The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-12-08
BRITONS CLOSE In
GEN. BULLER HAS LEFT PETER
MARITZBURG FOR THE FRONT,
STAFF ACCOMPANYING
STIRRING EVENTS WILL FOLLOW
GEN. METHUEN HAS ALSO RESUMED
THE SADDLE, AND Is READY
\ FOR MORE WORK
ANXIETY IN KIMBERLEY

ANXIETY IN KIMBERLEY
BeIeaguered British Feared That
Forces of Gen. Methuen Had Been
Defeated at MOdder River Fight
Maj. Scott-Turner Was Killed In
SOrtIe From Kimberley Which
Was to Support Advancing Party.
PIETERMARITZBUR Tuesday, Dec.
6-Gen. Butler and his staff have started
for the front.
LONDON, Dec. S.-Gen. Buffers arrival
at Frere is held to indicate that all the
preparations for an advance to the re-
lief of Ladysmith are complete and that
stirring news will soon be received. The
fact that Lord Methuen is announced as
resuming his command at almost the
same moment Is interpreted in some
quarters to mean that battles will be
fought simultaneously in Natal and at
Spyfontein. 1t appears doubtful, how
ever, whether Gen. Methuens force is
ready yet for what will doubtless be
heavy encounter The construction of a
temporary bridge across Modder river
has entailed enormous labor, and even
now the structure is liable to be washed
away should q heavy storm come Gen.
Methuen has been obliged to move his
camp a mile north in consequence of the
unsanitary state of the stream, due to
the presence Of the bodies of dead Beers.
AS the railway bridge was completely
destroyed, he was compelled to leave
considerable force to protect his commu-
nication.
BOER TACTICS.
A special correspondent sends the inter
esting information regarding Boer tactics
that Commandant General Joubert has
given general orders to reserve fire until
the British are within the close range Of
400 yards. At the Modder river battle
the Free State burghers became nervous,
opened fire prematurely, thus revealing
their position, and frustrated the Boer
plans.
The Morning Post publishes an article
warning the British public that the dis
illusionment already experienced respect
ing the Boer forces in Natal is likely to
be repeated on the Western border" 1t
says that men are wanted everywhere
and asks why that splendid body of royal
marines Is now being employed In sweep
ing floors and washing paint in England
and is not sent out to handle the naval
guns, instead of the hurriedly trained
men, unfamiliar with these weapons,
who have gone.
The government has decided to dispatch
to South Africa at the earliest possible
moment cavalry brigade of 1000 men.
Baron Leech, former governor of Cape
Colony, and British high commissioner
for South Africa. lecturing in London
last evening, related some of his expe-
riences with President Kruger. He said
the remarks of Mr.. Kruger some years ago
Bhowed he contemplated just the state Of
affairs that had now arisen. Mr. Kruger
even expressed the desire to have sea-
port, and said the Transvaal hoped to
have navy some day. The Times, COM
menting upon Lord Leech's reminis-
cences, says they prove up to the hilt
the plot for Dutch supremacy in South
Africa.
The Daily Mail publishes a dispatch
from Julian Ralph, at Modder river, who
says:
THE Kimberley people are troubled by
the necessity of feeding 10000 Basutos in
the diamond fields, whom the Beers re-
fuse to allow to depart, and who, should
they fail to get enough meat, would be-
come discontented and restless.
ANXIETY AT KIMBERLEY.
"On the night Of the battle at Modder
river Kimberley, missing the accustomed
signals from here, was ia great anxiety
fearing that we had been defeated The
fact was that we did not use our search
light for fear Boer guns would wreck the
apparatus. Five hundred and thirty
Beers were killed or Wounded at the bat
tie here. That number has already been
accounted for. and the enemy's losses
We're probably much heavier
special dispatch from Kimberley, dat
ed Wednesday, Nov. l9 says:
"As & result of signals from the relief
force to the south and Of certain move
ments on the part of the Boers Col.
kckewich determined to make a sortie
with view of keeping a large force of
Beers employed here. Yesterday after
noon portion of the garrison, with ar
tillery under Maj Chamier and mounted
troops under Maj. Scott-Turner, advanced
southwest toward the Boer positions and
captured Carter's farm, which completed
the line it was intended to hold in view
Of Lord Methuen's early approach.
MAJ. Scott-Turner then turned his at
tention to the Bo>F laager, which he cap
tured in fine style, in spite Of the enemy Z
heavy fire. All the camp equipment was
captured or destroyed. Finally the Brit
ish stormed the ridge and carried three re-
doubts, after severe fighting.
While leading the men who were
storming the fourth redoubt, Maj. Scott
Turner and Lieut.. Cole were killed. 1t is
alleged they were struck with explosive
bullets. The death of Maj Scott-Turner
caused the British to retire upon Carter's
farm, the whole affair having lasted four
hours.
MAINE NURSES ENTERTAINED
The British Medical society gave an al
home this evening to the American nurses
who will accompany the hospital shir
Maine when she sails for South African
waters on Dec. II. Miss Hibbard, attircG
In white corded silk, with gold braid
made a brief address. Referring TO the
growth of the army nurse movement ii
the United States, she said the great hon
or done those who were going out tc
nurse the British wounded would always
live in their hearts, making them fee
that love should always be their creates
motive.
SEARCHLIGHT MESSAGE.
MODDER RIVER, Monday, Dec. 4.-A
searchlight message from Col KekeSf1ch
irob nc icr icio