The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-10-31
BATTLE At LADYSMITH.
General Whites Forces Are
Forced to Fall Back.

NSAASA "a Wv A41IC > GOlSCS IAC
Forced to Fall Back.
TRANSVAAL FORCE is LARGER.
English Commander Reports His Loss at
About One Hundred and the Boer
Casualties considerable" - Kruger's
Army Found to Be Well Equipped.
LONDON. Oct. s1.-Yesterday's en-
gagement at Ladysmith, which, despite
the rather heavy losses, must be re-
garded rather as an extended reconnais-
sance or sllirmish than battle, seems to
make little change in the actual posi-
ton. 1t is disappointing to the British
public as again revealing the tactical
skill of an unexpectedly high order on
the side of the Beers. In addition to
the possession OF a number of heavy
guns, the transport of which causes
wonderment here, they have available
marvellous ability. Unless commanded
by skillful European officers, it is hardly
considered possible that Boer officers
would have assumed a feigned position,
as they did in front of the right COL
umn, with the intention of retreating
from it to their real line of defense and
Of inducing the British to attack over
fre swept zone. The special dispatches
again fail to confirm General Whites
official dispatches that the Beers were
pushed back several miles. When it is
considered the censorship is very severe
the only conclusion, that can be arrived
at is that the action was extremely in
conclusive. The action began with
frontal attack on the main Boer posi-
ton, which was found evacuated and
the enemy developed a heavy attack on
Colonel Grimwood's brigade.
To meet this the British artillery,
which had been shelling the evacuated
position, also changed front. Grim
woods brigade was promptly reinforced
but soon was obliged to fall back rap
idly with consequences which might
have been serious had not the Fifty
third field battery pluclkily covered the
movement at considerable loss to itself.
1t is quite certain that General White
failed to accomplish the object he in,
tended and the days proceedings are
an instructive example of the difficulty
of operations when the enemy holds an
extended position from which he is en-
abled to make sudden and unexpected
attacks.
General Sir Edward Butler cannot ar
rive at the firing line before the end Of
this week. Meanwhile, General White
will need all his resources to prevent
the Beers around Ladysmith linking
their forces. The omission of all infor-
nation likely tc give true idea of the
matter is attributed to his reticence, but
editing by war Office censors is again
severely commented on.
Two Battalions Missing.
General Whites dispatch, which was
dated 4:30 today, read: 81 employed all
the troops here except the obligatory
garrison before the works. I sent
mountain battery, the Royal Irish Flu
sileers and the Gloucesters to take up
position on the hills to clear my left
flank. The force moved at II. yesterday
morning and during some firing the bat
terry mules stampeded with some of the
guns, which, however, I hope torecover.
These two battalions have not returned,
but are expected this evening.
81 detailed two brigade divisions of
field artillery and five battalions of in
fantry aided by cavalry, under General
French, to attack a position on which
the enemy yesterday mounted guns.
We found this position evacuated, but
our force was attacked with consid-
cradle vigor by what believe were
General Joubert's troops. They had
many guns and showed in great num-
bers. Our troops were all in action
and we pushed the enemy back several
miles, but did not succeed in reaching
his laager. Our losses are estimated at
between 80 and 100, but those Of the
enemy must have been much greater,
tho fire Of our guns appearing very
effective.
''After being in action several hours I
withdrew the troops and they returned
unmolested to their cantonments. The
enemy are in great numbers and their
guns range further than our field guns.
] now have some naval guns which
have temporarily silenced, and I hope
will permanently dominate the enemy's
best guns, with which he has been
bombarding the town at range Of
over 5000 yards"
General Greely mas received cable
gram from Havana saying the hurricane
did considerable damage. Lines of
communication between Havana and
Santiago had all been cut. No mention
is made Of any loss of life.