davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
GERMAN COMMENT.
Beers should Have IL Guarantee oi
InMcne ndeDrc.

Beers should Have Guarantee oI
Independence,
Berlin, December 2SThe German press
continues to comment upon the war in
South Africa. The Miltair Wochenblat.
the militia organ. contains severe criti-
csm by high officer in which the writer
claims that hitherto Beers both leaders
and men, have proved far more efficient
in every way than the British. The Ma
tional zeitung publishes similarly severe
article.
The Kreuz zeitung says oditorially:
THE best solution for Germany would
be a peace guaranteeing the Beers their
Independence and securing the future. that
is. creating a state whose frontier touches
the sea in order to enable II TO adapt
itself to the new times upon which South
Africa is entering. That must be the
policy of the Beers. We do not desire The
British to be wholly expelled from Africa,
but we do not see the necessity OF making
the entire African continent British. The
ideas of Cecil Rhodes VIII split upon tbs
rock OF Boer courage.
Proofs accumulate that not all the Ger
mans sympathize with the Beers. Herr
Gottfried Hagen In Kalka, suburb OF
Deutz, Prussia, has accepted an order
from England for the immediate manutac-
ture of forty tons OF lead bullets. AT the
British embassy large numbers OF Ger
mans apply daily for enlistment In the
British army The applicants, when de-
sirable. are told that they may go TO
London. where they are sure OF enlist
ment.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

dated December 2, the heat then was In
tense being 104 degrees Fahrenheit In the
shade. There were many cases OF enterlc
fever in the town at that time, but not
enough to cause alarm. On the other hand.
reports from Boer sources on the conti-
nent assert that typhoid is epidemic in
Ladysmith
Lady Gresham and Lady Georgiana Cur
zon have issued an appeal for public funds
to establish n field hospital for the yeo-
manry. Capetown dispatches complain of
the inadequacy OF the hospital arrange
ments
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
BOER POSITION is STRONG.
NO LONGER GUERRILLA FOE. nut A
DISCIPLINED ARMY.
Dristscs with Machine Guns
Ready for the British.

London, December 2s,--A dispatch to
dated Saturday, December %. says.
Every day reveals some new fact regard
ing the strength of the Boer position at
Colenso. Thanks to the services of con
tinental officers, the character of the
campaign has changed. We are no longer
fighting foe who relies upon guerilla tao
tics, hut We have TO deal with what is
rapidly becoming Il disciplined army, en-
joyipg the advantages of knowledge of
the country and OF selecting the scene of
some commissariat. The Beers have con-
verified the hills near Colenso into fort
resses of immense strength. Everywhere
they have SPLENDID trenches, many of
them, bomb proof. Tramway lines permit
the shifting of guns with astonishing rap
dity. The main positions are connected
with the outlying positions by under
ground passages and the forts proper bris-
tie with machine guns that command the
approaches. Probably mines are laid. Ono
hears less nowadays about Boer shell not
bursting Observers of the Colenso fight
say the Boer shell fire was very effective.
This is due largely TO the fact that the
distances are marked off with white paint
The enemy's discipline is improving. The
trenches represent great manual labor for
which the Beers have keen dislike and
the way, in which they restrained their fire
when our troops We're advancing Is an
other proof of improved soldering"
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

of 1880, with an average of Go degrees the
coolest month was thut of 1884. with an aver
age of Al degrees; the highest temperature
was 10 degrees OH January 2S. 1876, January
u, 1880, January 81. 1892; the lowest tempera-
ture was IL degrees January s, 1886;
average data on which first killing frost
occurred in autumn, December 25 average
date on which last killing frost occurred
in spring. February 5.
Precipitation train and melted snow
Average for the month, 3.S7 inches; average
number of days with .0l of an inch or more.
II; the greatest monthly precipitation was
1888 inches in 1897 the least monthly precip-
tation was "a inches in 1893: the greatest
amount of precipitation recorded in any TWEEN
ty-four consecutive hours was 3 81 inches on
January Il, 1877: the greatest amount of
snowfall recorded in any twenty-four conse.
cutive hours (record extending to winter OF
1SS+-S5 only was inches on January ~.
1891.
Clouds and Weather.--Average number of
clear days 10; partly cloudy days, 9; cloudy
days, IL.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
NOT BY ASSAULT.
BOer Positions at the Two Rivers
Are ImpregnRbte.


