Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-12-04


LONDON, December 4, 4:30 a. n
The week opens without word of
news such as the British public is
anxiously awaiting. With a larger
army in the field than country ever be-
fore modified, it can only be said that
the loss Of $500 men, entailed before
the enemy's borders have been crossed,
is a serious matter, and, while there is
no feeling of dependency as to the
eventful result of the war, it is regret
fully admitted on all sides that the
strength OF the Boer resistance has been
woefully under-rated.
1t is now seen that the attempt to
hold useless position at Mafeking
was serious tactical mistake, as was
also the endeayor TO keep the large
civil population in Kimberley.
Perhaps the brightest spot for Eng
lish readers to-day is the announcement
that President Mckinley has desig-
mated the son of Secretary Hay to sue
coed Mr.. Marcum in Pretoria. The
Daily Telegraph says:
This appointment is a graceful con-
eession on the part of the United
States government to the British flag.
Our countrymen's interests will be safe
in the hands of the new consul"
South African news is now six days
in arrears. The censorship does not
yet permit details Of the Modder river
battle to be transmitted Some vague
statements have been published in the
Cape Town papers, and according to
those the Beers numbered eight thous-
and men and were enrenched on both
banks of the stream, although mostly
on the northern bank. The British,
according to those accounts, drove the
enemy across the river. compelling
them to retreat, and established them
selves on both banks. These details,
however, are too meagre to enable an
accurate idea of the engagement TO be
formed.
A despatch has reached London an
nouncing that Lord Methuen is again
in the field, and it is also said that
the fighting at Modder river, was
struck by bullet in the neck.
Serious news comes from the north
ern sections Of Cape Colony. The
whole morder district between Coles
burg and Burghersdorp has declared for
the Beers. In Venterstad alone more
than 1000 have Joined the rebellion.
The farmers have formed a COM
wandering committee, and talk conf
IDENTIFY of triumphant march on Cape
Town. Gen. Buffers proclamation has
been torn down and trampled upon
and the Loyalists are hidden 10 hurry
to Cape Town to prepare coffee for the
rebels.
The Official list shows that a modifi-
cation has been made in the command
of the sixth division. Instead of Lieut..
General Sir Charles Mansfield Clarke,
the commander viii be Major General
Thomas Kelley-Kenne inspector gen
eral of auxiliary forces and recruiting,
with Major General Knox and Major
General Clements as brigade command
ers. General Kelley-Kenney has had
no South African experience.
With regard TO Natal it is still
doubtful whether the bridge over
Tagela at Colenso has been destroyed.
There is a report that the British drove
the Beers OF while attempting to de-
stroy it, but the probability is that the
structure was mined and fired after
ward.
According to a despatch from Putters
krasl, dated Tuesday, November 18th,
the Beers were then attempting turn
ing movements from Steynsburg and
the district north OF Storkstrom in CO
operation with rebels by way OF Marais-
burg and Tarkastad, against Gen. Cat
acres column
The wreck Of the trO0pship IsmoTs
may result in the loss Of $50 horses.