The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-20
BRITISH FORCES In CHECK.
NO OFFENSIVE OPERA TIOys' LIkELY
FOR THE PRESENT

Many Volunteers Come Forward for the
New Cnmpaign-Reports of q state of
rebellion In Northern Cape Colony,
Following Gatacre's Defeat-Bocrs Ex-
tending Their Entertainments in Front
Of Nethuen-Details of Buffers Defeat.
Sptcidi cable Ds,pdtches TO THE Sun.
LONDON. Dec. 20.-with the exception OF
censored accounts OF the Colenso action and a
tew heated items from Modder River. there
IA no news Of the British forces In South
Africa. This. probably. will DO the prevailing
ambition for some time to come. everything
a, prosent tending to corroborate the Informal
,on conveyed In THE ST Ms dispatches regard
ing the marking OF time by the army for some
weeks or until the new plan OF campaign Is
InauSurated. Moreover. tho censorship has
clearly frightened during the last few days.
Tn, Times's information concerning Gsn.
Me,huens position. which Is the lnt-
est news received. causes anxiety.
II perhaps explains the reports that Con.
warren's division is going to De Aar. II is
stated however. that one OF the transports OF
the Fifth Division will be sent to Durham. In
ccatng more splitting Of the troops.
The Tpnes complains OF the non-employmen
Of the colonial irregular horse to harass the
ton at Magersfnntein. II says that II this
force was used for this purpose II would prob
ably r'ievc the pressure on Gen Methuen with
astonishing rapdity.
Commenting on the superiority in range OF
the Boer artillery at Colcnso. the Times says IL
hores IL will convince the British military
authorities that there are guns In existence
capable OF being carried about and making ex-
celcnt practice at n range which our field
artillery cannot command. II is not too much
10 say that our War ONce Is the only one In
Europe that ignores this important fact"
The War ONCE definitely denies the rumors
that Gen. Butler Is on the north side OF the
Tugeia Rvc-
The War once has issued the particulars OF
the enrolment ~ volunteers The mounted
infantry will benimed the Imperial Yeomanry.
The term Of enlistment will be year
or not less than the duration OF the war
The men will he drawn from the existing
ya"manry. into which others possessing
riding and shooting qualifications may
be drafted FOR tho occasion. Each
man will provide his own horse.
clothing. saddeTy and accoutrements. the
Government making a capitation grant there
for. AMI supplying arms aud camp equipment
The pay will be at cavalry rates.
Regarding the Infantry. volunteer com panies
will be raised for attachment to each battalion
Of regulars serving In or ordered TO South
AREA with a corresponding reserve company
at home. The term OF enlistment will be the
sane as that OF the yoemanry.
The volunteering enthusiasm continues
everywhere. 1t is remarkably strong In Scot
lani. A Colonel In Edinburgh says he could
lead thousand men out OF that city IN a week
Among the prominent volunteers are tho Earl
o, Dudley and Lord Arthur Grosvenor. son OF
the Duke OF Westminster.
srpyEr. n. s. W. Dec, 1a.-In addition TO
contributing troops for service in South Africa.
this colony will send battery OF artillery and
lheld hospital.