Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1899-10-13

/ A>~" VI ~ oNl 1O.-IA uiSpdlcn 10 the
Tribune from London says: The first
act of war was the swarming of the
Beers across the border of Natal and the
occupation of Laing's Mex. An advance
in the direction of New Castle is also re-
ported this morning, but is not fully
confirmed. The British field force in
Natal, under Generals White and Sy-
monds, remains on the defensive. The
main body of troops in Cape Colony is
also stationary. but strong force has
moved from Mafeking, in Behuanaland,
toward the Transvaal border. taking
guns and ambulance equipments. This
force consists chiefly of rough riders and
! crack marksmen from Buluwayo. and is
stffened with the northumberland fusi-
leers, or the "Fighting Fifth regarded
by Kitchener as his best regiment. The
cavalry is commanded by Colonel Baden
Powell, brother of the late Sir George
Powell. well known as yachtsman, and
the infantry by Colonel Plumer. These
two officers were the best on the British
side during the Matabee rebellion.
This advance eXcites surprise and anx-
iety in the military circles of London
it is understood. because not in line
with the general defensive tactics whiel
had been expected during the earlier
stage of the British campaign. The
ground covered is also the track of the
Jameson raid. General Cronje's force is
massed in that quarter.
Whatever may be the movements of
the next few days, it is not believed at
the war office that either of the Transvaal
commands occupying Laing's Mex or the
ct.,f. ~
Van Reenans pass, will make any seri-
Gus advance against the British lines.
There is no idea at the war office that
either Durham or Pietermaritzburg is in
danger from the Boer raiders
The first shot of the war, it is now ad-
mitted, has been fired Before Kruger's
ultimatum was issued, it came from a
Boer patrol, who fired on the mail train
from Natal. The seizure of a mail train |
in the Free State at Harrismith is also |
reported.
The two governments have been speed
ing their diplomatic representatives with |
the usual signs of civiity. Montague
White, the Transvaal agent, has closed
his offices here and rushed to Brussels, I
leaving the Dutch minister to admins |
ter his affairs. Conyngham Green has
also said farewell to President Kruger
and started for Cape Colony. saw yes
terday private dispatch received in this
city stating that Mr.. Green had been as I
sassinated, but happily this rumor has !
not been confirmed. though another dis
patch. which | SAW last night stated that
he was seriously i'll. Arrangements by
which the American consul has under
taken Mr.. Green's duties in the Transvaal
is highly appreciated in England.
Public opinion here has rapidly stiff
ened since President kruger's incredibly
stupid ultimatum, but the moral support
of America is eagerly sought. This is not
last years war deserves another but be-
cause the English people. after being be-
by the poemics of the contro-
versy are now convinced that the unity
Of the empire is a stake and that the war
is righteous and necessary, and they
covet the good opinion of America.
While the war has opened quietly and
there are no exciting episodes, there is
intense interest i'm the meager details
which are allowed to pass the censorship
n South Africa. The cabinet today Will
arrange the details of the meeting of par
lament. Mr.. Chamberlain remains deep
n work at the colonial Office but his
friends quote him as saying that his work
S done for the present except in parlia-
nent.