Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-12-28
LYDDITE SHELLS
Sent As Christmas Presents
from British to Beers.
CheveIey Camp and Ladysmith Shell
the Enemy's Positions, Tuesday.
Thrilling Account Of winston Chlrchhil's
Escape IRON the Beers.

naval guns began Smelling the Bocr
position, at } O'Clock. this morning
using lyddite. The Smelling continued
about tWo hours. Ever since the en-
gdgemenl at Culanso, the enemy have
been theoretically improving their en-
trcnchnents. They can be seen gallop-
ing freely from hi, to hill
LadysHith also had a busy morning
today, shelling the Beers position on
tnbulWana mountain. The bursting
shells We're plainly visible at Chieveley.
Although the TWO armies We're in
sight If each other with the tempera-
tur- w degrees in the shade, the Brit
ish enjoyed Chris,m cheer.
Captains Glenfiell and Kirkwood of
the South african Light Horse, left
mere. sunday. to inspect the patrols
along the eastern hills. They returned
at night. COL. Donal Of the Royal
Fusi!iers, has had his collar bone
broken BY being thrown from his horse
while On outpost duty.
Lourenzo Marquee. Dec. 22.-Mr.
Winston Churchill arrived here. late
last night and left for Durham by the
steamer Induna.
Lo-dol. Dec 27.-Nr. Winston Spen-
c.r Churchill has cabled ana the Morn
cg POSE publishes. today. an account
'l hls escape from captivity with the
Ht-rs. after having been taken prisoner
III me reconnaissance Of an armored
train at Estcourt.
Tin the evening I concealed myself
IN railway truck under a great pile
n sacks. | had q small store of good
water. / remained hidden SO. CHANGING
discovery. The Beers searched the
train az Komatipoort. but did not
search deep enough. After co hours Of
misery | came safely here. I am very
weak, but am free. I have lost many
pounds in weight. but am light in
hear5. 1 shall avail myself of every
opportunity. henceforth. To urge earn
estiy the unliinching and uncompro-
missing prosecution OF the war.
'pn tha afternoon of Dee. u. the
IrdnSvaal's secretary Of war informed
mn mat there MAS little chance Of nv
release. L therefore resolved to escape.
and .he same night I left the state
schools prison IN Petcria BY climbing
the wall VIXEN the seutries' backs We're
IN lonta aiIy turned. / walked through
jl- streets Of thu town without any
disguise. meeting many burghers. but
WAS not challenged in the crowd.
G"- through tha picIets III the town
&u#rd and struck the DeIagoa bay
railroad. I walked along it, eyadine-
tn" watchers Ut tha bridges ana cuI-
Nerts and waited for train beyond the
first station. The lilo goods train
from Pretoria had arrived before
reached the place, and was moving at
lull speed. | boarded 1T with great
difficulty and hid under the coal sacks.
| Jumped from the train before dawn
ana was sheltered during the day in 4
small wood. in company with a huge
Vulturc. who displayed q lively inter-
est III me.
Il walked on at dusk. There was no
more trains that night. The danger of
meeting the guards Of the line contin
ued' puI | was obliged to follow it. as
hah NJ compass or map. | had to make
VIDE dctouTs To avoid bridges, stations
ahu nuts. and 50 my progress was very
SLOW. Chocolate is not a satisfying
iood. The outlook was gloomy. but I
llarFeveTed with Gods help. For five
days my food supply was very precari-
Gus. was lying up by daylight and
ny night.
Meanwhile my escape had been dis
covered and my description telegraphed
NerNW here. All trains Were searched
ana every one was on the watch for
mP. -Four times the wrong people were
arrested.
The sixth day I managed to board
2 train beyond Middlrburg. from
whence there was direct service to
1clagoa."
London, Dec. 97.-The war office here
las received the following dispatch
rom Cape Town, dated Tuesday.
1cc &c:
here is ~ change in the situation.
lethuon reports that the enemy's force
-aS increased ana is engaged in en-
II n"hing three and half miles from
is outlying pickcts.
'M'thuen recOnnOitcrcd with two
ln2drons Of mounted infantry for two
1ii-s along the line ara drew the fire
four guns and two Vickers machine
rms. -Four horses We're hit.
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