The Somerset reporter., 1900-03-29
The. south African War.

A despatch received at London from
imberley dated Sunday, MARCH 25,
says: prisoners brought in here re.
port that force of British cavalry has
entered the Transvaal and penetrated to
q point Is miles north of Christiana
The British forces at Fourteen Streams
are being strengthened. A movement
northward is expected Soon"
The total British losses. exclusive of
the invaids sent home, are 16,418 in
killed, wounded and missing.
Lady Sarah Wilson in despatch from
Mafeking dated Wednesday, March ID,
says: 1--WE have received news of the
relief of Ladysmith, but it serves to in
crease our disappointment as there is no
prospect of our relief. The town re-
mains closely invested. The Beers are
reported to be very numerous and
strongly entrenched between us and { oil.
Plumers force. Some of the natives are
dying of starvation owing to the preju
dice against horse flesh y
Gen. Methuen appears to be awaiting
transport and with Col. Plumel's forces
on half ratiohs there now seems little
| likelihood of the immediate relief of
Mafeking, though neither from this
quarter nor from Lord Roberts or Gen.
Butler was there any direct news, Mon.
day.
Lourenzo Marquee special says the
Transvaal author tiles are evidently re-
cruiting actively, as large numbers of
French, Hollander and Belgium volun
teers are constantly passing through
that place to join the Boer forces.
Lord Roberts says the conditions ex-
listing in the occupied territory render
| imperative the somewhat prolonged halt
at Bloemfontein. 1t is necessary that
| the effect of the proclamation should
| have time to make itself felt. 1t is de-
clared that danger of annoyance To the
line of communication may be appre
hended unless the territory behind the
advancing forces is rendered absolutely
secure. The accuracy of the view is
proved by the fact OF the enemy's break
ing up into isolated groups such as that
which attacked the Guards officers, Fri
day.
Reconnaissance of slight importance
continue to be the only feature of the
war in South Africa
Advices from cape Town say: "Rains
are general throughout South Africa
and rivers which have been dry for
years have been flooded. Many camps
are transformed into swamps. THIS will
still more initiate against an immediate
British advance.
sickness among the Boer prisoners
on the transports is increasing. TIN zee
deaths occurred, March rs fbe bodies
were buried by the British with the
'rransvaal flag ON the collins, the leading
Dutch of Simonstown attending the
funeral, Typhoid alone claims 100 vic
inns among the prisoners. and the pop.
uation or Simonstown fear an epidemic.
Information from Pretoria is that Gen.
Joubert died, Tuesday night, at II 30
clock. He had been suffering from a
stomach complaint. The town is plung-
ed into mourning for the true patriot,
gallant general and upright and honor
able gentleman. The circumstances of
the death of Gen. Joubert are not ex-
planned, but it recalls the fact that VIM
Cox, newspaper correspondent, recent
ly released from prison in Pretoria, said
that Gen. Joubert apparently was sus-
pected of half heartedness. Cox be-
lieved that the commandant-genera s
life would be in danger at the hands of
the Ourgners III pretoria were Deslegeu'
From Ladysmith i is reported that
the Beers are massing in their entrench-
ed positions at the Blggersberg and it is
added that their transport trains are
packed at Newcastle in. readiness 20
facilitate their retreat in case necessity
requires such "A step.
special dispatch from Bloemfon-
TEN says "The period of inaction is
coming to an end Troops are being
pushed to the front aud transports and
stores are being collected The men
are IN grand condition and the horses
are picking up wonderfully