The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1900-02-14
DOERS NOW TAKE THE OFFENSIVE.
RECAPTURE A RIDGE.
Gen. Joubcrt Attempting Flank Movement
Has Crossed 10 South Of The Tugcla---
Butler 10 Make Anoihcr Dash.

The most important news from South
Africa Sunday morning is conveyed i'll
a dispatch from Duoban, which says
that Cen Joubert is marching with
6.ooo men to outhank Gen. Butler. An
alarm was given in the Boer camp on
Friday night that Gen. White was try
ing to cut his way out OF Ladysmith,
but nothing seems to have come oil the
attempt, if il was made.
The Beers have occupied Bloys
farm, south of the Tugela, which is
under an hours ride from Chicveley
and have turned the homestead into a
hospital. On the farm are hills com
manding both bridges over the Tugela,
as well as Forts Wylie and MolyncuX,
and from which a view OF Bulwana
and Ladysmith is obtainable. There is
much apprehension here regarding the
Boer movements and the authorities
are on the alert"
A dispatch from Frcre Camp, dated
Sunday, said all was quiet there. The
British troops were resting and the
Beers were inactive.
The latest reports from the front
showing that Butler abandoned Wal
Krantz and retired across the Tugcla
because the Boer guns could shell him
out OF his position. and that he intends
TO make another dash for Ladysmith
destroy the comforting and ingenious
theory that the movement was an clabo-
rate feint to facilitate the main advance
OF Gen. Roberts. The dating OF mes
sages from Frere camp may indicate
that Butler has withdrawn all his forces
there.
Even the most sauguinc persons be
gin to see it almost hopeless to expect
the relief OF Ladysmith, while it is clcai
that il it be impossible for Butler to
reach Ladysmith it is equally impossi.
bic Tor the garrison exhausted by sick
ness and privations, to cut a way out
The fact that Gen. Roberts arrived al
Modder river Friday seems to show
that he has been on a round OF inspcc.
ton OF the chief commands and that
the main advance is not so near as has
been supposed.
London was astonished and dishcart
ened Friday afternoon by the publica
ton OF the following dispatches, dated
on Thursday at the Boer head laager
Ladysmith:
THE British who were in possession
OF the kopje at Molens drift abandoned
it after a bombardment by Boer cannon
Thursday morning and retired acros:
the Tugela river to their former posi-
ton. A desultory cannonade is pro
ceeding at the Tugela, but otherwise
everything is quiet"
As tending to confirm the above thi,
dispatch from the same source, dateo
"Wednesday, was posted:
"An armored train Tuesday made ;
sortie from Chievcley towards ColensC
and landed 1000 British troops on I'll,
right OF the Boer position. The Boer'
Immediately crossed the river and made
at attack with rifles and artillery. fore
ing the withdrawal of both the train ano
the troops to Chievelcy. The fighting
on the Upper Tugela river lasted unit
$3.50 Tuesday evening Firing at boil
Colenso and along the Upper Tugel;
has been proceeding since 5 O'Clock
"Wednesday morning.
While Butler has been forced back il
Natal an unpleasant story comes iron
the western border that Methuen ha
ordered retreat from an advanced
position.
Col Plumer's force attacked the Boo
position near Ramonsta and after heav!
fighting, including an endeavor to tax,
the place by storm, the British were re
pulsed. Their loss is unknown. NJ
Beers were injured.
Ex-Secretary OF the Navy Richar'
w. Thompson, 81 years old, is yer.