The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-12-13
IN SOUTH AFRICA.

LONDON, Dec. 6.-The censorship
continues to be Of the slrictost char
acter. Virtually no ews is allowed to
pass except diaries of the events with
in the beleaguered garrisons and posi-
tions.
According TO the latest accounts of
the battle of Modder river the Boer fire
was the hottest on record and will revo.
lutionze existing theories. 1t was ef-
fective up to l, 900 yards but the casual
lies among the prone troops was trifiing.
Il vas found impossible to bring the
British ammunition reserves TO the fir
ing line.
Il is reported that the mobilization
of seventh division will be ordered at
Aldershot, as preparation for emer-
gency.
The morning Post complains that
there are plenty of cavalrymen
available at home but that parsimony
prevents their being sent to South At
RIGA, where they are urgently needed.
CAPE Town, Dec. 6.-Anoh her en-
gagement of the Beers and the Meth
uen relief column may be reported any
siton on ridges six miles north OF Mod
der river. and the Lancers, recOnnoit-
ering, have already exchanged shots
with them, in the entertainments prob
ably of the outer earthworks of the
Boer position at Spy fontein, where
the main force under Cronje is under
stood to be concentrated. Nothing is
known Of the position of the Free
Staters who practically deserted the
Transvaalers at Modder river by with
drawing eastward. They are probably
in the vicinity of Jacobsdal but are not
regarded as a menace to Methuen's
flank or rear.
PRETORIA, Dec. 2, via Lorenzo Mar
quez, Dec. 4, delayed. )-Joubert is in
disposed and has arrived at Volksrust
cal treatment. Gen. Schalkburger is
in supreme command in the absence
of JOubert.
EsTCoURT, Dec 6.-The town has
resumed its normal conditions. Citi-
zens have returned and settled down.
The bank and all the stores have re-
opened.
LADYsMITH, Dec. 6, Delayed y
The Beers have been seen trekking
toward Drakenburg mountains which
extend along the boundary of Orange
Free state. There are rumors that
they have become disorganized, but
the bombardment still goes on.
LONDON, Dec. 6.-The Times second
edition prints Ladysmith advices dated
November IS: "It is quite time relief
came. The Beers succeeded in bring.
ing third big gun within 5000yards OF
own, which Is quite different matter
FROM guns posted at 5000 Yards. The
enemy has found the city's vulnerble
points, his Smelling becoming disagree.
| ably effective. Rstions have been re-
duced There is some sickness, but
we are CHEEKY from news OF British
victories.
LONDON, Dec. There is still q
great dear h of news from the seat OF
The war. Ladysmith has established
| photographic communication with Frere
and it is reported that all was well up
TO Sunday. A despatch from the Boer
lager by way of Lourenzo Marquee,
dated Thursday, November 30, con
firms the report that the commanders
have been closing in upon Ladysmith
and mounting big guns in new posi-
tions. According to the same advices
heavy cannonade had been maintain
ed and general assault had been or
dered for Thursday morning but it
was countermanded at the last mo-
ment.
Dispatches from Modder River say
the Beers are eucamped amid the hills
half way to Kimberley, but it is also
asserted that large body OF the enemy
has gone in the direction OF Jacobsda!
1t is possible, therefore, that Lord Me-
thuen may eudeavor to clear his right
flank as far as Jacobsdal before con-
tinuining his advance. He is still wait
ing at Modder River for stores, guns
and ammunition.
Details are now arriving of a recon-
noissance in force by mounted troops
under Major Scott-Turner, at dawn, 10
the direction of ridge near Carter's
farm, where the Beers were strongly
entrenched Finding the Boer pickets
asleep, Major Scott-Turner proceeded
along the ridge under cover and rushed
the Boer redoubts at 5:25 A. M. in the
face of hail of bullets. The Beers
hoisted white flag and fired at the
British under it's protection before sur
rendering. Owing possibly to the ex-