The Portland daily press., 1899-12-09

London, December 9.-Soms interesting
light on the position Of affairs along the
western frontier Is thrown by despatch
issued BY Boer agency last evening In
Berlin. The despatch says:
"Commandapt Prins Loos' force is
near Jaoobsdal, between Modder river and
Kiet river. Gen. Cronis Is still on the
northern bank of Modder river, his rear
being protected By fortified positions at
Spyfontein. The hills between Modder
river and Spytfontein and those between
Jaoobsdal and Riet river are occupied by
Beers. Commandaut DeLarey's force IL
stationed between Gras Pan and Honey
Nest Kloof. II this Berlin despatch be
correot--and IL Is especially sign ihcant
when judged an. eonnsotion with Gen.
Forester Walkers advioes to the war
offioe-there must be some l5. 5.0C0 Boef
around Lord Msthusn, who is believed to
have il,10o men. Kimberley, however,
possessing an armored train, can materi-
ally assist Methuen by hauassing the
Beers from ths rear. According to o
special despatch from Lourenzo Marquee.
ths Modder river hattie Is described by a
Boer correspondent with Gen. Cronje as
zone OF the tisrcest the Beers ever expert
encsd."
The correspondent says;
"Gen. Cronjs's wing sustained almost
solely the fearful attack Of the British
throughout the day. The Iransvaaisrs
tenaciously held their positions until
In the evening when the Free State
burehers were forced to retire by the
heavy British shell fire. Gen. Cronje
then retired under cover OF darkness after
facing the concentrated fire of all the
British batteries.
"Ths Beers freely acknowledged the
herculean assaults of the British, but
held their position for l3 hours against
the flower Of the British army. replying
solely with their Maussrs and maintain
ing an uninterrupted rifle fire. The Boer
artillery was silenosd early In the battle
through the overwhelming number of
the British artillery"
The Times has the following from
Modder river, dated December B:
"The river IL low and the railway
bridge Is rapidly approaching completion.
The first train will GROSS tonight. After
extraordinary exertions the pontoon
bridge has been completed.
TRESTLE BUILT.
Free Camp. December s.-The trsstle
bridge is finished and the trains are now
traveIsing 1t.
ADVANCING ON CoLENso.
Pretoria, December The following g
despatch dated today has been received
from the head laaser near Ladysmith:
"The British are advancing on Colsn-
80, but last night passed without an at
tack. There was dssultory cannonade
this morning, the naval guns In Lady
smith replying vigorously to our fire."
CASUALTIES AT LADYSMITH.
Ladysmith. December 7.-(Via Wsenen)
The total British casualties here since
November are five officers and 26 men
killed and Is officers and l30 men wound
ed, with three missing.
The Boer foroe Is still around rs In
large numbers; but all within the town
are well and cheerful
FIRING AT KIMBERLEY.
London, December s.-The following
advicss have been received from Gen.
Methuen's force at Moddsr river under
late Of Tuesday. December 8:
"Bosrs are seen daily passing between
Spy ttontsin and Jaoo5Adal laagers. They
frequently ire on patrols. Mounted In
fantry received severe fire while patroll'
ing Fix miles towards the north from
hill. There was no casualty. An hours
c,nnon firing has been heard at Kimber
ky."
COMMUNICATION OPENED.
London, Dscenber Q. s.-tiensrai Forester
Walker hal SAINT the following despatch