The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-25

enable the reader 10 form an accurate idea
Of the event or 10 place proper estimate
on the value OF the victory. All the
counts agree respecting the splendid fight
ing qualities exhibited on both sides. Moth
ing could have exceeded the steady cour-
age and pluck of the British infantry in
the face Of terrific fire, while the Boer
guns were splenddly served, the gunners
standing by them with dogged determina-
ton. exposing themselves until the very last
moment. and only becoming wild and in
accurate in their aim during the final deadly
charge Of the British infantry. All admit
however. that the victory could not be
properly followed up and utilized. owing TO
the want Of sufficient cavalry. The pursuit
of the defeated enemy by the Fifth Lam
GERS was evidently not very effective, and.
curiously enough, while the correspondents
report the capture of Boer arms, Lord
Methuens own report omits any mention
Of such an achievement.
One statement says: The remnant OF the
Boer army sought to escape toward the
Orange Free State territory" AS all the
evidence tends to show that the enemy's
retirement was orderly, he will doubtless
soon be heard of elsewhere.
The correspondent OF the Times, at Bel
mont says: After the battle the laager
was burned and the ammunition destroyed
Cavalry and mounted infantry on both
1anks pursued the enemy but were unable
to overtake the rctreating Beers, who got
away with their transport. The Boer rout
was complete, and their losses are believed
to equal ours. They used dum-dum bullets.
Everything was in their favor. II is ru-
mored there have been some threats 10 as
sassinate recaicitrant burghers who are
tired OF war and are deserving"
On the whole it almost seems safe to as
sumo that the Boer guns were not can
tured. The striking proof afforded of the
excellent material General Methuen has in
his brigade Is, however, a matter of great
satisfaction IN London. There is an uncon-
hrmed rumor that the correspondence
seized In the Beer camp contains evidence
o. treasonable communications between the
Beers and the Dutch colonists.
General Whites dispatch of Wednesday
effectually disposes of all rumors OF another
sortie from Ladysmith and of the defeat
of the Beers. The situation in Natal re-
mains unchanged, the sortie from Estcourt
to Willow Grange having little effect.
The position OF Mafeking is beginning to
be regarded with anxiety in view of the i'm
possibility OF Lord Methuen being able TO
relieve the town for some time to come.
Throngs OF people were waiting at the
War Office last evening until a late hour
for the lists of those killed, wounded or
missing in the battle of Belmont, but moth
ing published in addition to General
Methuen's first dispatch.
General Buffers destination is kept
strict secret at Cape Town. some reports
saying that he has gone north and others
that he has gone to DURHAM as already ca
bled.
A dispatch to the Times from Mooi river
gives the British casualties in the Willow
Grange affair as three killed and forty
four wounded. This Is the first news of
such heavy loss, and If correct suggests
a repetition Of General Whites unfortu-
nate action Of Oct. 80.
The Pietermaritzburg correspondent of
the Daily Mail, describing the same sortie,
says: The British surprised the Beers,
carried their position, captured all their
equipment and returned to Estcourt in
safety. General Hildyard was very we'll
satisfied with their work.
The Daily Mails correspondent at Naauw-
poort says an open unsigned letter smug-
gled through from Colesberg says Com
mandant Grobbler has arrested ten promi-
nent Englishmen and threatens to shoot
them If any harm is done TO Van Rens-
burg, ringleader of the Colesberg rebels
who was captured by the British and is to
be tried for treason.