Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-01-25

donald has smashed a Boer convoy.
Gen. Butler is said to be within
twelve miles of Ladysmith, and Gen.
Warren to be about six miles to the
rear"
Spearman's Camp, Jan. 19.-Gen.
Warren and Lord Dundonald are con-
tinuing a cautious advance, hourly ex-
pecting battle. There has been slight
artillery firing here. at Ladysmith and
at Chieveley. Natives report that the
kopjes are full of Beers.
Spearman's Camp, Natal, Jan. IS
The Boer trenches have been persist
emily shelled by the naval guns all day
long. Small parties of Beers were seen
at intervals, and a large force, from
the direction of Ladysmith, was seen
trekking toward the northwestward
British position.
On the left, Gen. Warren's troops re-
NAMED in possession of two prominent
kopjes behind Spion kop. There was
some Boer sniping, but it was inef-
fective.
The Graafrienet Beers evacuated
Prieska Jan. Is, and returned north
ward across the river
London, Jan. 19.-General Butler has
telegraphed the war Office from Spear
mans Camp, under date of last even
ing, as follows: Lord Dundonald with
a body of mounted troops came into
action this afternoon with force OF
Beers west of Acton Homes. After
fight he occupied several kopjes, which
he is still holding. Field Cornet He'll
br.n was killed, twenty Beers were
killed or wounded and fifteen prisoners
taken. Two British soldiers killed and
two wounded.
London, Jan. 22-The war office has
given out nothing in regard to the
Ladysmith situation since Sir Redvers
Buffers message reporting Lord Dun
donald's fight with the Beers near Ac-
ton Homes, and there were but few
details in this. Gen. Butler says he
has reinforced Lord Dundonald with a
detachment of the First dragons. Be-
sides the dragons Dundonald's force
now consists of the Thirteenth hussars,
two squadrons of the Fourteenth hus-
sars,. six squadrons of Imperial and
South African light horse, Bethune's
horse, Thorneycroft's mounted infan-
try and some Natal carbineers, proba-
bly, about $500 mounted men all told.
He has also several Maxims and Colt
guns on galloping carriages.
The reports of heavy guns were
heard on Thursday morning in the di-
rection of Ladysmith. The cause and
results are as yet unknown.
Planned by the Experts.
Military experts in London figure
the course of the coming big battle to
be somewhat as follows:
Lyttleton's brigade will demonstrate
against or attack the Boer front after
heavy bombardment, supported prob
ably by Harris or Hildyard's brigade.
Gen. Warren will then attempt to
turn the Boer right flank. The cavalry
will strike towards Blaauwbank, on the
roads to Tintwa and Van Renens
passes.
The Ladysmith garrison will make a
determined sortie to the west and en-
deavor to debouch on Dewdrop.
simultaneously Barton will feel the
strength of the enemy at Colenso.
The whole movement Is considered
as risky as it is audacious, but it is
necessary. If it proves successful the
position of the enemy will be serious
one. 1t will be attacked in front, on
the flank and in the rear. If the plan
fails the position of the British force
will be equally bad.
War One Hundred Days Old.
Yesterday was the one hundredth
day of the war.
With Gatacre and French there Is no
change. Kimberley reports All well,
but anxious for news" Mafeking the
same.
Lord Methuen made another recon
naissance on the new Boer laager, but
by the time his forces arrived on the
scene the Beers had disappeared.
Buffers POSITION Is Stronger.
Every hour that Gen. Butler delay!
his combined attack makes his position
stronger.
Transports continue to arrive a
Durham and fresh troops are being sen
UP the line to reinforce those in from
of Colenso
1t appears that Gen. Buffers troop
north of the Tugela number at leas
$4,000, and possibly $4,000, with fit
guns. His total forces, forming grea
outer curve south and west of Lady
smith, probably number 10000.
While Gen. Buffers forward opera
tions, which began on Jan. 10, develo
rather leisurely, the Beers appear
be fully aware that they must meet
strenuous assault. Balloon observer
have roughly estimated that 10,0t
Beers are using spade and pick
artificially strengthening position
which nature has rendered easy Of d
Tense.
war Onice Is Confident.
There is nothing up to the prese
20 support the story that the relief
Ladysmith is an accomplished fact, b
It is learned on excellent authori
that the situation is now regarded
the war Office with entire contidenC
and that the beleaguered town is co
sidered practically relieved, althoug
there is no attempt to underrate Il
danger and difficulty of Gen. Butler
task.
Death OF q. w. Stevens.
A Ladysmith dispatch published
today's Chronicle announces the deaf
from favor nm Mondoy Too 1E