, 1899-12-11

enough, is regarded as only a momen-
tary check, still its effect upon the NOR
ais of the Beers and the minds OF the
wavering Dutch farmers in Cape Col
ony will undoubtedly render the task
of the British much more difficult and
drawn out.
General Gatacre, moving out Satur-
day with three thousand men and two
batteries of artillery from Putter's
Kraal, in the hope OF surprising the
Beers at %Stromberg, a mislead by
his guides and found himself in an I'M
tenable position, with the result tina,
he was obliged to retire with severe
loss upon Molteno.
He reports over six hundred and
thirty officers and men missing, in adj
dition to a small list of killed and
wounded. This intelligence has been
received with the greatest apprehen-
sion here, and is especially deplored
because of the effect it is likely to have
upon the Dutch in the north of Cape
Colony.
Reinforcements will doubtless be
sent up with all speed to make General
Gatacre's position secure, but the fact
that he has gravely underestimate the
| strength of the Beers opposed to him
is responsible for a feeling of consid-
cradle uneasiness as to the immediate
future of the campaign in hal section
Of the country.
The news from Ladysmith created
great enthusiasm. White evidently has
not forgotten the art Of delivering a
smashing blow at the enemy, o have
his troops lost their wonted dash
through the harassments Of the pro-
longed siege. General Hunter, who was
one Of the Sirdar's right-hand men in
the Soudan, proved the right man to
lead the sortie. The destruction Of the
two big guns and the capture of the
Maxim was the severest blow the Beers
have received in the operations at
Ladysmith. From the fact that the
correspondents telegram reached Frere
Saturday night, describing the fighting
Friday, it is inferred that the invest
ment of Ladysmith is not so strict as
1t was. Firing was heard yesterday
morning, and it was probably only the
| continuation of the futile lombard
ment.
Molteno, Cape Colony, Dec. 1O.-Gen.
! Gatacre left Sputter's Kraal by train
for Molteno, and then proceeded by
forced march IL miles toward Storm
berg. He had 1000 men, including the
Northumberland fusiliers, the Royal
Irish rifles and two batteries Of field ar
tillery.
The British we're unmolested by the
Beers until the Boer position was
| reached when a hot fire was unexpect>
| eddy opened upon the advancing col
umn.
The engagement began at AIS a. m.
At Z a. m, after a sharp artillery duel,
the British retired. They are now
marching toward Molteno. Gen. Gaia
ere found the enemy's position impreg-
nable. 1t was impossible for the Brit
ish infantry to get at the Beers.
Frere Camp, Natal, Dec. 1O.-Helio-
graphic communication with Ladysmith
continues daily. General Schalkburg-
err and Commandant Louis Botha are
in command of the Boer forces invest
ing Ladysmith. Their horses are said
to be in poor condition.
A heavy report was heard in the d.
rection of Colenso today. The sound
was followed by a big cloud OF smoke.
The s%upposition is that the enemy had
blown up the highway bridge.
The Transvaal government has de-
cided to consider Winston Churchill,
who was captured November Is, be-
tween Estcourt and Chiveleley, a COM
blatant officer, and to retain him as a
prisoner. Mr.. Churchill has applied
to General Butler with a view Of get
ting an exchange.
This has been a quiet day here. The
health of the troops is excellent