Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-11-24

TIONS CUT OFF-NEWS OF Sc
RIOUS FIGHTING EXPECTED AT
ANY TIME.
LONDON, November 23.-The fact
that fresh portions of Natal are being
ing exasperating in that colony and in
tense humiliation in Great Britain,
where the idea of possible extensive
violation of British soil was contemp-
tuously dismissed in the early stages
of the war.
Operators on the stock exchange here
are becoming nervous and the contin-
ued fall in consols exemplifies the rest
lessness of the market. The rumors
that peace deputation from President
Kruger is on its way to Cape Town
for the purpose of aSceraining the
terms upon which an immediate cessa-
ton of hostilities could be secured, are
discredited here, and it is said that if
such deputation has been sent it will
meet with scant courtesy, as those who
are conducting the war will be satisfied
with nothing less than debating terms
of peace at Pretoria, after a parade of
British strength throughout the Trans
wal.
In the meanwhile, from the scanty
and emasculated dispatches which are
dribbling in from the front, it is diff
cult to form an opinion of the true stu
alton. The Boer invaders are occa-
sioning constant surprises. They have
already cut off two portions Of the
Ladysmith relieving force from their
base of supplies, and with great rapid
ity are advancing on Pietermaritzburg
with howitzers and other artillery. Gen.
Clery's situation, it would appear, must
be becoming intolerable, so serious
fighting may be expected at any time,
as, it is pointed out, the general must
clear his line of communications in or
der to complete the concentration of the
relieving force.
MOOT River, Natal, November 23-
1890 a. m.-The Boer guns began to
shell the camp at a. m. The British
artillery is in position on high ground
to the east, west and north to the sta
ton. The artillery duel was continued
until s o'clock, when it ceased for an
hour. The Beers recommended at 9
O'Clock and dropped three shells into
the camp. They are still firing at in
tervals with no damage, although their
aim is good
patrol of Thorneycroft's horse has
returned from the direction of Ros-
eta and reports all quiet there
According to the latest reports from
Natal the artillery duel was recon-
menced this morning at Moot river.
The statement that the British garrison
there is only acting on the defensive
appears TO be an admission Of weak
ness, and it is thought the troops may
be at the mercy of the strong Boer
forces reported in that neighborhood.
collision may also be expected on
the western frontier within As hours.
Gen. Methuen has started northward
and he is certain to meet entrenehed
Beers at Belmont and Modder river.
1t is reported that Mafeking is suf-
fering from lack of water and that
fever is rife there.
Advices from Lorenzo MARQUES say
Transvaal recruiting agents have been
visiting steamers, and have succeeded
in enlisting three passengers from
the German steamer Kaiser.
A force of Portuguese police has gone
to Gazaland, where the natives are act
ing in a threatening manner, the stores
at Koomatipoort having been looted.
The British transports Pavonia and
Cephalonia arrived at Durham to-day
with about 5000 troops. making the
total arrivals of the First division H.
600 men. Another 1000 are expected
within few days.
QUEENSTOWN, Cape Colony. We'd
nesday, November 22.-For strategical
reasons and to reassure the British
population, Gen. Gatacre has decided on
a partial forward movement after the
reinforcements arrive tonight.
Several further arrests have been
made at Naauwpoort, and in that
neighborhood of influential Dutch sus-
pected of disloyalty.
Replying to Populations from Her
sehel regarding the Intentions OF the
Free State forces at Ladygrey, Com
mandant Olivier declared that an in
vasion of the Herschel district was not
intended. Nevertheless an incursion is
anticipated and the natives are arming
and preparing to resist.