The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1899-12-22
WAR SITUATION.
The Beers Position Has Been Greatly
Strengthened of Late.
1t is Entrenched by Modern Methods
the Entire Length-They Are
Well Supplied With
Ammunition.

Win disastrous defeat at Chlevely
oamp Friday. In an attempt TO cross
the Tugela river he was surprised by
the Boer forces. and in the battle that
ensued Butler lost II big guns. The
losses in Gen. Harris brigade was
heavy. The 18th and Goth field batter
les also suffered severe loss. This last
reverse to the British arms has caused
gloom all over Great Britain.
London, Dec. 19.-As a result Of the
cabinet meeting the following impor-
tant measures were decided upon:
Field Marshal Lord Roberts, V. c., has
been appointed cOmmander-in-chief of
South Africa. Lord Kitchener, of
Khartoum, is to chief of staff. The
whole of the reserve. which is not as
yet Incorporated, will be called up.
The 9TH division, now mobilizing, will
proceed at once to South Africa Re-
endorsements of artillery, including
three hOwitzer batteries, will be sent
out. Butler has been authorized to
raise local mounted corps in South
Africa. A considerable mounted force
from England will be sent out Nine
three which have already volunteered,
will be asked to volunteer for foreign
service.
London, Dec. 19.-"Bobs,'' as Lord
Roberts, of Kandahar is Familiarity
known, is a name to conjure with in
Great Britain, and that Lord Roberts
and Lord Kitchener are considered the
right men to retrieve the disastrous
condition in South Africa is amply ev-
idenced by the more cherry tone of all
the war discussion Monday morning.
In spite of the attempt of the author
tiles to gloss over the supersession of
Gen. Buler, the fact remains that the
new appointment can not be regarded
otherwise than as a penalty for his
failure A semi-official communication
says:
THE disposition to regard the
change as a reflection on Gen. Butler
is entirely erroneous. AS the forces
engaged in South Africa increase Of
ficers of higher rank are naturally ap-
pointed to the supreme command"
London, Dec. 21.-The gravity of
the military situation is again becOm-
ing accumulated in the public mind,
owing to the complete absence of
news Nothing has been heard from
Lord Methuen since Sunday, and it is
feared that his communications have
been cut. If this be so his position is
dangerous. A correspondent of the
Daily News, telegraphing from Mod
der river last Saturday, says: 1.-The
Boer position, already formidable on
December II, has since been greatly
strengthened, extending for an area
of II miles. 1t is entrenched accord
ing to the most modern methods
throughout its entire length; wire
fences have been placed before all the
trenches at every point; guns have
been got into position, and there is
every evidence that the Beers are well
supplied with ammunition. Only a
powerful attacking force can hope to
make a successful assault
The Times, in an article from the
pen of an artillery expert, laments
the dispersion of the British forces,
quotes the maxim of Napoleon in IA
vor of concentration, and regrets that
Lord Methuen did not retire to Or
ange river a week ago.
The latest dispatches received seem
10 show that the British forces are
standing on the defensive at all points.
Gen. Butler is ordering the troops now
arriving at Cape Town to proceed to
Durham to reinforce the Natal col
INN. Absence Of news from him has
lea to surmiSe that he is trying to
join GEN White by a flank move
ment.
The appeals for yeomanry and vol
unteersj are being responded to with
the greatest enthusiasm in all parts
OF the country. Lord Wolseley pro-
poses that the force being raised by
the lord mayor of London be called
the City of London Imperial Volun-
teers." The government expects the
total of yeomanry and volunteers to
reach $1,000 Baron Gresham will com
mand, with Lord Lonsdale es adju-
TINT general. The papers are now
joining in free criticism of the gov
eminent and the war office, as day by
day fresh proofs of unpreparedness
come to light. Special stress is laid
upon the failure to provide proper
transports which eompels the columns
to stick tight to railways, and upon
the inferiority of the British artil-
lery. sSbe Australian colonies are re-
spending eagerly to the imperial gov
1nment's appeals for second contin-
pits. 1t is reported that the queen
abandon her proposed visit to
in Consequence of the war.
21--Gen. Lord Kitchen
( nAed to arrive here
South Africa, Will
i. s Aprd Roberts at
ner. will prob
per on a war