New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-27
VTCTORT WON AT HIGH COST.
LORD METHUEN'S SECOND ENGAGEMENT
WITH THE FIGHTING BOERS.
TBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUSE.l ]


London Nov. %, / a. m.-Lord Methuen is
again the hero Of London, where he is familiar
figure seen every year as the ideal Guardsman
az the Trooping Of the Colors the Horse
Guards' parade He wins victories and knows
how to describe them clearly and with an air
OF distinction in bulletins with old time
academic style His account of his second ac-
ton is almost a replica of the first engagement
with Gras Pan substituted for Belmont and the
Guards in the rear instead of the front.
Details are coming in slowly, but it is plain
that the battle opened at dawn on saturday
after three hours march by the entire column
There was free use Of the British artillery Tor
saving the infantry in the charge which toi-
lowed the work of the batteries. The naval
guns and two batteries Of horse artillery
cleared the heights with terrific fire of shrap-
mel and direct assault was made in front after
the enemy's machine guns had been well ham
mered. The Beers while outnumbered two to
one fought desperately. but the heights were
carried by the British with splendid gallantry
As the Guards Brigade had the place OF honor
&, the previous battle the mixed brigade head
a. bv tbe Yorkshire Light Infantry and the lst
North Lancashire led the charge In the second
ngaeement and was brilliantly supported by
he Royal Marines and the naval brigade. There
was work for the Guards Brigade In the rear.
,or an unexpected attack made on that
quarter by 500 Beers, but was easily repulsed
The 9th Lancers also were we'll placed Tor mar
sssing the retreatng Beers.
While the battle was we'll planned by LORD
Nethuen the main work was done by the gun
ners especially Of the naval brigade, when
suffered heavily. The firing was rapid anu
deadly. and continued hour after hour. The re-
suit OF the battle was a complete victory for the
British side. the enemy retreating after pro-
longed and stubborn resistance.
JOY AND RELIEF AT THE NEWS
The first news Of this victory was posted at
the War Ofice at 6 O'Clock, and crowds were
soon cheering in Pail Mall. The groups were
small in the clubs during the evening, but there
we're signs Of Joy and relief on every face. Mill
tarv men praised every detail of the battle as
vividly portrayed by General Methuen, and the
effective use made of the shrapnel com
mended as scientific warfare. 1t was generally
assumed that the advance would be deferred for
forty-eight hours. until fresh supplies Of ammu-
nition could be obtained from Orange River and
De Aar.
Military men were at loss to understand
how the Beers had been able to resume fighting
so quickly after losing large stock OF am
munition in retreating after the first battle
They also commented upon the unexpected
strength Of the Boer resistance. and upon their
equipment Of machine guns, in addition to
other artillery. IT was evident TO old soldiers
that the Dutch forces were making most de-
termined fight, and turning 70 good account
every available position for defence
long list Of casualties OF the first battle,
posted earlier In the day at Wellington Bar
racks. caused intense excitement among the
Of anxious and
sisters 10 Pail Mall for later news The pathos
Of wartime brings palace and tenement into
touch. Prince Adolphus Of Teck was bidding
adieu 10 rovaI relations at Windsor yesterday,
and soldiers in the barracks were lamenting the
loss Of Private ST John the best boxer In the
Guards and Of Private Hckling, famous foot
ball player enrolled In the same brigade. Naval
officers were also Iamenting at midnight the
death Of Commander Ethelston. OF the powerful
who was reported by the Admiralty as one or
the victims Of the Boer craftsmanship lie
was gallant and energetic officer with a hhe
record as dsciplinarian in the service. sew
eral other prominent naval officers were In the
Admiralty's list Of killed, including Captain
Senior. OF the Monarch. and two officers from
the Doris The splendid action Of the naval
brigade, according 10 the latest accounts. was
one OF the chief features OF the battle. 1t gives
Englshmen fine patriotic thrill TO know that
the two services are fighting with equal forti-
'ude and gallantry side by side for the honor
Of the flag
SITUATION CLEARING IN NATAL
The situation in lower Natal is slowly clear
ing The Boer raiders are retiring toward the
Iugela instead Of marching 10 the sea They
nave obtained fresh supplies for man and beast
ana many horses for remounts, but otherwise
have accomplished little by their bold tactics.
Ihe railway is now open from Durham to the
Aoo and communication has been reopened
with Estcourt, and Hildyard can be heavily re-
'nrorced within forty eight hours. unless all
signs fail General Butler has been with General
TWO WAYS FOR COST OF ONE