The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-11-02
THE VICTORY,


Finally the ATTACK weakened and the
MatabeIes showed signs that they were
about to retreat. Then Major Forbes
gave the order to charge. The maxim
guns were played on the masses OF the
natives and the whites instantly
after rushed upon the wavering warri-
ors. Only the royal imbizo regi-
ment attempted to stand their
ground, but over half of them were
down, aud the remaiuer fed back to
Buluwayo. 1t may be said that this
practically was the decisive battle of
the campaign. King Lobengula COM
manded the Matabeles in person.
He directed the movements of his head
men aud he retreated to Buluwayo
after the battle.
The combined columns opened the
attack upon Buluwayo, but there was
little fight left in the Matabeles, and
they fed in northwesterly direction,
King Lobengula with them. A flying
column was at once made up
to pursue and harrass them,
though both administrators, Jameson
and Major Forbes, believe that the
Matabeles have been thoroughly beaten
and cowed, and that Lobengula's power
is completely gone. The loss to the
chartered company's forces was only
slight and was mainly confined to the
column commanded by Major Forbes.
The Matabees' loss is reported to ex-
ceed 5000 killed and wounded.
This news is OF the latest act in the
drama which has been enacting in
Africa for some time, and which has at
tracted the attention Of the world.
Lobengula has been the most powerful
native monarch Of South Africa. For
nearly thirty years has he reiRned over
the fierce and warlike Matabeles. His
word has been law. His will has been
absolute. His race in paramount. His
invincible impis have levied tribute
from the surrounding nations, spread
ing terror and dismay before them and
leaving death aud desolation in their
wake.
For generatioAs have the Matabeles
lived BY oeting the miserable MashonaS
and pillagine the pusillanimous Aakala-
kas. They disdaiu to perform any kind
of manual labor. Warfare is their
proudest occupation and murder their
highest art.
Robbery and slaughter are the OBJ
iects of those dreaded raids for which
the Matabeles are notorious. When it
is known thpt 5000 or 6,0O0 warriors
sometimes participate in these expedi-
tons, the horrible deeds OF carnage may
be imagined. Thousands Of helpless
and unresisting victims are eaten up"
as the Zulus express it.
BRUTAL WARFARE.
The men are slain without scrupie,
the women and children are made cap
tives, and the cattle are driven on to
swell the hocks OF the conquerers. Tho
females are enslaycd, and Il fair and tat
enough may attain the dignity OF wilo-
hood. The male children are taught TO
WELD the assegai and in time recruit
the army of the king.
At last the poor. persecut8l Me'hona
has found defender in thG doughty
British settler. and the worm that vas
too timorous TO turn on its DwH DshGlt
has found some one to turn for il.
A few years ago LobeuguiG. Ia con-
sideration of liberal subsidy, signed u
treaty With the British South Africa
company-commonly designated tue
chartered compnuy-conceding tho
right to mine gold Gnd other minerals
in Mashonaland Miaers aud settlers
were strictly forbidden to enter 3lara.
beleland, however, without the special
permission OF the king.
Those who know the blacks have APP
pretended trouble IRON the first, bat all
went well for time. The ERglish care.
fully lived up to the letter Of their cou-
tract but the lusGy young zulus could