The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1899-12-09

without a word Of news such as the
British public is so anxiously awaiting.
With a larger army in the field than
the country has ever before moblllzed
it IAN be said that the loss OF 3,5Oo
men entailed before the enemy's Dor
ders have been crossed, is a serious
matter, and, while there is no feeling
Of dependency as to the eventual re-
suit of the wal, it is regretfully ad-
mitted on all sides that the strength
of the Boer resistance has been Woe
fully moderated.
It is now seen that the attempt to
hold a useless position at Mafeklng
was a serious tactical mistake as also
was the endeavor to keep the large
civil population in Kimberley.
Perhaps the brightest spot for Eng
lish readers to-day is the
ment that President Mckinley has
designated the son of Secretary Hay
to succeed Mr.. Macrum in Pretoria.
The Daily Telegraph says: "This ap-
poiLtMent is q graceful concession on
the part Of the United States govern
ment to British feeling. Our country
mems interests will be safe in the
hands of the new CONSUL"
South African news is now six days
in arrears. The censorship does not
vet permit details of the Modder River
battle to be transmitted. Some vague
statements have been published in the
Cape Town papers, and, according to
these the Beers numbered 5000 men
and were intrenched OH both banks t
the stream, although mostly on the
northern bank. The British. according
to these accounts, drove the enemy
across the river, compelling them to
retreat, and established themselves on
both sides of the river. These details,
however, are too meager to enable an
accurate idea of the engagement to be
formed. A dispatch has been received
in London that Lord Methuen is again
in the field, and it is also said that
Count Gleichen, who was wounded in
the fighting at Modder River, was
struck by a bullet in the neck. Serious
news comes from the northern sections
of Cape Colony. The whole border
district between Colesberg and Bur-
gersdorp has declared for the Beers.
In Venterstad alone more than 2.OoO
have Joined the rebellion. The farmers
have former q communicating company
and talk confidently of a triumphal
march on Cape Town. Gen. Buffers
proclamation has been torn down and
trampled upon and the loyalists are
hidden to hurry to Cape Town to pre-
pare coffee for the rebels.
British Transprt ON the Rocks
London, Dec. 5.-The war office pub
fishes the following dispatch from
Cape Town, dated yesterday: The
transport Ismore is ashore OF the
rocks in st. Helena bay. The troops
have been safely landed, but the
horses are still on board. H. NJ. s.
Doris and Niobe, with the transport
Columbian. have gone to her assis-
lance. Col. Kokowich reports, under
date of Thursday, that the Bechuana
police captured the Boer lager west
Of Kimberley on Tuesday. Commune
cation by %searchiight with Kimberley
has been established from Modder
River"
Az Told by Beers.
Pretoria, Dec. 5.-Commandant Dut-
mot probably Dutoit) sends the fol-
lowing report to the council of war
from Kimberley: EARLY yesterday
morning the British made a sortie,
supported by cannon and MaXims.
Under cover Of darkness they adj
yanced in the direction of Bloemhof.
Two hundred burghers encountered
them and brought up ar additional
gun. Nine burghers were killed and
seventeen wounded. The British left
two on the ground, but IN ambulance
removed these"
Work Of Boer LO0ters.
Durham, Natal, Dec. 8. - The Natal
Mercury publishes the following dis
patch from it's correspondent at Frere:
s"The Beers have reconnoitered at their
old positions near Colenso, back Of
Grobler's Klopf, and everything points
to a determined attempt to prevent the
British crossing the Tugela river. The
reports CT wanton destruction of prop
erty by Boer looters are confirmed.
Boers Were Compelled to Retire.
Pretoria, Dec. 5.-Commandant De-
larey has reported to President Kruger
that the burghers, in spite of their de-
termined defense at Gras Pan Nov.
25, were completely surrounded by the
British and were compelled to retire.
CHARGED With Being q Defaulter.
New York, Dec. 5.-MaX Landecker
of Chicago. arrested by detectives at
the request Of Chicago police, charged
with larceny in Chicago, was remand
ed until Tuesday for further examina-
ton and the arrival of papers from
Chicago. Bail was fixed at $4,000. He