The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-05
Also that Pieterma ritzburg, and Even
Durham, May he Threatened
Before Many Days.
NATAL SITUATION CRITICAL
FORCE OF BoERs SAID To BE MARCH
ING SOUTH THROUGH ZULULAND.
CoIesburg Occupied-LOnd0ners Again
Afraid the War ONCE Is Sup
pressing Bad News.

LONDON, Nov. 5.-The evacuation of
Colenso is undoubtedly most serious mat
ter for the British in Natal, as it not only
testifies to the complete investment OF
Ladysnith by the Beers, but makes the re-
lief of Gen, Sir George Stewart White an
extremely difficult operation. Colenso is the
point where the railway from Ladysmith
crosses the Tugela river, which is now in
flood. The town itself is of small impor-
fsnce. 1t is dominated by the hills on the
north side of the river, and so, unten-
able. If the Beers have advanced. as they
seem to have done. Moreover, only a small
naval and colonial force was stationed at
Colenso.
The seriousness Of the evacuation, how
ever. lies in the fact that Commandant Gen.
eral Joubert. while completely investing Sir
George White at Ladysmith, can seize this
Tugela bridge, and. IL he has sufficient
troops, can detach force and send 1t south
ward on Pieternaritzburg. and, in any case,
by destroying the bridge and railway, can
prevent any relief expedition reaching Sir
George White for some time. Military men
optimistically predict that General Joubert
will withdraw from Natal Immediately
Gen. Sir Redvers-Buller's force enters the
Orange Free State, but the latter cannot
be far on his way for at least
three or four weeks, and even then
General Joubcrt may not decide to intercept
the British on the Free State open belt.
which would suit the British admirably. but
he may wait until the last moment and
take up strong defensive positions on the
range of hills lying in front of Johannes
burg and Pretoria. Thus General Joubert
might remain IN Natal several weeks longer.
capitulation. the destruction of the Tegula
river bridge helping him by cutting off Brit
ish relief Moreover. another Boer force is
reported to have marched through Zululand
In the direction Of Durham. and already to
have reached the Natal frontier.
Thus. 1t will be seen. the position in
Natal, taking into consideration a possible
uprising OF the disaffected Dutch, is most
disquieting, and. in fact may be described
as critical. British reinforcemerts in any
number cannot reach Durham before the
end of next week.
A special from Ladysmith, dated Nov. 2.
morning. says: During the night the Beers
moved closer TO the British positions and
mounted guns in fresh places. Meanwhile
the naval guns have been moved to more
favorable positions. nearer the town. and
commanding some OF the Boer batteries. AT
o'clock this morning General White or
dered the bombardment of the enemy and
the bluejackets opened the ball. The Beers
replied vigorously. They fired straight. and
some of the British were hit. A terrible ar
tillery duel has been proceeding for over
three hours. So far the naval guns are the
only ones that have engaged the enemy"
Another special dispatch from Ladysmith
bearing date of Nov. 2. says: 1.-The artil-
lery duel is proceeding splendidly. The
British guns are firing three shots to the
Beers one"
\ special dispatch from Cape Town, dated
Nov. ., says the Beers occupied Colesburg
Cape Colony. on Wednesday. meeting with
no resistance from the local police. whc
yielded to superior force.
A dispatch from Cape Town, dated Nov
2 says: THE arrival of the British wound
ed from Ladysmith. by way of Durham. last
evening, created a scene of popular enthu
siasm on the part OF a large crowd thai
had assembled TO witness the landing. 4:
the poor fellows were brought ashore IN,
crowd cheered and sang Rule Britannia
and God Save the Soldiers OF the Queen.
AL OF the wounded men were benefited by
their voyage from Durham and are dolne
well. a batch of Boer wounded was Iandet
made"
Another cabiegram from Cape Town, dat
ed Nov. 2. says: a dispatch from BuIn
wayo. dated Oct. q. says the Beers are re
ported 10 be occupying GabeFones. Kint
Khana's regiments are out watching III,
border. Lieutenant Llewe,lyn has retIret
to Mochundi." The dispatch also says tina
oil the mines in Matabeleland are bein.
operated and that native labor is obtain
able The natives report that the Beers ar,
retiring in a southerly direction.
-
COlenso sheIIed on Fhursday.
coLENso, Natal. Nov. 2. noon. Delayed