Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-10-17

ENED IN EAST ~ MAFEKING
ALSO IN DANGER WIRES HAVE
BEEN CUT AND POINTS IN
BECHUANAIAND ARE ISOLAT-
ED-REPORTS OF FIGHTING
COME FROM MANY BORDER
POINTS. BUT CANNOT BE CON-
FIRMED-wAR ENTHUSIASM IN
LONDON.
LONDON, October 16.-The gradual
cutting OF of outlying points at the
scene of hostilities in South Africa from
the Geographic communication reduced
The accurate news .obtainable to a min
imum. Thus far no reliable informal
ton has been received of any actual
fighting outside the affair of Kraaipan
and occasional exchanges OF shots at
various outposts. There is no lack of
circumstantial stories regarding fight
ing at various points; but these ara
scarcely published before they are de-
MED
The only salient facts in this morn
ings kilograms are that the Beers have
advanced beyond New Castle and
formed a lager near Dannhauser,
about twelve miles north of Dundee,
and that Kimberley is isolated and
probably invested. Kimberley has thus
become the immediate center of inter-
est. The last message from Kimberley,
prior to the cutting OF the telegraph and
railway by the Beers said: "All ths
troops at Kimberley are we'll"
AS there are 5000 troops there, there
is little anxiety for the safety OF the
town, especially as the Boer force Is
said to be only of about the same
strength. Many stories of brisk fighting
at that point are in circulation, but al
though the forces are likely to have
come. into contact all alleged details
must be regarded as premature and
speculative, especially II the report be
true that the Orange Free State troops
are now in complete possession OF the
railway from Kimberley to Orange
river, 70 miles away.
The alleged virulence of The Boer-At-
tacks upon Mafeking and Kimberley
can readily be understood when II 10
realized that Bechuanaland is to the
Beers what AIsace-Iorraine is 10
France. 1t is, therefore, probable that
both towns will be forced to undergo
a long and dreary investment before the
British are in a position to send re-
lieving committee
On the other side of the country the
Beers are closing around the British
outposts and have already come into
touch with them and exchanged shots.
Therefore, more stirring news Is ex-
pected.
Advices from Cape Town relate that
excitement Is kept UP there by coaseless
reports OF battles, but that little uneas-
mess is visible In official circles. where
the opinion prevails that Mafeking and
Kimberley are safe. II Is thought, too.
that the Beers are not likely TO attack
Vryburg in Bechuanaland owing 70 tbs
fact that the population of that distri0t
IS largely Dutch.
1t is assumed that the refusal Of the
Beers to accept battle in Natal last
week when Gen. Sir. George Sewart
White advanced and endeavored 10
draw them through Van Reenens Pass
indicates their unwillingness to COM
mence hostilIties. On the other hand
the Beers are PROBABLY too astute 10
play the British game at the risk Of an
engagement on ground where artillery
would be brought into play and cav
airy moved rapidly.
The narrow city streets adjoining the
Guild hall and stock exchange to-day
were crowded The immediate oecas-
ion was the meeting convened by the
Lord Mayor OF London, Sir John Vocs
Moore. TO declare the confidence Of
business men IN the city proper In the
South African policy OF the governs
ment. Hundreds OF members Of ths
stock and wool exchanges and OF the
great banking and underwriting firms.
formed professions in front Of their
various Offices ard marched 20 the
Guild hall singing the national airs and
brandishing flags. accommodating masses
Of troops at every turn.
The Guild hall was packed with peo-
pie. band. stationed In the orches-
trail gallery. led OF in patriotic airs,
which we're taken up by the audience.
amid the waving Of numberiess union
Jacks. The Lord Mayor and sherins
we're loudly cheered on arriving. and
the name Of President Kruger provoked
q storm Of .tpoofs."
A resolution extollIng the premier.
Lord Salisbury and the secretary %
state for the colonies. Mr.. Chamber.
lain. was proposed by the Lord Mayor
seconded By Sir John Lubbock. Unions
list, member of parliament for L8ndon
university. and enthusiastically adopt
ed.
Patriotic demonstrations took place
I. r4s. -