The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1894-01-09
FRENCH AND ENGLIsH FIGET.
The Forces of the Latter Were Cut to
Pieces.

London, January 6.--ParticuarS concern
ing the battle between French and British
troops on the frontiers of Sierra Leone, on
the northwest coast of Africa, are coming
slowly and every hour seems to give u
grave aspect to the affair. The situation will
require careful handling in order to avoid
serious complications Particulars of the
engagement received today say that the
British force, said to number SEQ native
troops sent against the Sofas, were encamp-
cd near Warina, in the sphere of British
influence, shortly before daylight De-
cember 23d This force was attacked by
thirty Sene5alese sharpshooters, supported
by 200 native French auXliarieS under
Lieutenant Moritz, of the French regular
army. The French opened fire upon the
British, who :cplied. and after the lighting
had continued for some time, the French
retired, and Lieutenant Moritz who had
been wounded, was captured by the British
and brought into camp.
MistOOl1 the British for Arabs.
Upon being questioned as to his reason
for opening fire upon the British troop,
Lieutenant Moritz explained that he mis-
took the British force for a force of Sofas
under European officers and Arab leaders.
Lieutenant Mortz, in spite of the assistance
promptly rendered him. died of his wounds.
In addition, ten of the Senegalese sharp
shooters were killed and OF the frontier po-
lice, which accompanied the expedition, i'll
addition to Inspector General Lendy, two
were killed and three were seriously wound
ed. The British force, it Is added, remains
at Warina.
The governor of Sierra Leone cabled to
the marquis of Ripon, secretary of state
for the colonies today confirming the Assoc
ciated Press dispatch in all points and add
ing that the French pretend that they
thought the British were enemies, though
it appears certain that the scene of the
encounter was well on the British Sidt Of
the border.
A Dying officers Statement.
The colonial office this afternoon an
noupces that the affair will be made the
subject of a stringent inquiry as soon as
full details of the affair are received from
the governor OF Sierra Leone. Later news
received from Sierra Leone says that the
enco, Nter took place during period of
bright moonlight and that when the French
surprised the British force, the latter We're
unprepared for the engagement and could
not easily have been mistaken for Sofas.
The latter dispatches also say that the
French officer II command, who was NOR
tally wounded, prior to his death in the
British camp was able to explain his blum
der. He said that in the moonlight he mis-
took the white campaigning dress of the
British officers fer the white dress OF Arab
chiefs, whom he supposed to be in command
of a force of Sofas. 1t is now said that this
statement of the French officer makes it
perfectly clear that q mistake was made by
the French and that no responsibility at
taches to the British officers.
1t is not yet explained, however what the
French forces We're doing in locality
which was we'll within the British border,
and it Is this point which is liable to lead
to serious complications when coupled with
the shooting of the British officers and SOL
d,ers.
Are Awaiting Details.
The leading English newspapers are all
inclined to suspend judgment over the affair
until full details of the engagement are
received from the governor of Sierra Leone.
The Daily News, which may be supposed
to accurately reflect the views Of the gov
eminent on the subject, says: 1.-The incident
will form the basis of a strict inquiry upon
fhe mart of both governments" adding
where the two nations involved, less strong
and less sure of themselves, it might result
in unreasonable evil. Pending the receipt
of details, one in this country can ran
to realize the tremendous responsibility
which attaches to every utterance on the
subject"