The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-10-21
WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA
Two Battles in Which the British
Forces We're Successful.
About One Hundred Matabele Warriors
Slain and the Remainder of the
Natives Driven Back.

LONDON. Oct. 20.-The report yesterday
that the Matabeles had defeated the British
force in South Africa is Untrue On the
contrary, dispatches received from Cape
town to-day show that the British columns
have been victorious in two engagements,
and are now advancing upon Buluwayo the
capital of King Lobengula's territory. The
British chartered companys officials at
Fort Victoria sent q dispatch to the gov
eminent officials at Capetown yesterday
evening announcing that the coulmn which
had been advancing upon the Natabele
impis, or armies, had encountered the en-
envy, and, after several sharp minor engage
ments, had met and defeated the Matabeles
on Oct. 16 at Indiamas mountains The
dispatches also announced that at the same
time the Fort Salisbury column had en-
gagged and defeated the enemy near the
same place. The two columns eventually
formed junction, driving the Matabeles
before them, and then began advancing in
full force upon Buluwayo Administrators
jameson rode between the two columns
thus inspiring cooperation. The reports
add that, with ordinary luck the COM
bined Fort Victoria and Fort Salisbury
columns should be able to cope with any
number of Matabeles. The Fort Charter
column also took an active part in the en-
gagcment.
Captain Cambell was shot in the leg, but
the wounded limb was afterwards safely
amputated, and no ot-er casualties are re-
ported up to the present on the side of the
colonists. The number of Matabeles killed
in the engagement with the Victoria col
umn is estimated at one hundred. No de-
tails have yet been received respecting the
number killed by the Fort Carter column.
telegram
to the chartered company's forts prevent
full details of the engagement reaching
Capetown as promptly as desired. The
weather continues fine however and the
colonists should soon be masters of the sit
uation. Much care will have to be taken
by the colonist commanders in the advance
upon Buluwaya, as the Matabclcs are noted
| for their tricky fighting tactics, and may
yet lead the British columns where they
can be attacked at q disadvantage to the
| colonists, and where the Matabeles would
| be able TO attack in their own way.
The scene of the defeat of the Matabcles
| is on the right bank of the Tekwae, thirty
miles west of the chartered companys
| pioneer road, between Fort Victoria and
| Fort Charles, and 120 miles south of Fort
Salisbury. The country in which the Brit
| sh columns are operating is a most diff
fcut one for the transportation of troops,
| and especially for the transportation of the
provisions and ammunition necessary for
| the support of an advancing column. AT
Capetown Administrator jameson is re-
ceiving the highest praise for the able man
| ner in which he has brought about the
| junction of the two columns, which move
)nieht was of the greatest Importance to the
success of the expedition. 1t is predicted
| that the British columns will bring about a
| speedy and successful ending to. the cam
paign- The advancing forces of the col
onistS is variOuSly estimated at from 1900
| to 1900 men, which have been drawn from
| the four forts of the British South Africa
company's territory. 1t is believed King
| Lobengula can bring from 10000 to 10000
I soldiers against the British columns.