The record-union., 1899-11-12

nerves OF the country, and the refer
ences in the censored dispatches to
heavy losses hightens the anxiety. 1t
is pointed out that the absence of any
serious news in such dispatches as have
been received from General White
proves nothing, as the General is not
likely to send anything unpleasant CT
indicative of anxiety, carriers being so
liable to fall into the hands of the
Beers.
There are signs that the greater part
OF the Beers are concentrating between
Ladysmith and Colenso, but the stories
are so contradictory it is impossible to
assert this absolutely. If true, it is
pointed out that while it cuts off Lady
smith, the risk to the Beers is also
great, for it will give General White a
great chance to intercept their retreat,
when Lord Methuan's divisions ad-
vances from the south, unless in the
meanwhile General Joubert succeeds in
crushing the beleaguered garrison. That
the latter is completing preparations
for a series of desperate attacks on
General Whites position is not doubted,
and heavy fighting may he heard Of at
any moment. General Whites forces,
it is asserted, must be enduring a daily
ordeal which will hardly improve the ir
fighting efficiency, and the danger Of
the shoit ness of ammunition looms UP
largely.
On the development of the situation
ct Ladysmita in the imme li:,le fut,n e
depends probably the duration of the
War 1t is pointed out tha- if ,seneral
White can maintain his position until
November 18th or 18th, the British au-
thorities will be fully satisfied that all
danger in Natal will be over. Should
he fail to 90 so, and be compelled to
abandon his guns and stores, and re,
tire with heavy losses southwark, he
will meet the Beers in position on the
Tugela River, and it is impossible to
predict what may happen. On the other
hand, the critics say should the situa-
ton at Ladysmith not be materially
changed before November 2Sth, it is
confidently predicted that the majority
of the Boer force will be caught be-
tween two British forces and compelled
to retreat over the difficult Tintwa Pass
or Livershook, after abandoning it's
guns.
However, the Beers have expressed
the intention of capturing Ladysmith
and then marching on the capital of
Natal, and the fact of their retaining
Tugela bridge intact argues confidence
in their ability to carry out their plans.
General Schalkburger's fanking
movement via Zululand must shortly
develop, if it is to be effective, but the
experts here scout the suggestion that
with the reinforcements already there
and the big naval guns continually ar
irving at Pietermaritzburg there can
be any serious danger
There is nothing corroborative of tbs
rumor Of disaster to British troopship
The admiralty has no knowledge of
such occurrence.
Sunshine SO brilliant that it compelled
Queen Victoria to resort to a sunshade
for protection, greeted her majesty's re-
turn to Windsor this morning when she
inspected three detachments Of the
Household Cavalry bound for South
Africa The Royal Horse Guards and
the Second Life Guards had journeyed
up from London, joining the First Life
Guards. Amid scenes of great enthu-
siasm the troops formed in two lines,
unmounted, in Khaki uniform. An i'm
mense crowd of people witnessed the
assembly. Brigadier General Trotter.
the district commander, with his full
staff, conducted the inspection After
the march past, the officers were or
dered to the front and the men were
formed in mass, close to the royal car
riage.
Then addressing Colonel Need in a
voice plainly audible to the officers, the
Il
Il have called you here to-day my
soldiers. who are always near me, to
say farewell before you cross the seas
to distant part of my empire to assist
your comrades who are fighting so
bravely for your sovereign and coun-
try l know you will always do your
duty as heretofore, and I pray God to
bless you and give you a safe re-
turn
After the speech her majesty beck
oned to Colonel Need, and when he adj
vanced the Queen shook hands heartily
with him.
The Colonel assured her majesty that
she could depend on the guards to up
hold the honor of the Queen and the
country. Colonel Need then led three
cheers for the Queen, and 500 helmets
were raised high on the points of
swords and carbines. The cheers were
repeated again and again, and the band
struck up God Save the Queen" her
majesty driving off amid the cheers
OF the spectators and the troops pres
ent
Inc Government has chartered the
steamers Victorian and Maplemore for
use as troopships.
A dispatch from Cape Town dated
Wednesday, November Sth, indicates
that the American miniaturist. Amelia
kussner, is among the beleaguered peo-
pie at Kimberley. The dispatch adds
that Mr.. Rhodes is sitting to her for
miniature.
BOERS DESERT COLENSO.
ESICOuRT (NataD, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
An armored train manned by an en-
gineer1ng staff and a company of the
Dublin Fusileers under Captain Henslev
returned here tonight and reports hav-
ing found the stores at Frere looted.
apparently by Kaffirs, and met cycl;st
patrols, who reported that the Beers
were on the Springfield road. five miles
away. The train proceeded cautiously
and found the Bluespruit bridge intact.
me train frequently stopped, and
captain Hensley examined the road
ahead before proceeding. Near Colenso
captain Hensley inspected Fort Nichol-
son, and proceeding found the line cut
mile south of Colenso. Two lengths
OF rail- on each side had been lifted and
placed out of gauge.
From information obtained from
kaffirs, it appears that the Beers left
the Vicinity of Colenso early this morn