Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-11-14


fused to reap the Free State crops,
which are rotting.
London, Nov 1.-THE last infantry
battalionS under orders for South Africa
left England today and the last of the
expected of the howitzer battery, OF
which there are only three in the British
army. These 5-inch breechloaders are
claimed to be of superior character and
are expected to be particularly service
able in removing the Beers from the hills.
The entire absence of news of any inn
portance is having its effect on the nerves
of the country, and the references in the
censored dispatches to heavy losses
heightens the anxiety. 1t is pointed out
that the absence of serious news in such
diSpa tches as have been received from
Gen. White proves nothing, as the gen
eral is not likely to send by pigeon any
thing unpleasant or indicative of anxiety,
carriers being so liable to fall into the
hands of the Beers.
Situation PeriIous to Both.
There are signs that the greater part
of the Beers are concentrating between
Ladysmith and Colenso, but the stories
are so contradictory that it is impossible
to assert this absolutely. If true, it is
pointed out that while it cuts off Lady
smith the risk to the Beers is also great,
for it will give Gen. White a great
chance to intercept their retreat when
Lord Methuen's division advances from
the southwark, unless. in the meanwhile
Gen. Joubert succeeds in crushing the
beeaguered garrison. That the latter is
completing preparations for series of
desperate attacks on Gen. Whites posi-
sion is not doubted, and heavy fighting
may be heard Of at any moment. Gen.
Whites forces, II is asserted, must be
enduring a daily ordeal which will hard
~ -, G,rh+ Saio nd
the danger of the shortness of ammuni-
ton looms up largely. On the develop
ment Of the situation at Ladysmith in the
immediate future depends, probably, the
duration of the war. 1t is pointed out
that if Gen. White can maintain his Ipo-
% the British authorities will be fully
satisfied that all danger in Natal Will be
over.
If White Can Hold Ont.
Should he fail to do so and be COM
PEELED to abandon his guns and stores
and retire with heavy loss southwark,
where he will meet the Beers in position
on the TNgela river, it is impossible to
predict what may happen. On the other
hand, the critics say, should the sltua-
ton at Ladysmith not be materially
changed before November %, it is conf
IDENTIFY predicted that the majority OF the
Boer forces will be caught between two
over the difficult Tintwa Pass or Liver
shook, after abandoning it's guns. How
ever the Beers have expressed the lnten-
ton of capturing Ladysmith, and then
marching on the capital of Natal, and
the fact Of their retaining Tugela bridge
intact argues confidence in their ability
to carry out their plans Gen. Schalk
burgers thanking movement, via Zulu
land, must shortly develop, If it is to be
effective, but the experts here scout the
suggestion that with the reinforcements
already there, and the big naval guns
continually arriving at PietermaritZburg
there can be any serious danger.
There is nothing corrOborative of the
rumor from Brest of a disaster to
British troop ship. The admiralty has
no knowledge Of any such occurrence.
Queens Farewell to Her Troops.
Sunshine so brilliant that it compelled
Queen Victoria to resort to a sun shade
for protection greeted her majesty's re-
turn to Windsor this morning when she
insnected three detachments of the house
hold cavalry bound for South Africa.
The Royal Horse guards and the Second
Life guards had journeyed Mp from Lon
don, joining the First Life guards. Amid
scenes of great enthusiasm the troops
formed in two lines, unmounted IN Khaki
uniform. An immense crowd of people
witnessed the assembly. Brig Gen.
Trotter, the district commander, with his
full staff, conducted the inspection
The Queens farewell to the soldiers
was as follows:
who are always near me, to say farewell
before you cross the seas to distant part
of my empire to assist your comrades who
are lighting so bravely for your sovereign
your duty as heretofore, and / pray God
to bless you and give you a safe return.