London, December 2S.-In view Of the
apparent supineness of the British com
manders in not preventing the daily
strengthening and extending Of the Boer
positions along the Tugea and Modder
rivers. which are now considered prac-
tically impregnablo, many experts here are
coming 10 the conclusion that the British
have given up the idea Of carrying these
positions by assault, and will await trans
port and cavalry required to give the
forces the necessary mobility, when they
hope to be in position to besiege the
Beers in their respective plevnas, while
General Roberts carries out the original
plan of campaign, that of advancing
straight north on Bloomfontein, and other
generals, detaching sufficient mobile
troops. will reach their goals by circuit
GUS routes.
There is nothing in official or ndepcnd-
ent reports to indicate that the beleas-
ured garrisons are in any special straits
calling for immediate relief The latest
advices from Kimberley. where the short :
age is most feared. report plenty of food.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
LADYsMITH NEWS.

The Garrison In Said TO DC wen
Supplied.
London. December 2S.--The latest moe
pendent news from Ladysmith says. Ihe
field Notifications can now Withstand any
organized attack the enemy Is hkeiy 70
deliver. There is sufficient food stuis TOT
two months. The question OF forage Mlsn a
be troublesome. but since the rains l LII,
has been some grazing within the British
lines. There is no horse sickness, Casual
ties caused by our shell fire are increasine
and tho Beers are reported as necomins
nervous. They fear night sorties and con-
stantly open heavy fusillades on imaginary
attacks
German officials have promptly stopper
the Beers from recruiting In Demaraiann.
Neither men nor horses are permilteo y
cross the border.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
BOSTON sYMPATHIzEs.
Common Council Passed Pro-Boer
Resolutions.

Resolutions.
Boston December 2S.-The common
council of Boston today, after spiritel
debate, adopted a resolution of sympathy
of the Beers. The resolution follows
Whereas, The common council OF the
city of Boston has heard of the magnh-
cent struggle for independence and free
dom from British tyranny which mas peen
made by the Boer nation recently, ana
Whereas. This representative branch o'
our city government believe the Beers
ought to be a free nation; be II
Resolved. That this council congratu-
lates President Kruger and his people on
their many successes already achieved and
that we fervently hope the war VIII end
with complete victory for the Boer
arms.
Resolved, That the clerk OF the common
council be instructed to forward copy
OF these resolutions to President Kruger.
A resolution was also adopted extending
the sympathy of the council to the widow
of General Lawton.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
cotton Tbread Iy Higher.

New York. December 2s.-It was an
nounced at the office of the Clark Thread
company In Newark, n. j.. today that the
concern had made an advance in the price
of cotton thread to the extent of about
is cents dozen on spools In common with
the other cotton thread concerns. The
increased price OF cotton and the increase
in wages in the New England mills is
given as the cause of the increase In price
TO the retailer.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
Militnrx Mln,rter Nredcn.

London, December ~ Henry spen
Ger Wilkinson. the Morning Post military
expert in hi: review OF the situation to-
day, says THE lime has apparently
arrived for he nation TO insist II not
up on military dictatorship, at least
upon the adm isson into the cabinet Of n
military minister, empowered 10 veto any
proposals detrimental TO the successful
prosecution OF the war and also that the
administration of the army should be
placed wholly in the hands OF tried mill
tary administrator"
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
FRESHMEN READY.
They VIII strike England Mt the
First Opportunity.

Wheeling, w. Va. December 2S.--A Sc
cret meeting of Irishmen was held here
last night in the interest of the Fenan
movement aud the Boer cause in South Az
RIGA. I. e McVeagh of Dublin who is a
candidate for Michael Dayitt's seat in
parliament. has been IN this city for a
week working up the meeting, and made
the principal address In an interview to-
day he confirmed the report that Fenian
movement was on foot ana said there
are 000 Irishmen ready to strike n
blow at England al any opportunity.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
BoERs HAVE HOPES
That Grent Britain VIII soon sue
for Pence,

