Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-11-30
SITUATION IN NATAL
London Anxious About the DISPOSE
tion Of Reinforcements Landed.
RISING OF DUTCH FARMERS FEARED.


London, Nov 23.-Although it is evi-
dent that the situation in Natal is again
becoming sufficiently alarming, moth
ing can be officially ascertained to al
lay public anxiety or the curiosity felt
regarding the disposition of the rein
forcements recently landed in Durham.
The war Office dispatches are confined
To a mere recital OF a few casualties at
Moot river, which confirm the reports
OF skirmishes there, but give no de-
tails as to how the engagements hap
pened.
One correspondent says that 1000
Beers are within % miles Of Howick
Falls, near Pietermaritzburg, and that
the inhabitants are fleeing to the capi-
tai. Evidently a considerable force of
the enemy is now within 30 to 40 miles
of Pietermaritzburg, but it is officially
announced from there that no anxiety
prevails, the garrison numbering 1,OOO
men and six guns.
Gen. Joubert's plan, apparently, is a
daring attempt to defeat the British re-
lieving column from Durham in detail,
while still attempting the reduction of
Ladysmith. A serious attack on MOOT
river camp is hourly expected, with
the object Of destroying the bridge at
Weston Should this be accomplished
the Beers would be free to turn their
attention again to Estcourt, while, II
it failed, the enemy would retire again
on Weenen and rejoin the investing
forces around Ladysmith.
A RISING OF DUTCH FARMERS FEARED.
Pretoria, Nov. 90 The official re-
turns of the Transvaal casualties since
the outbreak Of the war show that 80
men have been killed and 200 wounded
Of whom number have recovered and
returned to the front Newspaper re-
ports from Cape Colony say general
rising of the Dutch farmers is i'm
minent in Natal and that the colonial
Beers in those districts which have
been proclaimed republican territory
have already joined the Boer forces.
GEN. JoUBER1's OPERATIONS.
Pretoria, Nov. 23-It is reported that
the Natal police have captured num-
Der of Transvaal dispatch riders. In
his latest report Gen. 'Ioubert says: Il
am cutting off the retreat Of the Est
court troops to Pietermaritzburg and
driving them back on the Tugala
river" 1t is also reported that the
Boer commander, with the force near
Ladysmith, has "comprehensively sur
veyed the different points from which
the fall of Ladysmith can be insured"
BoERs TO ATTACK plErERMARITzBURa.
London, Nov 23.-The Daily News
has the following from Pietermaritz-
burg, under Wednesdays date:
Your correspondent managed to escape from |
the Moot river district yesterday before the ar
rival Of 300 Beers, who are lootng the farm
steads In oil directions. The Natal Beers, en-
by the successes Of the Transvaalers,
oined In the footing. The main body of the
Beers are within 40 miles OF PieteNnaritzburg at
The farthest, and II Is said they intend to attack
The town
A SURPRISE ATTACK AT MOOT RIVER.
Moo River, Natal, Nov. 23.-The
British fred several shells, which are
believed to have caused havoc among
.he Beers, the latter taking advantage
Of the heavy rain and retiring. The
Boer shells were, apparently, aimed at
the bridge. 1t was surprise attack,
out had been fully guarded against.
The British had three wsunded.
FORTS AT MAFEKING BoMBARDED.
Pretoria, Nov. 2S.-Gen. Snyman,
who is outside Mafelng, reports heavy
lighting Monday afternoon. The Brit
sh briskly fred on the French cannon
md Boer forts. The Beers replied,
,ombarding the British forts with good
fleet. The loss of the British is un-
lnown. One Boer was wounded.
TO RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.
London, Nov 23.-The Daily Mail
publishes dispatch from Naauwpoor:,
lated Wednesday, which says that a
arge force under Gen. Methuen has
rossed the Orange river and is adj
'ancing to the relief of Kimberley.