that the Boers are expected here shortly.

BRITISH DARING. A FEW MEN SECURE BARKLY EAST. HUNDREDS OF ARMED REBELS NEAR. (Press Association Special Telegram.) BARKLY EAST, March 12th (by express to Dordrecht). Major Hook, accompanied by Mr Van der By 1 telegraphist, with an escort of seven mounted police, took possession of Barkly East on Sunday evening unopposed, and met with a most enthu- eiastic reception from the loyalists and would-be loyalists. Large numbers of ladies went out to meet the force. The British flag was hoisted, and saluted with hearty cheers, and then the ladies placed rosettes on the officers' breasts. So great was the relief of theae long-suffering sub. jects of the Queen that scarcely au eve was drv. Strong men wept like children. The National ) Anthem was sung in the churches daring the I evening service. The Free State Landdrost received information of the approach of the British officers, and found it convenient to visit a farmer five miles awav, taking the Free State flag with him. Major Hook summoned him back, and be subsequently returned. On the invitation of Major Hook the whole population of the town and district turned out to meet him the following morning outside the public buildings. The demeanour of the i people was most enthusiastic. Major Hook I' made a very conciliators speech, and introduced Mr Van der Byl, who. he said, would supersede the Free State Landdrost. The appointment gives general satisfaction. Mr Rivers, represent- in the Telegraph Department, was also intro duced. The Free State officeis then handed over the keys amidst a great outburs'- of cheering. Upon fhe first arrival of the stnsli party of British officers the Free Sfnte sentry ai the Court Houss threw away his rifle and bolted down the street, tearing off his Republiea,Li badges and scarves as be ran. One of the Free State officers remarked that it was a piece of impudence for three officials, sup- ported by only seven men, to march into the town and take possession of it, as there were hundreds I of armed rebels within a few miles. A Loyalist xemaekei that onls Bntrehers would have done such a thing, and they would do it again. All j speak in gratified terms of the may ooarteaiee extended to them by the British officers. j

A SUCCESSFUL RUSE. (Press Association Special Telegram.) HERSCHEL, CAPE COLONY, Friday. .v. Reports from Ladygrey state that the stir. 1 render of the rebels was obtained by a rase. When thfty heard that the Free State Landdrost had left a few loyalists requested the gaoler to don a uniform, and send notice to the rebels that Major Hook ordered them to surrender by 5 o'clock. They weakly complied. A messenger was sent to Herschel to inform Major Hook Meanwhile the British flag was hoisted, and all the rebels and natives were instructed to shout 11 Hurrab," as they passed the flag. Many prominent rebels attempted to prevent the surren- der, but without success. The loyalists went on picket duty, knowing that they would be shot if the rase were discovered. Others made fires in the market square, and supplied the loyalists of all classes and colour with coffee. The rebels shed tears of re- morse at the kind treatment they reseived. Seme threw down their rifles with an ejacula- tion, as if they were glad to get rid of it. A Boer woman asked the police on the Free State border to be allowed to enter Herschel. She said she had < lost four bons in the war, and was sick of her ■ country. Natives report that all the Free State Boers have withdrawn from the Colony.

BOER LOSSES. OFFICIAL REPORT. TOTAL, 4,351. (Renter's Telegram.) > | n „ PRETORIA, March 16th. Dr. Mollrgraff, chief of the Intelligence Depart- ment, announces that the Federal losses prior to the relief of Kimberley and Ladysmith are as fol. low :-Killed, 657 wounded, 2,129 accidentally killed, 24; accidentally wounded, 171 died of sickness, 99 sick who have recovered or are ailll under treatment, 1,251 total, 4,351.

NOTES ON THE SITUA- TION. (BY A MILITARY CORRESPONDENT.) (Press Association Telegram.) LONDON, Sunday Night. The absence of any important news from the front to day was not altogether unexpected. Events have been moving rapidly during the { last few days, and for the moment there is a pause, necessary for the reorganis&tion of our j forces in some of the affected districts. There i are many rnmoars current, however, concerning 1 the fate of Mafeking, but at 11 o'clock to-night it was officially announced at the War Office that nothing had been received regarding the relief or fall of the town. Col. Badon- Powell's little force is reported in a private telegram to have been well np to the 13th inst.. while the food supply is said to be sufficient. The War Office has know. ledge oi the security of Mafeking up to March C-th, tat, as is sometimes the case, the private message may have beaten the official commnni- cation by several days, especially as the garrison has to depend upon native runners for sending i news to the outer world. Many of the natives have been killed in their attempts to leave or reach the invested town, and it is quite possible j that some of the bearers of official telegrams < have been captured or shot. 1 The flying column which is proceeding to the relief of Mafeking has so far sent no tidings of the disposition of the enemy in that district, and it is highly probable that no serious opposition will be encountered nntil the outskirts of the invested town are reached. Caution, however, ia highly necessary in advancing through a country so far removed from the original base. It is to be feared, in spite of assurances to the contrary, that Col. Baden-Powell's troops are in a desperate condition, and if they are compelled to abandon ■ their position it will be on account of sickness 1 and depleted stores and not as the result of the prolonged Boer bombardment, which is daily becoming more impotent. If the enemy are well versed in the art of trench digging and the various branches of military engineering Colonel Baden-Powell has shown himself to be capable of fortifying his positions so effectively as to completely break down tbe most dasperate on- slaughts of the force. Lord Roberts, in a despatch to the War Oflie6 this evening, announces that the Gaards have returned to Bloemfontein, which shows that they were sent south to render whatever assistance General Gatacre might require immediately after 1 his occupation of Bethulie, and that as that had been satisfactorily carried out their presence was required at the Free State capital in readiness to tafce part in the general advance, which may be ordered at any moment now that the troops haw been thoroughly rested. Meanwhile Lord Roberts's proclamation to the Dutch burghers ¡ has had a good effect, and handreds of Boers are I bringing in their arms as well as several moderr gnns.

