BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 1900.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVI, Issue 1380, 2 March 1900, Page 5

BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 1900.

The news received on Wednesday morning of the surrender of General

Crcnjje wit h. his army and rquiqment has excited "intense enthusiasm and rejoicing everywhere throughout Her

Majesty's donvnions. The capitulation , had been expected for a few days, and did not come as a surprise, as it was confidently believed, that Cronje's only alternative to surrender was annihilation. It comes as a relief to all that he has given in and thus put a stop to the terrible loss of life that was in progress. The importance of the step he has taken can scarcely be overestimated. He has all along been regarded by the Boers as their ablest and most trusted general, and his total defeat and surrender must have a most depressing influence on the. Beer army yet in the field who mnst now feel that their struggle was a hopeless one. Itr*will also have the effect of cheering^ the. . British troops, of strengthening their confidence in their

leaders and of h>rving them for further deeds of valor imtil complete victory i* secured and the British flag is unfurled

throughout South Africa. For the war is not yet by any means ended ; much and hard fighting may yet be in store for the Bfcji^J troops Reinforcements. conimumKp he sent from Great Britain and in three weeks a fourth contingent will have If ft Sew Zealand while the Premier is arranging a

charter for a fifth contingent of 500 men. No one doubts that in the end complete victory will be the result but. in the meantime the patriotic efforts of the community mtfst be maintained and the despatch of both men and horses must be continued until rietory is an accomplished fact.