Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-11-22
NEWS VERY CONFLICTING.

LONDON, November 21.-The latest
direct news from Ladysmith dated
Thursday, November 10th, and Friday,
November 18th, strangely conflicts with
reiterated reports Of tremendous bat
ties and great British victories" We'd
nesday and Thursday Neither of the
messages above referred TO, though dis
patched on the days following the date
OF the alleged fights, mention any great
engagements or Boer defeats. On the
contrary, both distinctly state that be-
yond a false alarm on Tuesday even
ing and little increased Smelling on
Thursday and Friday, causing little
damage, everything was perfectly quiet,
and the garrison was chafng under its
enforced inactivity.
Nevertheless, special dispatches from
Estcourt to-day enlarge on the report
ed battles and insist that the Beers re-
ceiyed more terrible lesson Wednes-
day than in any previous fight.
According TO these circumstantial ac-
counts, the Beers determined TO at
tempt to reach the north end of Lady
smith with a large force, but were I'M
able TO make Roadway against the we'll
sustained fire OF the British rifemen
and maxims. Later, il is added, a Brit
ish force worked round the Boer flank,
causing the latter TO withdraw under
a deadly fusilade with exceedingly
heavy losses. Large numbers Of dead
and wounded are said to have been left
on the field and a number Of prison.
ers were captured. The British losses
are reported to have been trivial
~ aRrfrcn rcIs1 hfo Tfera - oc ncrTcT,
orative Of the above may have been cen
sored or captured with the native run
ners. But these tales are so fattering
to the British that they have
A DISTINCT FLAVOR
Of being Delayed accounts, from Kafir
sources, Of affairs previously reported.
The dispatches from Ladysmith re-
porting that there is an ample supply
of ammunition there have, seemingly,
set at rest a point on which there was
much diversity Of opinion.
Apparently the British commander
at IAdysmith believes Gen. Joubert has
gone south. leaving only force suffi-
Gent 70 prevent the garrison from sal
lying out, and there is a disposition in
some quarters 10 think Gen Joubert
possibly initiated the story with the
object Of inducing Gen. White to make
a serious attack OF relax his precau-
tons, so as 10 permit the Beers to seize
ground vital to the defense Of the town.
A report from Durham, however, says
there are rumors that the Beers are
preparing 10
BREAK CAMP AND WITHDRAW
from the investment Of Ladysnith. But
il is said elsewhere that the investing
force continues 70 receive reinforce
ments and fresh supplies CT stores
daily.
In view Of the publicity allowed by
the military authorities 70 be given 70
the alleged intention OF the British 10
advance via Belmont 70 relieve Kim
bsriey. il is said that it may be regard
ed as probable that an advance from
De Aar viii really be effected. and that
the route VIII not be so well adver-
tiSed.
The Transport City OF Cambridge.
with the Second battalion Of the Scot
fish Rifles, arrived az Durham this
morning
Callers at the United States en-
bassy to-day were informed that the
United States was no longer able to
forward messages OF secure information
regarding the British prisoners. Presi-
dent Kruger having refused the request
TO permit Consul Macrum to transmit
list Of the British prisoners Though
Csattnaed % sixth Page.