The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1900-01-03
THB COLONIAL TROOPS
Got a Chance to Fight For Great
Britain's Cause.
SCORED A BRILLIANT SUCCESS.

Colonel Pitcher, with His Austra-
Hans, Aided by = Canadian Com.
pany, Captured Boer Laager and
Subsequently Occupied Douglass.
London, Jan. ga dispatch from
Dover Farm via Belmont. dated Jan. 4,
says: The colonial troops. who have
been longing to be allowed to meet the
Beers, have at last been given an op-
portunity to do SO, and scored brill
liant success. The raid, conducted by
Colonel Pitcher, was very difficult,
owing to the fact that the movements
Of the troops were Immediately COM
municated to the Beers by natives. In
order to prevent his Colonel Pitcher. in
making forced march from Belmont,
left British trooper at every farm
house. with instructions not to allow
the natives to leave their huts, the pa
trolls calling the names Of the natives
hourly in order to prevent their escape.
In the maneuver at Cooks Farm
Colonel Pitcher sent mounted patrols
east. One Of these, consisting Of four
men, commanded by Lieutenant Adie.
suddenly encountered IA Beers, who
opened fire. The lieutenant was severe
ly wounded, and Private Butler gave
up his horse In order to carry the lieu
tenant out of range. l7r. KS
Another private. whose horse had
bolted. pluckily returned to render as
sistance He was wounded in the leg,
and his horse was killed.
Meanwhile Lieutenant Ryan, who
had worked magnificently, reported the
veldt on the right Of the enemy was
clear, whereupon Major De Rougemont
ordered the guns to trot. They ar
rived within 1900 yards of the lager,
unlimbered and planted five shells in
as many minutes within the lager.
Immediately the enemy could be
seen streaming over the kopje. They
were completely surprised, but quick
ly opened well directed fire.
A press representative had the priv
ilege of carrying an order to the To-
ronto company at double quick into
action. The order was received with
great satisfaction. The company rush
ed forward until within a thousand
yards Of the enemy's position, when it
opened hot fire upon the kopje and
completely subdued the Boer fire.
The British artillery shelled the posi-
ton with wonderful accuracy, while
Lieutenant Ryan, with mounted in
fantry, worked round and completely
uncovered the fire Of the Beers, who
had been ensconced in the bushes.
Meanwhile Colonel Pitcher, with the
Queenslanders, taking advantage of
every cover, made direct attack, the
Australians moving slowly but sure
ly, and only shouting when they saw
the enemy retiring under their steady
fire. The Queenslanders behaved with
great GOODNESS, laughing and chatting
even at the moment of greatest peril.
The British casualties were two pri-
Yates killed and Lieutenant Adie
wounded.
During the advance the Boer fire sud-
denly ceased. Thirty-fve Beers hoist
ed white flag and surrendered. A
portion of the Torento's moved across
the front Of the guns and entered the
lager. The Beers had fed Fourteen
tents, three wagons, great store Of
rifles, ammunition, forage, saddles and
camp equipment ard numerous incrim-
mating papers were captured. The
Beers lost six killed and 10 wounded.
The Torontos stood the CALLING fire
with admirable patience, never vast
ing a shot.
Colonel Pitcher has occupied Doug
lass without opposition, and has been
received with enthusiasm by the 10y
alists.
A Modder River dispatch says: Mon
days cavalry expedition under General
Darlington, commanding the Ninth and
Twelfth Lanciers, proves to have been
in cooperation with similar move
ment from Belmont. This, directed by
General Wood, consisted of flying
column with force under Lieutenant
Colonel Pitcher from Belmont. This
force moved into the territory between
the Orange and Riet rivers. At Sun
nyside, northwest of Douglas, it en-
countered considerable commando,
believed to be wholly composed Of dis
loyal British subjects. General Bah
ington's force proceeded in the same
direction, but on the north side of the
Riet river.
Winston Churchil's estimate that
100000 men will be required to defeat
the forces of the two republics has
been ridiculed in many quarters. but,
as matter of fact, this number is al
ready almost reached. When all the
troops destined for South Africa join
those already there Lord Roberts will
be in command of about 100000 men.
Thirty thousand are now af1oat or
ready to embark. Military observers,
in view Of what these figures mean,
cannot see how the British can fail
to crush the Beers by mere force of |