Tor IcHcfs
Durham Saturday. December 23.--WIhs-
ton Churchill on arriving here after his
escape from the Beers received tremen-
dous ovation. He says that from conver-
Stations with members OF the Transvaai
executive council at Pretoria he learned
that the Beers began the war with trepioa-
ton. but that President Kruger IL now
confident that Great Britain VIII soon sue
for peace. In the highest Transvaai CIR"
Giles. Mr.. Churchill asserts. there Is Sc
rIous talk OF a compromise, by which
Great Britain could cede the territory now
occupied by the armies OF the two repub-
lies, pay an indemnity of e2o,ooo,ooo ana
acknowledge the complete independence OF
the Transyaal.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

tho state having acknowledges allegiance
to the Southeastern Tariff association have
violated the State law regarding trusts and
combines He asks that their franchises
and charters ba cancelled aud the COM
panlos prevented from transicting further
business in Mississippi,
For the past several n}ai,hs there has,
been lively agitation IN Mississippi on
the subject OF Insurance and tho action
Of the attorney general is the commence
ment of what promises to be bitter Eight.
In his declaration the attorney general
states that by uniting or pooling their
interests for the purpose OF establishing u
set OF rates from which the underwriters
are not allowed to vary, that the associa-
| ton and tho companies theLsln have vio-
lated section 1907 of the annotated Gods
and it's amendments Local agents are
at loss as to what action TO take and are
wiring their managers to come TO the scene
as soon us possible for the purpose OF fight
ing the quo warranto proceedings which
VIII be called at the sitting OF the Kinds
county circuit court, which meets two
weeks hence.
General Nash announces tonight that
he VIII carry the 6ght 10 the bitter epd,
but as his term expires shortly after til"
court meets he Will not be allowed to
participate to any great extent. The new
attorney general Hon. Monroe e Me-
Curg. however. promises to carry on the
fight. Governor McI.aurln has engaged
Messrs Sterling & Harris Of this city as
associate counsel for the state. 1t is
estimated that fully $25, 100000 worth oil
policies are carried by the thirty-one COM
panios named In the bill of Information
The companies named by the attorney gen.
eral are as follows. Aetna OF Connecticut,
American Fire. Philadelphia Commercial
Union. New York; Delaware Insurance
company. Fire association of philadelphia,
Georgia Home. German American, Green
witch Hanover, Holvetia, Home, Imperial.
Lancashire. Manchester Fire, North Brit
Ish and Mercantile, Northern Assurance,
Norwich Union. Palatine, Phoenix Assur-
ance and Queen OF New York, Hartford
Fire of Connecticut Insurance Company
of North America, London and Liverpool
and Globe. Mechanics and Traders. Mis-
sissippi Home, National OF Connecticut.
Pennsylvania Fire, Philanax OF Hartford,
ROYAL OF Kentucky, Scottish Union. Ma
tIonaI Southern of Louisiana, Spring
field Fire and Marine, Sun OF Louisiana,
Teutonic OF Louisiana. Western OF Canada.
and Royal Exchange of London.
Last summer the Southeastern Tarin as
sociation established a staakk.g offce IN
Jacksop. the object of which was 70
scrutinize all policies issued in this sec
tlon of the State to see If there had been
rate cutting among the agents. clamor
at once arose and prominent attorneys
declared that the association was violating
Tho antitrust law Learning that fna
attorney general was then about 70 m
stitute quo warranto proceedings. me
stamping office was abolished. but Gen
eral Nash insists that the trusts stu re-
mains and will endeayor to abolish u so
far as Mississippi Is concerned
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

