The Somerset reporter., 1900-02-15
The south African War.

On Saturday last, Butler was south
OF the Tugela; Macdonald back at
Modder River; there was no news
from the force earlier reported 10 have
sent 20 seize Noryals Pont and pave
the way for Roberts invasion of the
Free State. British operations in
South Africa appear to be again at a
standstill. Yet the British press and
public are decidedly hopeful, and
accept the suggestion that Macdonald
and Butler were not attempting serious
movements at Koodoesberg and Vaal
KIantz, but were merely carrying out
Lord Roberts policy of general activity.
This might apply to Macdonald, who
appears TO have maintained himself at
Koodoesberg until ordered back; but
1t is not easy to fit Buffers attempt to a
theory of mere accommodating while
hite is hungry In Ladysmith and a
garrison of 5000 men with many bat
teries is near to surrender. Butler
apparently abandoned Vaal Krantz, as
he did Spion Kop, because the Boer
positions commanded it and the Boer
guns which swept it outranged any he
could bring up. In other words, be
could not drive the wedge through the
six or seven miles which separated him
from Whites ontposts.
Lord Roberts was at Modder River
Feb. 10. Upon appearing before the
troops on Friday he was enthusiastically
cheered. He visited the camp of the
Highland brigade this morning and
complimenied Gen. Macdonald and his
men on the steady conduct at Koodoos
berg drift.
In inf iran 81
Kimberley in the Cape newspapers just
received by mail in London. 1t appears
that since Jan s, the rations at Kimber.
ley have been for the most part horse
flesh, so repugnant to women and child.
rem that many refuse to eat. 1t also ap
pears that the death rate has Deen heavy
and that the privations of the garrison
have been Incl easing steadily.
The news OF Tuesday was the enforced
retirement of the British from the Coles
berg distiic let under heavy Boer pressure
and probably after brisk fighting. Thus
at a time when Lord Roberts is appar
emily about to push an army into the
Free State the Beers make counter.
stroke in an 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 an unpleasant i'm.
preston.
The Beers were, on Tuesday, actively
pressing around Rensburg. The British
force under Lieut.. Col. Page, consisting
of section of artillery and $50 horses
which reached Singersfontein, Feb, TO-
has been compelled to fall back on Rens
berg, owing to its eastern flank being
threatened.
An undated dispatch from Mafeking,
via Gabcrones, Feb. 2, says: "Col
Baden Powell has received a communi-
cation from Lord Roberts promising
that relief would be sent in few weeks
The food will last. The garrison is as
game as ever. The Beers have expires
sed their intention to starve us out
All we'll"
The war office has posted dispatch
from Col. Kekewieh, dated Sunday, Feb
IL, TO the effect that Kimberley was
bombarded throughout, Feb. &. During
the morning of Feb. 8, small infantry
engagement lasting hours, occurred
at acknowledgements.
dispatch to the Evening News from
Rensburg says severe fighting occurred
during the British retreat, the various
outposts on both sides suffering heavy
losses. The dispatch adds that 1t is
doubtful If Rensburg can be held.
An undated dispatch from Mafeking
via Gaberones Feb. 2 says: "Col
Baden Powell has received communi
cation from Lord Roberts promising
relief would be sent in few weeks
The food will last, The garrison is as
game as ever The Beers have ex
pressed their intention not to fight, but
to starve us out. All we'll"
Gen. French forces a passage across
the Modder river, capturing three Boel
layers.
The total British casualty returns W
to date are: Officers, killed, 1852
wounded, $50; missing, 112. Men
killed, 1477; wounded, $3.50; missing
27S1: other fatalities reported 563.