r REINFORCEMENTS. j THOUSANDS MORE MEN i I SAIL. j Southampton on Saturday witnessed a repetition of the stirring scenes which characterised the departure of the First Army Corps at the open- ing of the campaign, no less than three trans- ports, with nearly 4,000 troops, in addition to guns, ammunition, and horses, embarking and sailing in the course of the afternoon. On the Gaika were 1,550 men and 53 officers, including those of the 21st Bearer Company, the 21st, 22cd, and 23rd Field Hospitals, three com- panies of the Army Service Corps, and reinforce- ments of 12 line battalions at the front. The Aurania, where the duties of embarkation officer bad been expeditiously carried out bs ^aptain fianna, R.A., carried another battalioc for the Eighth Division, the 1st South Stafford sinre, recently orought home to Aldersnot froir (jibra]tar, also reinforcements for the 1st Kinc'r Own Scottish Borderers, the Ist Wes( Riding, the Ist Omfordshire kight Infantrv, the 2nd Wiltshire, and the No. 22 Bearer Company a total of 1,629 men and two machine guns. It* tbe same vessel was Lieatenant-Genera! Sir P Carrington and the other Special Serr.ce officer* for the Khodesian Field Force. I Another ship was the Custodian, which took 630 men, drafts from the Royal Artillery and from five infantry battalions, beeides 430 horses I mo3tiy remoants. The Custodian also took ouf two paction engines, searchlights, and field tele- I graph apparatus, to be used bv the Volunteet Electrical Engineers, who sailed 24 hours earlier in the TDgus. I No. 43 Company Army Service Corva, txndel Lieutenants Cannot and Shinkwin, together I with drafts of the ROyltl Welsn Fusiliers com- mandedby i Ljeutenants and Phillips, and the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, ir charge of Lieutenants Petavel, Stokoe, and Hunt x (wweli a? Lieutenant Marshall, 2nd Volunteer BattaLon Devon Regiment, going oat to take caarge ot a Maxim gnn presented by the PI v. mouth inhabitants, left Devonport and Plymouth on Saturday for Southampton and embarked ilk on Saturday for Southampton and embarked ilk the transport Gaika. I Battalion Grenadier Guards, number. ing over 1,100 strong, left London early on Sun- day morning for South Africa, under the com- Nfn^ G°i0nel F LIo>d- marched to Nine Eims Station, and two special trains con- veyed tbem to Southampton, where they embarked on her Majesty's troopship Dtmeri which sailed in the afternoon for the Cape A detachment of 100 men of the 1st Grenadiej Uuatas, under Lieutenant Hermon Hodge, left Windsor on Sunday morning for Tilbury Docks, where they embarked on the Braetnar Castle, which left in the atteinoon for South Africa. Drafts of similar strength for the 1st Coldstreams, 2ad Coldstreams, and the 1st Scots sailed on the I same vessel, which took out in all some 1,600 men, A detachment of Lord Strathcona's mounted force left Halifax for Southampton, en route tc the Cape, on Saturday. The departure of the 2nd Grenadier Guards on bnnday afternoon bronght up the number of troops who li&ve left Southampton daring tbe j week to over ll,00o, and B»!we the war betr&ri to J upward*; of 200,000 horses aad men.

i MOVEMENTS OF THE I TRANSPORTS. Donee Castle and Danveg-a-a Castle, fro& London and the Cape, arrived at Nats! oe Thursday and Friday respectively. S^nda, from London for the Cape, arrived a« St, Vincent oc Saturday, I Greek left Cape Town for Soathampton ou Thursaay, with 16S invalids, and ie doe about April 5th. Simla, with troops from Egypt, left Zan- zibar on S&turaay for the Cape. Union-Castle liner Goth has been re qmsmo^d by the Admiralty for conveyaoj wiiM a £ d 700 to South Africa, and •lTO on the 31st inst. fromerV^^ fdlati %ith invaiid.,3 and woundec from the ront, arrived at Southampton on Sun I She had thwe ofticers and a.bou. 170 men on boara, including a aambt-rof Marinei- iA L- o Erff ered. ^terribly at Graspan. These werv- I sent to Has Hospital, the others remaining nc board till fcbi* morning.

MISSELLEN TERRY BETTE E New York, Saturday.—Mids Eiieii Terry wili I appear in "Robespierre ou Mooday.CsDtraJ News.

Th £ be are different qualities of Danish Batter I Trading Co Ltd., Sell the Best oats 1 Tins week's .once. Is per 568S—U3«