Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-12-04

river and encamped on the Boer posi-
ton.
The experts here are unanimous In
expressing the opinion that Klmberiey's
needs must be very pressing to induce
| Gen. Methuen TO expose the whole OF
his command to the Boer marksmen
snugly entrenched In a semi circular
position, SO deadly was the fire zone
that the Scots guards sere compelled
TO leave their Maxim guns behind when
they were forced to seek less exposed
ground.
WHAT SAVED THE BRITISH.
1t was only after dusk that portion
OF the British troops succeeded in
crossing the river by a mill dam on
the extreme left When night fell. the
Boer artillery fire was still as ylgor-
GUS as In the morning, but the Beers
retirement in the night saved the sltua-
ton for the British. The exhausted
condition Of the British troops preclud-
ed the possibility OF pursuit Of the
enemy.
The conclusion OF the correspondents
that the Beers must have suffered
heavily must be confirmed from Of
hcial sources before It is accepted as
fact. In any case the Beers retired
without any sign Of disorder. carrying
on their guns and equipment Thus
Gen. Cronte's force is still Intact.
The fact that Gen. Meihuen ard essls,--
kekewich are now IN communication
may cause a reconsideration OF the
Boer commanders plan 10 give battle
az spytfontein, where he might be
simultaneously attacked by both Brit
ish forces.
II is reported that Modder river
bridge has been repaired, and that the
British resumed their march towards
Kimberley today.
The fact that the DeBeers mines
foundry is casting shells while the gar
rison seldom replies to the Boer ar
hlIery is said TO point TO a scarcity OF
ammunition at Kimberley. partially
accounting for Gen. Methuens haste.
DIFFICULTY IN NATAL.
All the news from Natal emphasizes
the difficulties before Gen. Clery.
There Is growing belief that some
delicate thanking operations has been In.
trusted to some tactlcian, while Gen.
Hildyard carried out the direct front
The latest adviees from Ladysmlth.
dated Saturday, Nov. 18th. say the she'll
ing Of that place was continued. 1t also
appears that Gen. Schalkburger, CON-
the Beers, sent a message sug-
costing that all the wounded be sent 10
4 neutral camp and that Gen. White
refused, when II is added,
The Beers deliberately shelled the hos
pltal.
All accounts agree that the Boer shells
we're much more damaging than pre-
iiously.
a number OF civilians and police were
oiled or wounded. while the Liverpool
md Gloucester battalions lost eleven
men November Path.
The siege OF Ladysmlth was then
rowing stronger. The Beers were es-
MATED to number from ten 10 fifteen,
thousand men.
The health Of the British garrison was
God.
The Boer force at Colenso Is estimated
o be 1900 men with fifteen guns.
ARMY CORPS HAS ARRIVED.
New York Dec. "A despatch to the
'ribune from London says
The army corps has now virtually ar
WE'D In South Africa. only a few cav
Try and artillery details being still
float or on the rocks.
The entire British force now IN the
ED as estimated by Col. Drunker Is
800 men. with IA guns. exclusive of
avail brlgades. colonial contlngents and
cal forces, which range between 20,O0O
nd $4,000 men.
The fifth and sixth divisions which are
; arrive VIII increase the strength u
le army by 10000 men, and there are
iditiOnal forces OF cavalry and artll-
ry now anoat. not included In these
cures
The British army In South Africa has
zen underestlmated by nearly all writ
$ for the London press. The mounted
rec Is now said TO range between 1909
d 1900 men. including 5000 PROVISION
volunteers and Gen. Whites cavalry.
his looks Ike an oyerestimate made 10
ver The shortening Of the stafi.