Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-02-26
His Forces Have Dug Tren-
cheS In River Bank.
AN ATTEMPT FRUSTRATED
Beers Tried Several Times To
Take Some Kopjes But
Each Time Were
Driven Back,

London, Feb 26-If the latest dis
patches from Paardeberg throw any light
on the situation they show that General
Cronje's forces have more protection
from Lord Roberts than the first dispatch
Indicated.
A dispatch from Paardeberg published
in the second edition of the Daily Chroni-
Gle dated Saturday, says:
"A balloon has discovered the enemy
we'll covered by system of burrowing
in the river bank which resembles rab-
bit warren and affords shell proof posi-
tions.''
This, perhaps, more than any other cir
cumstance explains why what is looked
upon here as Cronje's death struggle is
prolonged. Thus it will not be much OF a
surprise il today or tomorrow, which is
the anniversary of Ma juba hill, pass with
out being marked by the surrender or an
Inhalation Of the gallant band so over
whelmingly hemmed in, though the close
ness of the investment appears open to
criticism.
Some bodies of Beers apparently are
able to make their escape and cause COM
parison between the Boer method of in
vestment with their quickly dug sur
rounding trenches, impossible barbed
wire. ETC., and those of the British.
The military critics, though little better
informed as to the commander in chiefs
motives than the public, are inclining to
the view that though the main cause of
the prolongation of the Paardeberg ira
gedy consists Of Roberts being unwilling
to risk the great loss of life which an as
sault would entail. his delay is also
prompted by subsidiary motive of at
tractillg to Paardeberg as many rein
forcing and relieving Boer units as will
come, feeling strong enough to treat them
as Joubert treated Genera. Buller's at
tempts ito relieve Ladysmith. In other
words, Roberts holds a position almost
analogous with that held SO long by the
Beers at Ladysmith.
AS General Cronje is reported to have
plenty Of food the plan of starving him
out can scarcely avail, so Roberts must
either wait until his ammunition, which is
said to be short. runs out or those adyis-
ers of Cronje's forces. who are counsel
ing surrender. prevail. So indefinite is the
information chat either of these alterna.
tives may occur at any moment
Meanwhile Lord Roberts engineers are
shaping steadily towards the Boer
laager and according ITO a special from
Paardeberg, dated Sunday. the Gordon is
gradually drawing closer.
Buffers march on Ladysmtth is being
marked by sharp fghting. Rietermar-
itzburg dispatch of todays date says he
Is still heavily engaged in fighting. In
Groeb1er's Kloof Butler seems to have
discovered a hornets nest
In Cape Colony the Brytish armies are
steadily advancing. Barlsley East is now
in their possession, according to a dis
patch from that district, the Beers evac-
uat1ng the place, retreating on Lady
Grey and wiring President Steyn for re-
inforcements to prevent their surrender.
The Pretoria government proclaimed
February 25 and February q. days Of
thanksgiving and prayer. presumably in !
memory of the battle of Majuba Hill.
A dispatch from Kimberley says it's in.
habitants have planned to erect a statue
OF Cecil Rhodes in recognition of his SER
vices during the siege.
General Butler in dispatch from Col.
enso dahed Sunday. reports that the Britt
ish casualties February goth, were twelve
killed and ninety wounded among the
Somersets and Dorsets and that Febru-
ary 20. and February g twelve officers !
were wounded.