The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-12-11

LONDON, Dec. II, SD q. m.-1t ID naruly
too much to regard Gen. Gatacre's repulse
near stormberg as the most serious defeat
British arms have yet sustained In the
whole campaign. Already the official ad-
vices show that two men were killed. nine
officers and seventeen men were wound
ed, and nine officers and 596 mon are MISS
ing. But It - evident that the worst Is
not yet known. Tho proportion Of wound
ed and killed Ii SO small when compared
with the missing, who are undoubtedly
prisoners in the hands Of the Beers, that
the supplementary list Of casualties is
awaited with serious misgivings. 1t ID also
feared that there were serious losses Of
guns and equipment.
Eject In Cape Colony.
The most serious aspect Of the affair is
the effect 1t is likely to have on the Dutch
in Cape Colony, who have been wavering
AZ to whether to throw their lot with
the Beers. Hosts Of the Northern farmers
are now likely to Join the rebellion. De-
feat IL also serious because II will delay
the juncture Of Gen. Gatacre with Glen.
French at Naauwpoort. The plan was
for their combined forces to relieve the
pressure on Lord Methuen's column.
Neglected Cavalry Scouting.
The disclosure Of such q strong force
at Stormberg was quite unexpected.
Doubtless Gen. Gatacre was the victim Of
treacherous guides. But the result points
to the absence Of proper cavalry scouting.
ing.
The British troops who recently occupied
Arundel are advancing. They had several
skirmishes but no casualties. Three miles
north of Arundel they found the Beers
1900 strong.
ModdeI River Peport.
The Pretoria reports Of renewed fighting
at Modder river originated from tho fact
that the British. with team Of thirty-two
oxen, hauled a naval gun to the top Of q
high ridge, north Of Modder River town,
whence they flrsd lyddite shells on the
Boer position at a range OF $500 yards.
where the enemy was apparently con-
structing an emplacament for l0-pounder.
The Iyddits shells appeared to DO immense
AdamanH The Boars retired. but ths inai-
denf Il Intsr91finT as Moving that. the
Bosrs are still in position quite close to
Modder river. Il @
Lord Methuen Disabled.
The engineer reports that 1t will take
two months to rebuild the iron bridge. Lord
Methuen is still compelled to ride about
in q dog cart as his wound prevents him
going on horseback. Should the rains de-
stroy the temporary bridge. there is enough
rolling stock on the north side Of tho river
to serve Lord Methuens purpose.
Boers Active Mt Spytfontein.
1t is reported that the Beers are busy
making intrenchments at Spytfontein Sew
eral tiers Of works are beginning to appear
at the foot of the heights. The force fired
on by the naval gun Is believed to form
the right wing Of the enemy's main body.
thrown forward for patrolling and scouting
purposes. 1t Is reported that the bad water
at spytfontein threatens an epidemic of
typhoid.
Kimberley reports all quiet there UP to
December Z, and that the pressure of the
investment is diminished.
Natives Ready to Rise.
A dispatch from Cape Town to the Daily
Mail dated Thursday, December Z, says:
News that Chiefs Khama. Linchwe,
Bathoen and Secheli, with their people in
Bechuanaland, have risen to attack the
Beers seriously complicates the situation.
1. Is probable that the Basutos and other
tribes will follow their example" Two shall
low draught river gunboats are being pre-
pared at Chatham for service in South Af-
rica. Each will carry two six-pounders,
ouick-frers and four Maxims.