New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-26
HORSE SICKNESS IN BOTH CAMPS.
FOUR HUNDRED BRITISH CAVALRY HORSES
SHOT IN BULLER's CAMP

-FOUR HUNDRED BRITISH CAVALRY HORSES
SHOT IN BULLER's CAMP.
London Dec. 26-Cp to this hour nothing has
arrived from South Africa that would indicate
any change in the military situation there.
The War Office is issuing lists Of further dead
and wounded we'll as accounts Of sickness.
The most serious report Of the last class is
that horse sickness has broken out in both Brit
ish and Boer camps in Natal
Four hundred British cavalry horses. it is
said. have already been shot owing TO the
cUrrence Of glanders The disease is likely to
spread with much greater rapidity among the
British horses than among the hardy Boer
ponies. and this may mean considerable pro-
longation Of the campaign.
dispatch from Chieveley dated December
19. says
The British naval guns have destroyed the
Colenso foOtbrdge. thus preventing the Beers
holding any position south of the Tugela River.
The enemy are taking up fresh positions on the
eastern side, nearer the British camp.
The British position az Frere is being strength
ened. The Tugela River Is rising, and there is
a prospect Of heavy rains.
A two hour bombardment OF Ladysmith has
been heard from here. According 10 reliable
native reports. the Beers had two hundred killed
in the fight at Coenso.
Commandant Demeillon. who was taken pris-
oner at Elandslaagte and brought to Simons-
town where he was confined on the British
cruiser Penelope. has succeeded in making his
escape.
The Times" this morning makes the following
announcement:
We are informed that the Government have
decided that it is not desirable to make further
demands upon the European garrison in India
unless unforeseen difficulties arise.
An undated heograph message from Lady
smith, by way of Pietermaritzburg. represents
the garrison In no way daunted by General
Buffers reverse at Colenso and confident Of
being able TO hold out indefinitely.
The mails are Just arriving from Ladysmith
All the correspondents comment bitterly upon
the superiority Of the Boer artillery. The
Times's" correspondent says:
It is impossible TO evade the opinion that If
British gunners were in the Boer positions the
loss Of life and damage TO property in Lady.
smith would be ten times greater.
The holidays have brought no surcease OF re-
cruiting activity. Lord Alwyne Frederick Comp
ton. Unonist Member of Parliament for Bicycles
wade Division Of Bedfordshire. will raise
corps of mounted men. Lord Salisburys private
secretary, Schomberg Mcdonnell, who is vol
unteer officer, has volunteered for service.
The action Of the United States Government
causes considerable discussion regarding the
cOntrdDan0 question as affecting Dcldb'd Day
and Portugal. Widely divergent opinions are
expressed. The Daily Graphic" in an edi-
tortal on the subject, says:
We believe that every provision has been
made in British treaties with the United states
for dealing with this matter. In the special
circumstances Of the present war the Govern
ment is bound to regard food as contraoand
No doubt the question can be satisfactorily
settled by paying compensation for the seizures
Of American -four.
The question Of neutrality, however is more
serious. and Great Britain's duty is 10 have the
LourencO Marques Transvaal Railway watched
bv capable agents and to Portugal that
she will be held liable in damages for as
sistance to the Beers by means Of the railway
The Morning Post" on the contrary, argues
that the Government would be mad TO treat
food as contra band, such action would
plav into the hands Of all possible future enc
mics Of Great Britain" 1t admits. however,
that steps should be taken and money expended
to search vessels and to prevent munitions of
war entering the Transvaal by way Of Portu-
guese territory.
The Standard" says:
We do not doubt that this matter is receiving
the Governments serious attention. AS the
campaign developes it may become necessary
to seize the railway at Komau Poort
The first batch Of Boer prisoners has arrived
in England. It is announced that the Govern
ment has accepted another offer Of squadron
Of Canadian Rough Riders.
There are unconfrmed reports from Cape
Town that General Sir Charles Warren, COM
manding the Fifth Division, has returned there.
WORRIED OVER CHURCHILLS ESCAPE.