The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-29

There were not many cases Of enteric
fever in the town at that time, but
enough to cause alarm. On the other
hand, reports from Boer sources on the
continent assert that typhoid fever is
epidemic in Ladysmith.
In view of the apparent supineness
OF the British commanders in prevent
ing the daily Strengthening and ex-
tending of the Boer positions along the
Tugela and Modder Rivers, which are
now considered to be practically i'm
pregnable, many experts are coming to
the conclusion that the British have
given up the idea of carrying these po-
sltlons by assault, and will await the
transport with cavalry required to give
their forces the necessary mobility,
when they hope to be in a 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 Bloem
fontein, the other Generals detaching
sufficient mobile troops to reach their
goals by circuitous routes.
There is nothing in the best indie
pendent reports to indicate that the
beleaguered garrisons are in any spe-
cial straits calling for immediate relief.
The latest advices from Kimberley
where a shortage is most feared, re-
port plenty Of food.
An interesting feature of to-day's
news is the patriotic offers of service
from Indian Princes. The Nizan of
Hyderabad, replying to a toast pro-
posed by Lord Curzon the Viceroy at
banquet at Calcutta last evening, said
the proudest title he possessed was that
of being the Queens faithful ally, add
ing that his purse, his army and his
sword were ever at her disposal.
The Maharajah of Gwalior has asked
permission to serve on General Roberts
stan, and has offered. to send troops
horses and a transport to South Africa
The Government Of France has ap-
pointed Captain Demange military at
tachs 1T the Boer headquarters.
The latest independent news from
Ladysmith says: 1.-THE field fortified
lions would now withstand any organ
lied attack the enemy is likely to de-
liver. There are sufficient food stuffs
Tor two months. The question of forage
might be troublesome but since the
rams there has been some grazing
within the lines. There is no horse
sickness. The casualties caused by our
smell nre are increasing and the Beers
are reported to be becoming nervous
1hey Tear night sorties and constantly
open heavy fusillade upon an inagin-
airy attack
Inc German officials have promptly
stopped the Beers from recruiting in
Dainaraland Neither men nor horses
are permitted to cross the border.
CHARGED WITH AIDING BOERS.
DURHAM (NataD, Wednesday. Dec
"a German farmer named Stucke
ana the Rev. Mr.. Harles, Director Of
the Hanoverian Missions in Natal, have
peen arrested at Estcourt. on the
charge OF aiding the Beers. They both
claim the protection of Germany.
BOERS LOST HEAVILY
CAPE TOWN, Dec 23-Co,one,
otter, commanding the Canadian con-
lihseht OF troops, is to join the staff
OF General Butler all the members of
"hicn are proceeding to Natal, indicat-
ing that General Buffers sphere will
shortly be confined to Natal.
A man named Green. a former sar-
seait MAJOR OF the British balloon de.
pai Intent is among the Boer prisoners
captured at Magersfontein. Green. who
deserted from Aldershot in 1898 adj
inltted that he had been some time in
the service OF the Beers, and had in
s.ructed them in intrenching. He saws
mere We're $1,000 Beers at Magersfon-
teln' zI,ooO of whom were engaged the
Jay OF the battle. The Boer losses he
asserts We're heavy, the trenches being
full Of dead. rs
Green further declares that if the at
TACK had been pressed the Beers would
nave yielded. He says the 3oer horses
nave peen taken to the Modder River
DIS water is so scarce at Magersfontain