The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-12-29

staggering fire compelled them TO re-
treat when the attack seemed about
to succeed. The Beers were also in
greater strength than anticipated
1t becomes clearer also that the Britt
ish guns were lost in attempting to get
within effective range of the Boer ar
tillery, showing that the latter out
ranged the British ordnance, which, in
spite of numerical superiority, was
wholly inadequate to reply to the long
range Boer guns. The British War Of
flee comes in for scathing denuncia-
tions from the Times today for not
providing effective artillery. 1t is
pointed out in this connection that the
longer ranged naval guns participating
in the same attack escaped.
A special dispatch from Durham,
Natal, dated Saturday, December 10th,
says it is rumored that General Butler
called for volunteers to recover the
abandoned guns, and that party is
sued from the camp after midnight and
brought in the guns, which were unin-
jured.
Lord Roberts Talks.
LONDON. Dec 20.-General Lord
Roberts, who is to have full COM
mand of British troops in South Africa,
accompanied by Lady Roberts and
their two daughters, arrived in Lon
don this morning, having Travelled from
Dublin with Chamberlain.
When Little Bobs," the beloved of
Tommy Atkins, received representa-
tives of the press he was dressed in
the deepest black, in vivid contrast
with his snow white hair and mus
tache His dapper little figure was as
straight as ever, but the eyes that
have SO often scanned British victory,
were slightly dimmed by the great per-
sonal sorrow that has befallen him.
circumstances naturally forbid my
speaking about the campaign ahead
Of me-" he said, except to say that /
have entire confidence in the British
|solder and that believe the traditions
of our army will be upheld in South
Africa. For the friendly interest and
sympathy expressed by many Amer
leans, I am most deeply grateful l feel
the justice of our cause merits this.
Though we may be at war, | can safely
say that no unnecessary harshness and
no acts of inhumanity will mar the
Saxon race"
Hiring German Troops
BERLIN, Dec. 20.-Despite repeated
British denials, it seems to be fact
that British agents are busy in many
of the rural districts in Germany hir-
ing veterans for service in South Af-
rica. Several well-authenticated cases
have been reported this week, but the
following incident seems conclusive.
The District Court of Hamburg has
just issued an order for the arrest of a
British agent named York for hiring
a number of German peasants in the
neighbOrhoOd for military service,
which, under the imperial laws, is
criminal offense.
There is nothing, however, to inter-
fere with Herr Krupp in the manufac-
ture of steel shells for the British ar
my. A local paper announces that 25,-
900 shells are being made on rush"
order and that the men are working
night and day
British Losses 1880.
LONDON. Dec. 17.-There is no
doubt that Gatacres peril will be great
est during the month of inaction which
must now ensue. A large part Of War
ren's division will probably soon re-
enforce him. News of Great Britain's
tremendous preparations may spur the
Beers into serious aggression before
fresh British troops arrive, but thus
far they have shown no desire to at
tack intrenched forces while the Brit
ish disasters have been caused by Just
that thing. All indications now point
to the beginning of a great campaign
late in January. Meantime Ladysmith
Kimberley and Mafeking must wait.
Their situation is perilous, but accord
ing to all accounts there is no serious
danger that famine will be added to
their other sufferings. The British
losses in South Africa, not including
deaths from disease, now reach a to-
tai of 1880.
British Colonists.
CAPE TOWN, Dec. 16.-Five hun
dred cOlOnistS of the Victoria West
District have perfected an apparently
anti-0ritish organization there and
have openly expressed disloyalty, and
have threatened to attack the railroad
station, which is on the direct line be-