Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-11-21
SITUATION is CRITICAL.
Hard Campaign Ahead for the British
Forces in Natal.

London, Nov. 1S.-The boldness of the
Beers south of the Tugela river and the
size Of the force they are able to rally in
that region have emphasized the necessi-
ty of relieving Sir George White at the
earliest possible moment. Every days
delay now will mean the multiplicat ton
of difficulties in the advance to Lady
smith. The Beers have mapped out a
hard piece of work for Gen. Henry Hid
yard in the short time that must still
pass before he can take the field.
The Beers evidently are trying to iso-
late Estcourt by destroying the bridge
over the Mooi river, twenty miles south,
but the outposts of the reinforcements
may avail to prevent the further destruc-
ton of communications. At present the
British command the railway only as far
as Frere, forty miles south of Ladysmith.
Fears of a Zulu Uprising.
In a neighboring quarter, also, the atti-
tude of the natives gives uneasiness. The
Zulus, it is said, emulating the Beers,
who have looted the stores of the I'M
armed British residents of Zululand, are
growing most insolent and fears of a ris-
ing are seriously entertained.
The latest news regarding the armored
train disaster north of Estcourt has
much alarmed and disquieted the public
here. 1t is not considered here that such
accommodating is the true function of an
armored train. Experts cite the case of
Col. Baden-Powell, who has succeeded in
surrounding Mafeking with a line of
rails. guarded by the fire from the town.
so that trains can steam out and place
quick-tiring battery just where it will do
the most Serylce-a legitimate method of
employing this modern aid to warfare
Reconnaissance by Cavalry. =
Much criticism has been expended on
the apparent lack of a proper reconnais-
sance by cavalry in connection with the
armored train disaster. This fact, it is
claimed goes to prove that the reinforce
mentss especially OF cavalry, although
landed at Durham, has not yet arrived
at Estcourt. No official or reliable &C
counts haye been received in London for
the troops movements from Durham and
therefore it Is believed the transport
dlfficulties may De greater than is gener-
Of Ladysnith may be delayed. The cen
sorship, In such matters is very strict.
1t has been reported that Gen. Butler has
gone up country but the latest official
dispatches seem to show he has not left
Cape Town. The changes necessitated
fact that Maj.-Gen. Cornelius Clery' who
was originally designated to command
the division to operate on the Orange
river, with It's base at Port Elizabeth,
IS now sent to EStcourt to take over
from Gen. Hildyard the command of the
oNiIS AolGe. AHlS, perhaps, is be-
cause Gen. Glery is senior to Gen. Hid
yard, who IS the junior major-general.
Clery has no great military reputation. :.
and when he arrives at Ladysmith hs
will be Junior to Gen. White.
Boer Generals Message to Rhodes.
New York, Nov. 1S.-A dispatch to the
Herald dated Kimberley, November 9,
by dispatch rider to Hope Town, Novem.
Der II, says: All is well here. There
has been no further bombardment
cab driver who has been released by
the Beers had long interview with the
Boer commandment, Gen.. Vessels, who
closely questioned him regarding the dy.
Mantle mines surrounding Kimberley.
AS the man would give no answers he
was placed in irons, together with sis
troopers of the volunteer horse who had
been captured while on patrol duty.
The next morning the commandant
gave warning that all future prisoners
would be shot and released the cab