Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-11-21
London Says the Reports Of Such
are Not Trustworthy,
LITTLE FIGHTING ON NOW.
Battle May Come Any Time-Hoers
Driyen Back at Estcourt-Pian
OF british Advance.

London, Nov. a.-The latest direct
news from Ladysmith dated Thursday,
Nov 16, and Friday, Nov Il, strangely
conflicts with the reiterated reports OF
tremendous battles and great British
victories" on Wednesday and Thurs
day.
Neither Of the messages above re-
ferred 70, though dispatched on the
days following the date Of the alleged
fight, mentioned any great fights or
Boer defeats on the contrary, both
distinctly state that beyond false
alarm on Tuesday evening and little
increased Smelling Thursday and Fri
day. causing little damage, everything
was perfectly quiet and the garrison
chatting under It's enforced inactivity.
Nevertheless special dispatches from
EstCOurt today enlarge on the reported
battles. and insist that the Beers re-
ceived a more terrible lesson Wednes-
day than In any previous night. Ac-
cording to these circumsiantlal ac-
cousts the Beers determined TO attempt
TO reach the north end OF Ladysmith
with a large force but were unable TO
make headWay against the well sus-
tanned IRE Of the British refiemen and
Maxims
Later Il is added British force
worked round the Boer flank causing
the latter 70 withdraw under a deal ly
fusllade with exceedingly heavy losses
Large numbers OF dead and wounded
are said TO have been left on the field
and a number OF prisoners were cap
tured. The British losses are reported
10 have been trivial
OF course, reliable dispatches cor
roboratiye Of the above may have been
censored or captured with the native
runners. But these tales are so fiat
tering 20 the British that they have a
distinct flavor OF being belated accounts
from kalllr sources OF atairs previously
reported.
The dispatches from Ladysmlth re-
porting that there is an ample supply Of
ammunition there have seemingly set
at rest point on which there was
much diversity Of opinion.
Apparently the British commander at
Ladysmith believes Gen. Joubert has
gone south, leaving only a force euff-
Client 10 prevent the garrison from sally
ing out. and there Is a disposition in
some quarters 20 think Gen. JOubert
possibly Initiated the story with the OBJ
iect Of inducing Gen. White 10 make a
serious attack or relax bis precautions
so as TO permit the Beers 10 seize
ground vital 10 the defense Of the town.
4 report from Durham however. Gays
there are rumoTs there that the Beers
are preparing 10 break camp and with
"a from DO tuV.at.p.pt - ri.
smith. But il Is said elsewhere that
the investing force continues 60 receive
achievements and fresh supplies or
stores daily.
In view Of ,he publicity allowed by
the military authorities To b. given TO
the alleged Intention Of the British 60
advance via Belmont 10 relieve Klmber.
ley. 1t is said II may be regarded as
probable that an advance from De Aar
viii really b. effected ana that the route
VIII Tot be so well advertised
The transport city Of Cambridge with
the second battalion OF the Scottish III
lies arrived at Durham this morning.
Durham, Natal, Monday. Nov. 20
Seven hundred Beers from Weenan took
W q strong position on the highlands
j miles south Of EstcOurt, occupying
Turner's Farm, east Of Moot river. Ma
Jor Thornycfoft with detachment OF
mounted Infantry, ana the Estcourt
carblncers. engaged the Beers OF whom
three were killed, including their COM
maudant.
The Beers Withdrew, taking 200 head
Of cattle captured at Turner'S Farm.
The main Boer force south OF EST
court is reported TO have retired.
Capetown, Monday Nov. 2O.-Gen.
Gatacre commanding the British col
umn assembling al Queenstown. Cane
Colony made a speech 20 the troops
there today. lie said the regulars should |
watch and learn from the lrregulars.
who were acquainted with the son ana
the habits Of the Beers When the for
ward movement Is begun, he continued !
there could be no question OF stopping
H. and he asked them TO do their best, |
adding:
Il will never ask you to do anything
/ am not willing % do myself"
Reports from The northern portion OF
the colony are more reassuring bur
there Is distinct danger Of the Dutch |
actively espousing the cause Of the |
Beers. who now efectually bar three !
lines Of entry into the Free State. Most
Of the students Of the Burghersdorp |
theological seminary Joined them after |
the latter occupied the town
Proclamatons issued az Blocmfonteln |
Tuesday, Nov. H. declare that the whole |
Of Griqualand West. except Kimberley |
and Matching, are annexed to the Free |
state. The prochmations are signed |
by G. II. Vessels. president Of the |