The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-14


The other papers are abusing the
Government for it's "complac4nt optim-
ism," and inability to grasp the
strength of the opposition it has to
overcome in South Africa.
Considerable significance attaches
to General Methuen's statement that
he is entrenching himself, indicating
fear that the Beers may follow up their
advantages. adopt the offensive and at
tack him. Indeed, the gravity of the
situation from the British point of
view can hardly be overestimated Gen
eral Methuen's long lines of commu-
nication to De Aar are more vulnera-
BILE. Should they be cut, General
Methuen will find himself in a very
tight place, if only from lack of sup
plies.
AS the day progressed and the drib-
let's of information leaked out, the ex-
IRENE gravity of General Methuen's
position was more fully recognized, and
the possibility of his isolation created
no small alarm in military circles. 1t
was thought in some quarters that he
ought to retrace his steps to Orange
River before his line of communication
was severed.
General Wauchope's death was much
deplored. He rendered notable service
at the battle of Omdurman, for which
he was thanked by both houses of Par
lament. A pathetic incident was that
General Wauchope's wife was among
the inquirers at the War Office few
minutes before the telegram announc-
ing his death was posted.
The Stock Exchange to-day closed
grave and anxious. There was consid-
cradle nervousness as to the outcome
of the settlement and there were ru-
mors of failures Consols were weak
and kaffirs were more depressed than
at any time during the present year
There was little excitement noticea-
BILE at the War Office, but at the hotels
there was considerable gloomy fore
boding that the brief announcement
Orange River indicated that General
Methuen's losses were more severe
than reported.
BOER LOSSES AT STORMBERG.
LONDON, Dec. 13.-The latest adj
vices from General Gatacre show that
no anxiety is felt for the safety of his
remaining troops, who have been with
drawn to good positions along the rail-
road south Of Molteno. 1t is said that
Bushmans Hook is impregnable.
The Beers decline to furnish the
names of the killed or wounded. They
say they buried the dead, and are send
ing the prisoners to Bloemfontein.
The Boer loss on Sunday is report
LIN -,
wounded. Probably this is correct, as
no genuine attack was made by Gen.
eral Gatacre's troops who were COM
pletely surprised while in column. This
British apparently simply rushed uI
the nearest hill without orders OF
knowing where the enemy was. II
also appears that the British were sc
exhausted that they were unable tc
accomplish anything. They had beer
on the move since a. m. Sunday, trav-
cling by train in open trucks in the
broiling sun to Molteno. After ar
hours rest they proceeded on an hours
march over the most difficult and un-
known country.
The War Office at London received
the following message from Genera
Forester Walker:
Cape Town, Tuesday, Dec. 12.-Ne
further details from Methuen-
"Gatacre is moving from Bushn1an's
Hook to 'Sterkstroem to-day. The
Magistrate at Sterkstroem wires thai
the situation there has slightly i'm
proved. Many of the missing have
turned up. French reports that de-
tachment of cavalry, with two guns
of horse artillery, reconnoitered the
Beers position at Quitfontein and
Valkoepf. eight miles north Of Arundel
They shelled a farm and drove the
enemy from Vaalkopf The Boer loss
was one killed and several wounded
Our casualties nil.'
/ The moving of General Buffers force
| in the direction of Colenso seems to
have actually commenced. The military
attaches have left Cape Town to join
General Butler, via Durham.
General White reports under date of
Tuesday. December 18th, that there
are thirty-two cases of enteric fever al
Ladysmith.
There are renewed reports of a Cab
met crisis at Cape Town. where it is
said that Governor Miner is about to
act, in consequence of the disclosures
involving l, Ministry's loyalty.
The 'hite Star line steamer Males
tic = .als from Liverpool to-day for
SCUM Africa, with 1900 troops on
board.
The White Star line steamer Cymeric
has been chartered for use as a trans
port.
BRITISH NEAR COLENSO.
LONDON, Dec. ia dispatch from
Frere Camp, dated Tuesday, Deem
Der 18th, morning, says:
This morning a union brigade con-
ststing of English, Scottish, Irish and
Welsh Fusileers, under General Barton
with several naval guns, advanced and
took up a strong position three miles
from Colenso, meeting with no oppo-
sition.'
DELAGOA BAY VERY USEFUL TC
BOERS.
LONDON, Dec. 1.-THE Cape Town
correspondent of the Times" says:
There Is great dissatisfaction with
the condition of affairs at Delagoa Bay.
Lourenzo Marques is rapidly develop
ing into regular Transvaal emporium
| and is becoming the headquarters for
I ~