Both papers are broadsheets of four pages each, THE FRIEND OF THE FREE STATE AND BLOEMFONTEIN GAZETTE, 655 x 520 mm, and THE FRIEND, 520 x 385 mm. Both carry commercial advertisements on the front pages and War News and official announcements on the succeeding pages. They are folded with some wear at the folds and short tears but with no loss.
Ooorlogmuseun/War Museum (https://www.wmbr.org.za/): 'After defeating the Boers at Paardeberg, Modder River Pass/Poplar Grove and near Abrahamskraal/Driefontein, Lord Roberts’ victorious army of 34 000 soldiers occupied Bloemfontein on 13 March 1900, without encountering any further opposition from the Boers. Roberts planned to continue his advance to Pretoria as soon as possible, but the exhaustion of his troops and the enteric fever (typhoid) epidemic that ensued, forced him to halt in Bloemfontein for more than seven weeks.'
The Encyclopaedia Of South African Theatre, Film, Media And Performance (https://esat.sun.ac.za/index.php/The_Friend) lists Free State newspapers: Friend of the Sovereignty and Bloemfontein Gazette: The Free State's first newspaper - was founded and edited by Richard Godlonton in June 1850, lasting under this name till March, 1854. In August 1854, when the Free State gained its independence from England, the publication was renamed Friend of the Free State and Bloemfontein Gazette (published by Barlow Bros. & Co.), publishing articles in English, Dutch and Afrikaans till 1894, thereafter in English only till 1899, when the control of the publication was taken over by Lord Roberts, as military commander of the British Forces occupying the city during the Anglo-Boer War.
The Friend: Commenced publication on Friday, March 16th 1900, under a Committee for Management - P. Landon, E.W. Buxton and H.A. Gwynne.
EDITORIAL ANNOUNCEMENT (on page 3 notified readers:)
THE events of the last few days have rendered it expedient that an official organ should be published in Bloemfontein during the period of Military Government, and to that end in view, and also to provide for public requirements, a small committee formed from the corps of war correspondents with Lord Roberts' Field Force has been entrusted with the control and management of the long-established paper hitherto known as The Friend of the Free State.
In future this will be issued under the style and title of The Friend, and will be a daily publication, containing military intelligence and orders for the general information of the troops now quartered here, and other matter.
We are glad to be able to announce the immediate publication of contributions from the pens of such well-known writers as Rudyard Kipling, Julian Ralph, Bennett Burleigh, and other distinguished journalists. We congratulate our readers upon the happy chance which has enabled us to offer the public the voluntary services of such a staff of writers as cannot be paralleled elsewhere in South Africa.
In conclusion we wish to state briefly the simple policy which will be adhered to in their columns.
The maintenance of British Supremacy in South Africa and Equal Rights for all white men without respect of race or creed.
These two principles in our opinion embody the essentials of sound government, the prosperity of this country, and the happiness of the people.
For the Committee of management,
P. Landon,
W. Buxton,
A. Gwynne.
And:
OFFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
ARMY ORDERS—SOUTH AFRICA.
Army Head Quarters,Government House, Bloemfontein.15th March, 1900.
Civil population to be conciliated.
It being desirable and in the interest of both the British Government and the inhabitants of this country that all residents should be assured that so long as they remain peaceably disposed, their civil rights and property will be respected, it is strictly forbidden that any private property should be compulsorily taken possession of by other than the authorised Supply Officers.
Supplies for troops must be purchased and paid for in the ordinary way and no trespassing or interference with the inhabitants will be permitted.
These instructions apply to detached bodies of troops as well as to the Force generally, and it is specially the duty of all officers to put a stop to all attempts to infringe them.
By order, J. W. KELLY, A. G. for C. of Staff.