London December 2S.-The war o.fice
dated Wednesday, December 81 Methuen
reports as follows: "At $3.50 yesterday
evening the Beers on the south side OF
Magersfontein opened a heavy fire TO-
some time. This morning the naval bri-
gade fired at the enemy at the west part
Of Magersfontein. The cavalry brigade is
accommodating in a northeasterly direc-
tion. Lieutenant Masters has made an
extended reconnaissance westward and
northward of Enslin and reports all we'll.
The farmers were glad to see our men.
They were suffering from want of food.
l have established a market here where
can purchase fresh milk and vegetables,
selling to the farmers tea and other ar
ticles which they can not purchase other
wise Heavy rain fell last night. Gatacre
and French report no change in the s!tua-
ton. Baden Powell reports all we'll De-
cember 12.'
London December 30, 4 40 a. m.--During
the continued lull in the military opera
tions in South Africa the papers are filed
with letters and articles criticising the
government and the campaign and sus-
costing remedies, improvements. altera-
lions in the plans and the like.
The Times complains of needless CEN
sorship and concealment." 1t cites the
fact that nothing has yet transpired to
show how General Gatacre came to lose
600 men at stormberrg.
The dispatches from the front all rep
resent the Beers as in nervous condition
and in constant dread of the British ad-
vance. but this is probably an exaggera-
ton.
The Modder River correspondent of the
Daily Chronicle gives an explanation OF
the sudden rifle fire inexplicahly opened
within the Boer trenches. He says: THE
Beers have wires stretched along the
ground in front of the trenches and con-
nected with lamps. II a wire be touched
lamp Is extingushed. thus giving warn
ing. One night high wind extinguished
q lamp which resulted in false warning.
The fire ceased when the Beers discovered
that the alarm was false"
correspondent Of the Daily News at
Frere camp announces that tramway is
being constructed from the railroad to a
hill commanding the Boer position and
that along this the British will convey
heavy guns.
According to dispatch from Ladysmith.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
charged with Aiding Boer..

Durham, Natal. Wednesday, December
GA German farmer named Stucke and
Rev. Mr.. Hartes, director of the Hanover.
ian missions in Natal. have been arrested
and imprisoned at Estcourt on the charge
OF aiding the Beers. They both claim the
protection of Germany.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
Thonsnndn of Boers.

Capetown. December "a man named
Green, former sergeant major of the Brit
ish balloon department, is among the Boer
prisoners captured at Magersfon-
tein. He says there are 20
900 Beers at Magersfontein, 81
900 Of whom we're engaged the day of the
battle. The Boer losses. he also asserts,
were very heavy. the trenches being full
of dead. Green further declares II the
attack had been pressed the Beers would
have Welded.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

Eeems to 10 we'll founded. One of the
officials OF the navy yard here said ar
rsngemcnts are being made for the dis
patch of at least two vessels to do patrol
duty on the South and North Atlantic
cossts The cruisers will sail immediately
after receipt Of final orders.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
French strikers Parnded.

St. Etlenne, France. December ga
combined demonstration OF striking coal
miners and lace workers to the number
Of 5000. occurred here today. The strikers
paraded tho principal streets, singing de-
tiant songs. 1t Is estimated that the
strikers now number $4,000.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
TO PATROL ATLANTIC.
nrttfsh vessels VIII Look Out Tor
ira hand.

New York. December 2s.-The special
TO the World from Halifax says; Great
Britain is apparently preparing to patfoi
the Atlantic. The report that the larger
part Of the British North American and
West indies squadron have received Or
ders concerning the alleged violation OF
the neutrality laws by vessels leaving
American ports wi.h contraband OF war
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
DID NOT RESPOND.
A Boer Gun Maintained q Steady Fire
at the FortifiCationS,
But LADYSMlTH WAS SILENT.
s''%as Being Done on .Tusela River
,htata o. trenches.
'' aa'ssa' ~,
BUT GEN. y, n is STOPPED IT.
Heavy Fire Was Directed Toward General
Methuen's Modder River Camp.
THE Beers HAVE SIGNAL LIGHTS FIXED
Draws Bullets from the Long
Range Guns-Wenther Warm.

Chieveley Camp, Natal, Wednesday, De-
cember PA heavy Boer gun on Bull
throughout the morning. Ladysmith did
not respond. The enemy has been dee,t-
ed attempting to improve their trenches
facing General Butler. The British heavy
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
ANTITRUST FIGHT.
The Attorney General Of Mississippi
HIS Filed Sr,ts
TO FORFEIT CHARTER RIGHTS
OF Thirty.one Insurance Companies In
that State.
SAYS THEY HAVE AN AGREEMENT
Which Irevenls a Competition In Rates in
Their General Business.
ALL LOCAL AGENTS ARE IN CONFUSION
Aud Have Wired Their Home ofhces
to Come mt Oncc---Henr'nG Is
Nut Two Weeks Hence.
Which Ireyenls a Competition In Rates IN
Their General Business.
ALL LOCAL AGENTS ARE IN CONFUSION

Jackson, Miss. December IS. ATTORNEY
General Wiley n Nash, whose term Of Of
nee expires In january, has created con-
sternation and confusion in insurance cir
clos By filing bill of Information in the
Kinds county circuit court declaring that
all Insurance companies doing business in
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
What 1t VIII Cost.

