The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-21
General Butler Receiving Further
RefnfOrcements of Troops, and
May Attempt a Surprise.
BURGHERS AT STORMBERG
REBEL DUTCH CONCENTRATING IN
A CAPE COLONY VILLAGE.
City of London Raising a Regiment
of VOlunteers-Details of the Re-
cent Tugela River Reverse.


of the military situation is again becoming
accentuated in the public mind, owing to the
complete absence of news. Nothing has
been heard from Lord Methuen since Sun
day, and it is feared that his communica-
tions have been cut. If this be so. his po-
sition is dangerous.
A correspondent of the Daily News, tele-
graphing from Modder river last Saturday,
says: "The Boer position, already formid-
able on Dec. II, has since been greatly
strengthened, extending for an area OF
twelve miles. 1t is intrenched according to
the most modern methods throughout its
entire length; wire fences have been placed
before all the trenches at every point, guns
have been got into position, and there Is
every evidence that the Beers are well sup
piled with ammunition. Only powerful
attacking force can hope to make a sue
cessful assault.
The Times, in an article from the pen Of
a military expert, laments the dispersion
of the British forces, quotes the maxim OF
Napoleon in favor of concentration. and
regrets that Lord Methuen did not retire
to Orange river a week ago.
The Daily News has the following dis
patch from Cape Town, dated Dec. 16: ''The
Beers intend to make a big stand at Storm
berg, and are massing great force at the
abandoned British camp. One commando
of two thousand consists chiefly Of rebel
Dutch"
The latest dispatches received seem to
show that the British forces are standing
on the defensive at all points. General
Butler is ordering the troops now arriving
at Cape Town to proceed to Durham to re-
inforce the Natal column. Absence of
news from him has led to a surmise that
he is trying to join General White by
flank movement.
The Madrid correspondent of the Stand
ard says: "The Boer governments have re-
Gently intimated to their agents in Europe
their readiness to be moderate in regard to
peace conditions. The chief anxiety of the
burghers is as to the question of receiving
supplies by way of Lourenzo Marques
DISLOYAL COLONISTS.
A Cape Town dispatch dated Sunday
Dec. 16, says: Five hundred colonists Of
the Victoria West district have perfected
an apparently anti-British organization
there and as individuals have openly ex-
pressed disloyalty and have threatened to
attack the railroads on the direct line
between Cape Town and De Arr
The Afrikander Bundites at meeting
there passed resolution asserting that the
troops In the vicinity irritate the farmers
dangerously. The meeting proclaimed it's
loyalty, but declared that the conduct of
the troops force. the people to use expedi-
ents and commit acts which were capable
Of being interpreted as disloyal."
The appeals for yeomanry and volunteers
are being responded to with the greatest
enthusiasm in all parts of the country.
Lord Wolseley proposes that the force
being raised by the lord mayor Of London
be called the "City of London Imperial
Volunteers" The government expects the
total Of yeomanry and volunteers TO reach
5000 Baron Chesham will command, with
Lord Lonsdale as adjutant general.
At meeting of the corporation yester-
day. the lord mayor. A. j. Newton. an
nounced that s25,0O0 had been subscribed by
the large city firms, which are contribut-
ing the money to defray the necessary ex-
pense Of the volunteers among the city
corps. Lord Rotschild has given $4,000 of
this amount and Charles Wilson. the Hull
ship owner, has promised a fully equipped
vessel, which is equivalent to a gift of
G150OO, to transport these volunteers. The
corporation passed resolution to confer
the freedom of the city on each member of
the corps.
A. j. Balfour, in his unofficial capacity,
has written to the Earl of Haddington,
dwelling upon the Importance Of the move
ment to raise yeomanry and volunteer
forces for South Africa. He suggests, and
offers to assist. a public fund to augment
the necessarily limited allowance made to
the men by the government for equipment.
The papers are now generally joining in
free criticism of the government and the
War Office, as day by day fresh proofs
of unpreparedness come to light. Special
stress is laid on the failure to provide
proper transports, which compels the col
umns to stick tight to railways. and on
the inferiority of the British artillery.
The Australian colonies are responding
eagerly to the imperial governments ap-
peals for second contingents.
1t is reported that the Queen will aban-
don her proposed visit TO Italy in conse-
Quence of the war.