The Topeka state journal., 1899-11-17

visit has been shortened there is rason
to believe that important diplomatic work
Will be done, as he will be attended by
staff qualified to discuss many questions
met, who has the reputation of being an
expert in Asiatic affairs. The impression
cold water has been thrown upon the
municipal demonstration in honor of the
not be without practical and important
results although the attitude of portion
oI the German press mas been 50 6ltter
appearance of exploiting ostentatiously
his reception in England.
SWARNIS OF BOERS.
London, Nov. 1.-THE serious and IN
expected disaster to the EscOurt armOr-
movement for the relief of Ladysmith
has apparently convinced the British
that the advance will be contested step
by step. The Beers are seemingly
swarming south of COlensO. While a
large force has come from the neigh
bOrhOOd of LadySmith, a much larger
force has arrived from elsewhere and
viii probably turn out to be Gen
Schalksburgher' corps. The Beers,
evidently are StTaining every nerve and
bringing up every man to reduce Lady
smith before the British relief force is
ready. Their operations southwark
show considerable bOldneSS and correct
ness of strategy. If their aim is to iso-
late EStrcOurt by cutting off cOmmunI-
cation with the MOOi river, where there
is important bridge, everything
points to the belief that the officer COM
more difficult task than is generally
assumed. In front he will have a broad
river to cross, in the presence of the
Beers; on his right and probably in his
rear, will be hostile bodies who are
continually demonstrating their super
iOr cunning.
The official account of the disaster to
the EstcOurt armOred train showing
that a hundred missing men are nov
probably already on their way to Pc
toria, to swell the large number of
British prisoners 9lTeadV there DeS idpG
a score of wounded, demonstrates it
is claimed. that the British must have
encountered big odds as all accounts
agree that the small British fore e fought
with the utmost bravery.
Winston ChurchillS s brilliant behavior
is compared with the gallant action in
the Tirah campaign which won Lord
Fincastle, there also acting as a news
paper correspondent, the Victoria cross.
The railroad men of EstcOurt have al
ready forwarded dispatch to the gen
eral manager of the railroad expressing
admiration for the cOOlnesS and pluck
of young Churchill to whose efforts they
attribute the saving Of the engine and
tender and wounded and asking the
manager to convey their admiration for
the brave man. There are rumors Of
another disaster to an EStcOurt train
| and it is reported that % volunteers
/ who formed the escort are missing
| There is no confirmation of those re-
/ ports.
READY FOR FIGHT
| When definite news from Ladysmith is
! available, it will doubtless be found
! that the garrison has been having. a
/ lively time. Nevertheless not much ere
/ dence should be paid to the stories of
/ trainlOads of Boer wounded taken tow
| ards Pretoria as the result of a crush
/ ing defeat sustained at the hands Of
| the British. Experience has shown
| that those KaffirgramS, even though
| emanating from missionaries, are not
| trustworthy. However there seems no
/ doubt that there have been some sharp
/ affairs. Heavy rifle firing followed by
/ an explosion was heard in the direC-
/ ton of Ladysmith before daylight
/ Thursday, indicating a night surprise
| zine. The transports, already officially
| announced today as having arrived at
| Cape Town carried the following
| troops: The Malta: Mounted infantry
| reserves and the Cold Stream Guards.
| total IS officers and 1,5S7 men; the City
| of Vienna, the cavalry brigade staff,
| Twelfth LancerS and a field hospital
| 10 officers and 80 men; the City of
Cam bridge, the Second Scottish Rifles
| and field hospital; total As officers and
| 965 men.
dispatch from Pretoria gives the
| minister of mines interim announce
| ment OF the gold output for October as
a total of Il, ,S45 ounces against 426, $50
| IN September and 4S2. los in August The
| dispatch adds somewhat ironically that
| some Of the companies have not worked
the full month.
The Standard and Diggers News an
nounces that 5000 Beers are marching
! through Zuzuland- 1t also says that a