London, December %, 4:4O n. m.
1t is now estimated that the war
will cost at least e6oOOo,oOo, and
it is suggested that the sinking
fund of the national debt should be
suspended for five or six years in
order to defray the cost
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
Wenther Dntn.

Ms"'ns data, covering period of
,,,s u' years has been complied from
I'm bureau records at Galveston for
san Of January:
Ii ds sraa.M or normal tempera-
es' the warmest month was that
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
Probabilities.

Washington. December 2s.-Forecpst:
East Texas-Far; continued cold Friday
and saturday: fresh north srly winds.
Indian Territory and Oklahoma-Fair; con-
tinued cold Friday and Saturday; northerly
winds.
West Texas and New Mexico-Fair Friday
and Saturday; variable winds.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
r.,.nhone Mnnufacturing Trust.

Chicago. December 2s.--lt was Learned
today that representatives Of all the prin-
cipaI independent telephone manufactures
in Chicago. except the Western Telephone
company, are to meet in New York CITY
next week with the avowed purpose Of en-
teripg combination that Is to embrace
all the independent telephone manufactur-
ing concerns in the country.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

guns opened on them and the Beers scam
pered back into the hills. The British
patrols sighted the enemy in force on the
extreme left. Nine Beers were killed in
skirmish that followed and six Bosr wa
CONS were captured.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

wALsENBERG. Colo,--w. j. Misap.
prominent stockman. was seized by two men
when about to enter a hotel and was robbed
Of $4,000 No trace of the robbers has been
found
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
WEATHER INFORMATION.

General observations.
'xi'atlons taken by the United States
Ca bureau at all stations at D. NJ,
at'I 18th meridian time:
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
BRIEF WAR ITEMS.

Chicago, December 2s--The Liberty All.
ance. a pro- Boer organization, was protected
today by number Of Chicago people identi-
Ned with labor and economic societies. the
pronuncianento Of the alliance Is virtually
anti -imperialistic.
Kansas City, December 2s,--The British vice
consul here. Mr.. Burroughs, made the state
ment today that agents Of the Beers are al
work In Kansas City getting recruits for the
South African war under promise o. iree
transportation, free lands and honorable citi-
zensbip after the war Is over.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29
The Bocrs Threaten.

London. December %, 4.4o a. m.
The Transvaal government, accord
ing to information furnished by
Boer sympathlzers, threatens to
'reduce the nations Of British
prisoners II Great Britain stops the
entry OF food by Delagoa Bay,
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-29

nm hm whchh twwmsur
along road lying aedo Saom
p Beers at
.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-01
THE VALLEY CITY.
Sent On-WiII Not CIOse-PersonaI
Mention.

STAUNTON, VA. July 31.-(Special)-
Magistrates Archibald Kinney, Nicholas
Wehn. and 70. 3. Houseman have sent on
TO the grand jury two negroes-Eugcue
Pollard and Ashby Batts-charged with
burning the barn Of DR.. Frank Crawford,
at Mt. Sidney. fortnight ago.
The Kings Daughters Hospital will not
bo closed for the rest of the summer, as
was proposed and the Board Of Directors
has decided TO keep the hospital open
continuously.
Two unusually excellent sermons were
preached at Christs Lutheran church
yesterday by the Rev. l.. A. Fox, ID. D.,
of Roanoke College.
Hon. Harry St George Tucker spent
Saturday and Sunday here, en- route tor
the Bar Association meeting at Hot
Springs.
Nessrs Edward II. Jackson, OF Front
ROYAL. and Marshall Mccormick, of Ber-
ryville. also spent yesterday In town. en-
route for the resolutions sessions.
Mr.. and Mrs. c. G. Tabird, Of Rich-
mond. are here visiting Hon. John W.
Todd.
The Stauntonians who have gone 10 the
Bar Association are Messrs. William Pa
trick, Thomas w. Ransom, j. Is. Ransom
and Marshall Hanger
There is a movement afoot among the
Augusta fruit-growers to build a cO-ope-
rative fruit-evaporatinG plant ana can
merry. A..
Yesterday a generous rain fell for two
hours. There had been little or no ram
for six weeks heretofore.