Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-10-31
q0-DAY'S TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
Severe Disaster TO the British.

Severe Disaster 70 the British.
London, Oct. 31.-England was
startled this morning by a dispatch
from Ger. White, vino wired from
Ladysmitb, at midnight, ss follows {:
1.-The column sent to guard the hill on
our left flank, including the Royal Irish
Fusileers, the T=nth mountain battery
end the Gloucester regiment, were sur
rounded in the hills and after losing
heavily, had to capitulate. The casual
ties have not yet been ascertsined. A
Boer orderly came into our lines this
evening under flag of truce, with let
tiers from the survivors of the captured
column, asking for assistance to bury
the dead. l formed the plan in the
working out OF which the disaster oc.
Cured AID am alone responsible. The
troops are not blameworthy, as their
position was untenable."
General Whites left wing which sur
rnndered to tne Beers is believed to
consist Of , 900 men with eight guns.
The news Of the disaster is receive d
with upefaction in military circles.
Among those captured are Major
Adye, of General Whites staff; the
lieutenant colonel, the majors, and all
the captains and lieutenants of the
Irish Fusiliers: the majors, cap.
tains and lieutepants of the Gloucester
regiment; Major Bryant, OF the Royal
Artillery; al the lieutenants OF the
moun!ain battery, and also the chap
Iain OF the Irish Fusiliers. Many Of
the captured officers and men were
wounded. The British have retired
within their entertainments.
The War Office today sent telegram
10 General Sir Redvers Butler. who
landed at Capetown this morning, say
iug that three extra battalions and one
battery with reserves will leave Eng
land il ten days to make good the
British casualties in South Africa.
The news of the capture of Whites
left wing fills every one with the great.
est alarm for the safety OF Ladysmitb
How White came TO subject his left to
-uch disaster is almost forgotten in the
question OF what will White do now.
He has lost almost twenty per cent. Of
MS fighting force and eight of his fifty
guns at one crack. Yesterday he had
every available man against the Beers
and it is believed be had all he could do
&c get back TO his base at Lady5mith
after making his sortie. lis apparent
that White cannot again attempt TO take
the offensive agsi1st the Beers. He
must now fail behind trenches and try
10 hold his base. He is opposed by a
force far superior numerically.
Capeiown, Oct. 31.-A message from
Kimberly says the Beers are building
forts around the town AID plating
siege guns.
Capetown, Oct. 31.-Another battle
Is reported to have been begun today
between the Beers and British at Um-
oanbane, near Ladysmith.
London. Oct 81 There has been a
tremendous jam OUT the War Office
al day. People of I'll grades OF society
are begging the officials for details
If the terrible loss to the Brit.
ish arms at Ladysmith yesterday.
To all, the officials make but one re-
ply: I'VE know nothing of the details
'
over the entire country.
The feeling is prevalent that further de-
tails of csterday' 5 lo:s will show it to be of g
more serious nature even than II appears now.
Capetown, Oct. 31-Genc1al cir Red7ers
Henry Butler, who will command the army
corps in South Africa. arrived here last night
on the D1nottar Castle and landed at nine
o'clocs this morning amid scenes OF intense
enthusiasm. General Butler will leave for
Sata Immediately.
London. Oct :31.-LoId Wolsley, COM
mander-in.cdief OF the army, has ordered out
three regiments of reserves for service in
South Africa.
Paris, Oct. 31.-Upon receipt OF the news
Of the British defeat at Lsdysmith yester-
dsy, the Patrie and other English papers
1olsted Boer flags over their Offices and gave
other signs OF rejoicing.