The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-02-14
Beers CLOSING
IN ON RENSBURG
British Fall Back, Fearing to
be Taken in + lank.
0UTP0STS LOSE HEAVILY
IsENSBU RG DISPATCH FEARS
TOWN CANNOT BE HELD.
AWAITING A MOVE FROM MODOeR RIVER
The Little News Trickling through Leads Eng
land 10 Think Roberts is About to Ad-
vance. Boer Invasion CT Zuuland
Threatens Roberts Supplies.

London. Feb. 14.-4:20 A. M.)--The
news Of the day is the enforced retire
ment Of the British from the Colesberg
district, under heavy Boer pressure. ana
probably after brisk fighting. Thus, at
Il time when Lord Roberts is appar
emily about to push an army into the
Free State, the Beers make counter
stroke in unknown but seemingly great
force, not far from the vital line Of
railway connecting De Aar and Orange
River.
Military observers DO not regard this
as more than menace. Nevertheless
the news produces IN unpleasant I'M
preston here. General French had
nianeeuvered the Beers out Of Rensburg
III December On January lst it was
reported that he could take Colesbers
in two days with reinforceinents. These
were sent, but the Beers also were re-
ilforced. Since then the British lines
have been extended east and west, 50
that Mt the opening of this week they
constituted great horseshoe, - miles
in length. The lines were not continuous,
but all the strong positions were held
General French. when he Joined ord
Roberts, presumably took most of his
cavalry. General Clements was left with
the infantry to hold the Beers in check,
but comlnandant De Larey, with a dou-
Bile turning movement, ha~ compelled the
British to concentrate at Rcnsburg, be-
side threatening Lord Roberts comnu-
nicationS.
The Bocr mastery of the district has
caused u spread OF the instruction, but
this. no doubt, viii be promptly repress-
ed. - large British forces are able
not far away.
The indications as to General Buffers
immediate intentions are contradictory.
One informant, who has intimate rea-
tons with the War Office, predicts Il
movement within The next two days. A
number Of correspondents who have
been with General Butler however, have
gone TO Durham for Il few days rest, un-
der the impression that nothing is to be
done Immediately.
The War Office has directed the eighth
division of 10000 men to prepare 70 go
out.
BRITISH ARTILLERY RETREAT.
Rensburg. Cape Colony, Feb. l3-Thc
Beers are actively pressing around
Rensburg. The British force under
Lieutenant Colonel Page. consisting of
Il section Of artillery and $50 horses.
which reached Slingersfontein February
10th, has been compelled To fall back on
Rensburg. owing TO its eastern flank be-
ing threatened.
FEARS BOERS WILL TAKE IT.
London Feb. 13.--(6:i0 p. MA dis
patch TO the Evening News from Rens-
burg says severe fighting occurred during
the British retreat the various outposts
on both sides suffering heavy losses.
The dispatch adds that it is doubtful
if Rensburg can be held
\ GENERAL RETREAT.
RenSburg, Feb 13--YeSt erday's re-
tirement Of the western outposts inclu-
ded the Withdrawal from Coles Kop
and al the surrounding posts. The
Beers placed 40-pounder III Bastard's
Mex commanding the surrounding coun-
try and successfully Sheled the British
positions. The Beers numbered some
thousands and were five to one where
ever fighting occurred. The British are
chatting under the necessity of retreat
from their posts, some of which they
had held since the new year. The Brit
ish now have no camp west Of Rens-
burg. They safely brought off the guns
from Coles Kop