The Bowbells tribune. [volume] (Bowbells, Ward Co., N.D.) 1899-1969, 1900-03-09

London, March 7.-Mafeking is to be
relieved as soon as the British force
already on the way from Kimberley
ean raise the siege. This force is de.
scribed. vaguely as strong The
Kimberley light horse is mentioned as
component. In view of the fact
hat the Kimberley light horse is un-
der the control of the De Beers COM
pany, Lord Roberts visit to Kimberley
probably had to do with an arrange
ment with Cecil Rhodes to use this
company of troops. Mr.. Rhodes and
Col. Kekewich have had differences of
policy, it appears. which did not end
with the relief Of Kimberley.
"What shall I do with him." Col.
Kekewich is said to have wired to
Lord Roberts, who half-humorously re-
piled, according to story circulated
1T the clubs, put him i'll chains
Fresh intelligence as to what Lord
Roberts is doing has ceased again.
This silence is taken to mean that
something has happened or is about
20 happen.
| BOer raiders are uncOmmOnly active
IN the northwestern section of Cape
Colony, where they are stirring up the
Dutch. Martial law has consequently
Deen declared. Mr.. Chamberlain'S re-
quest for $500 additional Australian
bushmen is understood to be explained
by the fact that the war office requires
this force for the pursuit of irreconcil-
lble Beers, who, according to the intel
igence department., have been quietly
collecting great quantities of ammuni-
ton and stores in the mountain fast
hesses of the Zoutpansbcrg district in
The north of the Transvaal where they
are preparing to carry on Il guerrilla
warfare.
Roberts Army in Good Position.
London, March IA dispatch to the
Standard from Osfontein, dated Sun
day, March 4. says: Lord Roberts
army now occupies a most advanta-
seous position. The Sixth division,
lnder Gen. KellyKenny, is posted on
the right and holds all the kopies for
q distance of five miles south of Mod
der The Seventh division, under Gen.
Tucker is in the CENTER Immediately
south of the river. and Gen. Colville.
with the Ninth division, is on the north
bank. The cavalry brigade, under Gen.
French, is posted on the left front and
The mounted infantry. under Col. Rid
ey-Martin, on the right front.
"The country around consists OF wide
grassy plains, broken only by ridges
Ind isolated kopjes. A body of the
enemy has taken up position on one
Of the latter, flat-topped hill to the
north of the river, five miles beyond
Gen. French, who, to-day, took out
horse artillery and shelled them. An
pther force, 1000 strong, holds an
Isolated group of kopjes south of the
Modder and in front of the British
mounted infantry. Their position is
surrounded on all sides by level plains.
over which the Beers must make their
way in order to reach the river. AS
consequence their position appears pre-
rarious in the extreme. The veldt is
how in beautiful condition. Water JIG
plentiful, supplies being obtainable not
bnly from the river, but also from
numerous small springs. The health
and spirits of the troops are excellent.
The British cavalry and mounted in
fantry have been accommodating the
enemy's positions. There has been lit
tie fighting"
Kruger's Basis for Peace NeEotin-
tiOns.
Brussels. March Z. - The Transvaal
agency here confirms the story that
President Kruger is ready to conclude
peace with Great Britain on the basis
Of the independence of the two repub-
lies. and that otherwise the struggle
will continue to the bitter end. The
agency believes that the AfriEnnder
element in Cape Colony and Natal
will rebel rather than allow annexa-
ton.
Beers Strong Front.
London. March IA dispatch to the
Daily Telegraph from Osfontein, dated
Sunday, says: "The Boer front covers
eighteen miles to the south of Mod
der river"
StOrmberE Evacuated.
Sterkstrcom, March Z. - Stormberg
was found evacuated when the British
entered Sunday night.
KING COTTON.