The news of the evacuation of Pretoria by President Kruger
and the Boer Executive Was first received in a tele- gram sent to the Daily Mail by Lord Roselyn, a corre-
spondent of that paper who was a prisoner in Pretoria. It appears that when the Government lied they named a Com- mittee of prominent citizens, including Burgomaster De Souza, Chief Justice Gregorowski, and others, who were authorised to receive the British and to preserve life and property during the interregnum. Mr. Hay, the American Consul, fearing bloodshed and confusion among the four thousand British piisoners at Waterval, thereupon took a step which showed that he possesses great presence of mind and resourcefulness as well as a statesman's eye for the needs of a difficult situation. He insisted on twenty British officers being liberated on parole to go to the men and maintain proper authority. Mr. Hay has throughout his occupation of a very trying post borne him. self with wonderful tact and discretion, has shown himself in fact worthy of his lineage, and by his last official act he has probably saved Pretoria from a very great disaster. Imagine four thousand unarmed prisoners first overcoming their guards, and then, maddened by such a struggle, ignorant of the true situation, and without any control or guidance, taking possession of the town. We do not praise Mr. Hay's action because we believe him to be pro-British—for all we know, he may have become a strong pro-Boer while in Pretoria— but because of its wisdom and impartiality. No doubt before these pages are in the hands of our readers the news that the British flag is once again flying over Pretoria will be in our readers' hands, but as we write the latest telegrams only state that the town was awaiting the entry of our troops.
