Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-24

was still pending and that large Boer
forces in the neighborhood had destroyed
big sections of the railroad line north
and south of the town. Many fugitives
from neighboring villages have been i'm
prisoned by the Beers Several ladies,
hearing their husbands had been captured,
visited the Boer camp and were courteous
ly received. Their intercession for their
husbands was successful, and the reunited
families have arrived at Kimberley. The
prisoners report that they We're well
treated
According to runners who have arrived at
Kimberley from Kuruman, British Bechu-
analand, the resident magistrate there has
recently presided at council of the ma
tive chiefs. He advised them not to par
ticIpate n the war. The natives express
ed satisfaction at the magistrates expla-
nations and promised to remain quiescent.
RhOdesinns Take the Offensive.
a dispatch from Pretoria dated October
90 indicates that the Rhodesians, under
Col Plumer. al Fort Tuli. on the Transvaal
border, are taking the offensive. They have
attacked BOer patrol at Rhodes drift, but
apparently not much damage was done on
either side. The Beers say they lost three
horses.
battle of ElandslaaSte, is a brother of Vio-
let Fanbrugh, the well-known actress.
Germany has sent to follow the British
forces in South Africa her military at
tache in London, Capt. Baron Won Lutt=
witz, who married Miss Mamie Cary of
Cleveland, Ohio.
The British military authorities hope to
have the wireless telegraph in operation in
South Africa within three weeks, when, 1t
is hoped, the difficulties experienced from
the cutting of wires will be Obviated, as it
will only be necessary to establish commu-
nicatiOn with a point at which the ordinary
wires are intact.
A dispatch received at Cape Town from
Herschel, dated October q, says fifteen
natives who have arrived there say they
were arrested after leaving Johannesburg
and ordered to fight the British in Natal.
But they succeeded in escaping.
1t is reported at Cape Town that Pres-
dent Steyn of the Orange Free State is
close to Aliwal North, near Herschel, on
the borders of the Orange Free State. 1t is
added that the camps on the Orange river
are quiet, that plowing and shearing az
proceeding, and that there are large guam
titles of stock on the river bank.
More About Fight at MafeIing.
dispatch from Kuruman, dated October
10, via the Orange river, says a dispatch
rider had furnished details of the fight at
Mafeking on October IA. This confirms the
Associated Press accounts, and show that
Col Fitzclarence's squadron was nearly
outflanked by the Beers. The armored
Il ain unable to assist the squadron for
fear of hitting the British soldiers. Col
Baden-Powell signaled to Fitzclarence to
retire but the latter replied that he was
hampered by his wounded, could not desert
them, and could not return without REIN
foIcements. Lieut.. Lord Charles Bentinck
of the 9th Lancers was then ordered, with
a squadron, to disengage Fitzclarence, and
the retreat was effected in good order.
The efficacy of the armored train was
thoroughly proved throughout the engage
ment. The crew did great execution. While
the lighting was proceeding outside, the
tcwnsmen stood by the defenses of the
town. Splendid spirit is said to have been
shown by every one. even the women shoul-
derins Lee-Metford rifles, which they know
how to handle.
Maj Baillie had an exciting experience
near Mafeking while attempting to convey
orders from the base to the front. He had
to run the gauntlet of the enemy, 250 yards
away. hot fire was opened on him, and
Baillie's water bottle was shattered. The
next moment his horse was shot and fell,
and Baille had a narrow escape from cap
ture. He reached the train.
A courteous note has reached Col. Baden
Powell from Gen. Cronte, the Boer COM
mander, offering facilities for the inter-
change of wounded and prisoners. This in
diCates that when the Beers fired the
ambulance train which was attempting to
pick up the dead they did so by mistake.
A native rumor says Col. Plumer, at Tuli,
has engaged and defeated a force of Beers.
Beers Completely Staggered.
CAPE TOWN, October % (afternoon)-
News has been received from Dundee to
the effect that the Boer disaster at Glands
Iaagte staggered the Beers completely, rem
dering the attack upon Dundee feeble.
Therefore there is no cause for anxiety.
KIMBERLEY, October 20 delayed in
transmission).-All is we'll here and there is
no fighting in progress.
KOOPMANSFONTEIN October 20 Cby
dispatch rider, via HOpetown) Parties of
kaffirs returning home from Jagersfontein
to Kimberley are unable to obtain food
Already there is a scarcity of supplies
throughout Bechuanaland and Griquiland
West owing to the total stoppage of the
transport service. Famine is almost GER
tain.