Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-04-26

TO the relief of Wepener and to en-
deavor to envalop and cut off the beers
from the retreat nOrthward furnishes
further evidence that the beers are
assembled in much larger forces
around Wepener than had hitherto
been supposed; and. as the Times in
an editorial remarks, whatever may
be the difficulties Of roads and trains.
the beers always appear to have guns,
and sometimes big ones, where they
want them. A bOer dispatch, dated
Thaba N'Chu, says a fresh supply Of
cannon and ammunition has reached
General Dewet at Jamersburg Drift.
It also asserts one of Col. Dalgety,sa
guns has been smashed. Ka-y
riefontein, mentioned in Roberts
message to the war office, is f1f-
teen miles southeast of Blonfontein.
Leeuw Kop is two miles further south.
Apparently the British captured
Paarde Kraal Sunday night. The
beers evacuated LeeuW Kop during
the night, removing their guns. and
the British occupied it next morning
Although the beers appear to
be offering stout resistance
to the British advance,
their position is dangerous. They can
scarcely delay further their retreat
northward without mourning the risk
of being cut off. Usually they have
been well informed regarding British
plans and they are not likely to run
such risk, especially as they have par
TALLY accomplished their object in
drawing a large force from Bloem-
fontein on long marches and have
thereby delayed the advance on Pre-
toria.
Warren Out of Command.
Durham, April 24-Gen. Sir Charles
Warren has been appointed admins
traitor of Bechuanaland. He sailed
yesterday for Capetown.
Maine Reaches England.
Southampton, April 24-Hospital
ship Maine arrived from south Africa
yesterday Unexpectedly early. All the
wounded men were removed in ambul-
ances and placed on board a train
bound for Netley.
Trial of Rebels Begun.
Capetown, April 24.-The trial of SO
rebels was begun here yesterday in
spite of the application for post
ponement of the proceedings on the
grounds that a fair trial was impos-
sible at this lace.
Three prisoners were sentenced to
five years imprisonment each. Sent
ence imposed upon the others varied
from three years to six months, ac-
cording to ages.
Fighting Around Wepener.
Maseru, April 24.-Fighting began
early yesterday morning at Bushman' S
kop. The colonial division under Gen.
Brabant advanced cautiously, followed
and supported by Gen. Harris infantry
brigade. 1t was found the beers had
evacuated their position on Bushman's
hop during the night A running
hight had been proceeding throughout
the day, the British gradually advanc-
ing and the beers losing ground. Gen.
Brabant is moving in a northeasterly
direction, keeping BaSutOland close on
MS right flank. Thousands of
Basutos are watching the operate
Our casualties so far are 25 wounded
The British are biyouacking
according to latest report, eight miles
from Wepener, while the beers who
are besieging Col. Dalgety appear to
De preparing to retire. A stubborn
fight is believed to have occurred in
the direction of Dewets Dorp. where
the ooers are in strong force with a
lot OF guns, where also there is a re-
lei column, apparently that of Gen
eral Rundles. Wepener, however, is
already practically relieved by the
withdrawal of a large portion of the
besiegers.
Gen. Rumble Is Believed.
London, April 24.-The war Office
has issued the following dispatch from
Roberts, dated Bloemfontein. April %:
Yesterday I dispatched the eleventh
division under Gen. Pole-Carew and
TWO brigades of cavalry under Gen.
French from this point to assist Gen.
Rumble. The force reached Karrie-
fontein without much opposition
three being killed and 20 wounded and |
missing. Pole-Carew's mounted in |
1antry seized Learew Kop. a few miles I
north, and the enemy evacuated hur-
rledly, leaving some rifles and ammu-
nition.''
Wepener Holds Out.
Aliwal North, April 24.-Col. Dali
getty is holding out at Wepener. It is
reported all beers have crossed to the
north side OF the Caledon river.
Brother Against Brother.
Boer Camp, Thaba N'Chu. April "a
hooertson's lower mill is reported to
nave been captured April 81. II is
said the Cape mounted rifles have lost
during the siege 30 out of 500 men
British prisoners defy the burghers TO
capture Col. Dalgetys camp. even if
the British are not reinforced. A sur
prlslng number of relatives are fight
ing on opposite sides at Wepener.
RUSSIAN Aeronauts TO Aid Beers.
81. petersburg, April 24.-Papersi
announce the departure for south Afri-
ca of body of aeronauts to organize
military balloon service for the {