The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-08-13
A TEXAN IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Went over as II Mule Tender and
81 Back as Coal Heavier.

Went Over as u Mule Tender and
IAR Back as n Coal HEAVIER.
Navesota, Texas, August 12.--The noon
train yesterday brought back passenger
WHO has a much higher estimate of his home,
and country, too, than when he left here
four months ago for New Orleans to ship on
a mule transport to South Africa. That gen
tleman s Ross Steele. Mr. Steele and
Robert Randolph boarded a mule ship at
New Orleans; the ship load of muleteers were
sea sick the first night out, but after that
all went fairly well and on a whole, the
trip was not any more arduous than ex-
h1ctcd. Ross had thirty eight mules to
feed, water and care for The trip was I'M
marked by any particular incident he says,
and in due time they landed in East Lon
don
lie remained in that town nearly the en-
tire three weeks he was in the country,
spending only two or three days at Cape
Town. The country is under very strict mil
i itary rue and travelling about is next to
impossible. The Texans wanted to go up
towards the Transvaa but could not No
telling how long the war would last; the
Dutch say they won't give up. The war
Is pretty much as we hear IL only OF
course, they get more details there, and a
ccuntlesr number OF rumors. Lord Roberts
stands top, but Kitchener is given almost
as much credit for success, as the organizer,
there; and every paper he saw while there
spoke well of that generals activity
lils impression of that portion OF the coun-
try he saw is anything hut hattering. 1t is
WINTER there, but SO hot you can not stand
much sun near midday. You never see any
Boer men. only women and boys, driving
hfteeh or twenty oalf-looking oxen or rabbit
lcCkins donkeys to bobtalled cnrt. Every
thing in the colony is very English and he
was struck with the brashness shopkeepers
eAhibi; when demanding of a prospective
buyer what do you want,
East London is built on a rocky coast; the
streets do not need paying-they are cut
smooth out of the solid rock; they are very
wide ana scrupulously clean. The town is
The best lighted at night he ever saw with
a splendid line OF electric cars The popu-
lation is about $4,000. The negroes are not
counted unless especially referred to- They
live in systematically arranged settlements
near the city. Houses are built of mud or
anything that will stick together; the roofs
are thratched. They are made to work and
arc mainly supported by a small allowance
from the British government Near towns
they are forced to wear some clothes, but in
the couLtry they go naked. Neither their
persons or their conditions compare with
the American negro. They are said to be
remarkably virtuous. The Salvation Army
is prying W, Cain out there.
Americans there are generally looked upon
as an inferior people Cecil Rhodes is a
god he is everything and everything is
named in his honor.
MOST OF the muleeteers Joined the British
army. and while there the boys hung up
with detachment of about 400 who were
preparing to so straight to the front as
mounted sharpshooters or rough riders.
He left young Randolph in East London
With two Huntsville men who are "fnan-
cially able" and are going to remain in the
country till they can get north. They wanted
him TO stay. but the States are good
enough for me, you bet" says he.
Ross shipped back as coal handler IN
the same vessel which carried him out. They
sailed across to Brazilian port and re-
ceived orders to proceed to Pensacola. Fla,
TO LOAF with lumber for Liverpool.
lie is at home; glad of it, but does not
besrudge the experiences the trip half around
the world afforded him.